Aliquot collection adapter for HPLC automatic injector enabling simultaneous sample analysis and sample collection

摘要

A method and apparatus permitting automated tablet dissolution testing are provided. A multi-channel pump removes liquid dissolution media from a plurality of kettles and transfers this media to a plurality of vials held within the carousel of an autoinjector for HPLC analysis. Passages for returning dissolution media is provided between the supply pump or pumps and the vials. A mechanism is provided for cyclically switching the media flow from one mode, where the media flows from kettles to the vials, and another mode, where the media flows from the kettles to the return passages. Each vial in the apparatus may thus be simultaneously filled from a separate respective kettle at an appropriate time and the supply passages may be rinsed with the new dissolution media after a set of vials are filled with the previous dissolution media. The filled vials can be analyzed without manual transfer to an HPLC column. Cycling between filling and rinsing may be accomplished by a microprocessor.