Agilent 1260 Infinity III SFC Multisampler
| Brand | Agilent Technologies |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | 1260 Infinity III SFC Multisampler |
| Instrument Type | Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) Autosampler |
| Maximum Sample Capacity | 6144 |
| Injection Volume Range | 0.1–90 µL |
| Sample Container Compatibility | 2 mL Vials and Microtiter Plates (e.g., 96-well, 384-well) |
| Injection Technology | FEED (Forced Expansion and Efficient Delivery) |
| Temperature Control | Active Peltier-based Cooling/Heating |
Overview
The Agilent 1260 Infinity III SFC Multisampler is a purpose-engineered autosampler designed exclusively for high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) systems. Unlike conventional liquid chromatography (LC) autosamplers adapted for SFC use, this instrument integrates fundamental thermodynamic and fluid dynamic principles specific to carbon dioxide–based mobile phases. It operates on the FEED (Forced Expansion and Efficient Delivery) principle—where samples are pressurized prior to injection into the CO₂ stream—to eliminate phase segregation, bubble formation, and volume variability associated with depressurization artifacts. This ensures stoichiometric transfer of analytes without dilution or flash evaporation, delivering injection precision and reproducibility (RSD < 0.25% for peak area at 5 µL) comparable to state-of-the-art LC autosamplers. Its architecture supports both analytical- and preparative-scale SFC workflows, including hyphenated SFC–MS applications requiring low carryover (< 0.005%) and minimal dwell volume (< 25 µL).
Key Features
- FEED injection technology enabling precise, bubble-free sample introduction under supercritical conditions
- Wide, continuous injection volume range from 0.1 µL to 90 µL—no hardware changes or loop swaps required
- Maximum sample capacity of 6144 positions via configurable rack layouts supporting 2 mL vials and standard microtiter plates (96-well, 384-well, and custom formats)
- Peltier-controlled temperature zone (4 °C to 45 °C, ±0.5 °C stability) for thermal protection of labile compounds during extended queue times
- Integrated pressure-rated fluidic path rated to 600 bar, fully compatible with modern SFC pump systems and back-pressure regulators
- Autosampler firmware compliant with Agilent OpenLab CDS and supports ASTM E2500-17 system suitability verification protocols
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 1260 Infinity III SFC Multisampler accommodates diverse sample presentation formats without mechanical adaptation: standard 12 × 32 mm screw-thread or crimp-top 2 mL vials, ANSI/SLAS-compliant microplates, and custom trays validated per ISO 20417:2021 for medical device-related extractables testing. All wetted materials—including sapphire needle seat, Hastelloy C-276 capillary tubing, and fluoropolymer seals—are chemically inert toward CO₂, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and common SFC modifiers. The system meets ICH Q5C stability-indicating requirements for biopharmaceutical characterization and supports audit-ready operation under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 when deployed with Agilent OpenLab CDS 2.4 or later.
Software & Data Management
Control and method development are managed through Agilent OpenLab CDS software, which provides full sequence definition, real-time status monitoring, and automated calibration tracking. Sequence files include embedded metadata fields for sample origin, preparation date, analyst ID, and storage conditions—enabling traceability aligned with GLP and GMP documentation standards. Raw data files (.D format) retain complete injection event logs, including pressure transients, valve actuation timestamps, and temperature setpoint deviations. Export options include CSV, PDF, and XML for integration with LIMS platforms compliant with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
Applications
- Chiral separation and purification of pharmaceutical intermediates in regulated development environments
- High-throughput screening of natural product libraries using SFC–MS for dereplication and metabolite profiling
- Residual solvent analysis in polymer additives per USP using CO₂–methanol gradients
- Stability-indicating assays for thermally labile APIs where HPLC causes degradation
- Automated method scouting across modifier type, concentration, and column temperature in DoE-driven workflows
FAQ
Is the 1260 Infinity III SFC Multisampler compatible with non-Agilent SFC systems?
Yes—when interfaced via standard 1/16″ stainless-steel tubing and configured with appropriate pressure-rated fittings, it operates with third-party SFC pumps and detectors meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 2 compressed gas purity specifications.
Does it support gradient elution during autosampling?
No—the multisampler itself does not generate gradients; however, it synchronizes seamlessly with Agilent 1260 Infinity III SFC Pump’s binary gradient capability via TTL and Ethernet commands.
Can it be integrated into an unattended 24/7 SFC–MS workflow?
Yes—validated for continuous operation with scheduled maintenance intervals per Agilent Service Bulletin SB-SFC-2023-08, including automated needle wash cycles and pressure leak diagnostics.
What validation documentation is supplied?
Factory-installed IQ/OQ documentation per ASTM E2500-17, including as-delivered test reports for injection precision, carryover, temperature uniformity, and pressure integrity.
