Bandolero – Vial Autosampler

The “Bandolero” is a low-cost, fully automatic autosampler for gas samples collected in the field using Labco 12ml Exetainer vials. It’s a popular choice for Greenhouse Gas GC applications (methane, CO2, nitrous oxide) and any workflow where gas samples are collected off-site and brought back to the lab for unattended, batch analysis.

Key Features

  • Holds a 100-vial belt of low-cost, widely-used 12ml Exetainer vials
  • Fully automatic — runs unattended, starting each injection directly from the GC’s Ready signal
  • Simple, reliable design with a built-in diagnostic self-test mode
  • Compact footprint — mounts directly on top of the GC or on a nearby benchtop
  • Straightforward interface to any SRI GC
  • A low-cost way to automate gas sample analysis without a complex robotic sampler

Affordable, High-Capacity Sampling

The Bandolero brings unattended, high-throughput sample handling to gas analysis at a fraction of the cost of a conventional robotic autosampler. Its 100-vial belt means a full batch of field-collected samples can be loaded and left to run overnight or over a weekend, freeing up your time for other work.

The Exetainer vial itself is inexpensive and already the standard choice for collecting gas samples in the field, so there’s no need to invest in specialised consumables — just fill, cap, and load onto the belt.


Fully Automatic Operation

The Bandolero synchronises directly with the GC. As soon as the GC signals it’s ready, the Bandolero automatically punctures the next vial, transfers the sample into the GC’s sample loop, and signals the GC to start its run — then moves on to the next vial once the run is complete. No operator intervention is needed between samples.


Built-In Diagnostics for Peace of Mind

A diagnostic self-test mode with LED status indicators lets you quickly verify the Bandolero is operating correctly, giving confidence in unattended, walk-away operation for long sample batches.


Compact and Flexible Mounting

The Bandolero is compact enough to sit directly on top of the GC, secured out of the way, or it can be positioned on a nearby benchtop — giving you flexibility to fit it into the space you have available.