Sampler device

An analytical apparatus (1) comprising:

• a sampler device (2) comprising:
• a first unit (4) configured to support and move both a second, single instrument holding unit (41), on which at least two instruments are mounted, provided with respective control plungers (61′, 61″), for taking/inserting (6′, 6″) samples to be analyzed, and a third unit (42) configured to simultaneously actuate the respective control plungers (61′, 61″) of said at least two instruments (6′, 6″),
• said first unit (4) extending upwardly from a base (5) that is structurally independent from a gas chromatograph and being configured to move said second (41) and third units (42) along at least one direction (X, Y) substantially horizontal and parallel to said base (5) and along a direction (Z) substantially vertical and perpendicular to said base (5),
• said first unit (4) being also configured to move said second (41) and third units (42) between a first station (20) positioned on said base and a second station (22) positioned on the gas chromatograph, said second station (22) being defined beyond a plan encumbrance of said base (5) on which said first unit (4) is mounted;
• and
• a control unit which automatically controls a movement of said first unit (4) between said first station (20), wherein said third unit (42) is controlled by said control unit to simultaneously take the samples to be analyzed by said at least two instruments, and said second station (22), wherein said third unit (42) is controlled by said control unit to simultaneously insert the samples previously taken by said at least two instruments (6′, 6″) within at least two distinct injectors (10′, 10″) of the gas chromatograph (3);
• and
• the gas chromatograph (3) comprising the at least two distinct injectors (10′, 10″),
• wherein the control unit automatically controls the movement of said first unit (4) so that:
• in said first station (20), said at least two instruments (6′, 6″), mounted in said second unit (41), are vertically aligned to distinct corresponding containers with the samples to be taken, and
• in said second station (22), said at least two instruments (6′, 6″), mounted in said second unit (41), are vertically aligned to the two injectors (10′, 10″) of the gas chromatograph (3),
• wherein said base (5) comprises a shelf (7) for positioning at least one support plate (8′, 8″) provided with a plurality of seats for insertion and support of the containers with the samples to be taken, said first station (20) being defined at said shelf (7), and
• wherein a center distance between said two instruments (6′, 6″) mounted on the second unit (41) corresponds to the center distance between the seats of said at least one support plate (8′, 8″).