Agilent 1200 Series HPLC System with Binary Pump

Overview

The Agilent 1200 Series HPLC System with Binary Pump is a high-performance, modular liquid chromatography platform engineered for precision gradient elution, robust method transfer, and long-term operational stability. Based on Agilent Technologies’ proven HP 1200 architecture—originally developed in Canada and widely deployed across pharmaceutical QC labs, academic research facilities, and contract testing organizations—the system employs low-dispersion binary solvent delivery, precise temperature-controlled autosampling, and high-sensitivity UV detection to deliver reproducible retention time accuracy (<0.02 min RSD) and peak area precision (<1.0% RSD). Its design adheres to fundamental principles of isocratic and gradient chromatography, supporting reversed-phase, normal-phase, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion separations. All modules conform to Agilent’s original mechanical and electrical specifications, including pressure tolerance up to 400 bar, flow rate accuracy ±0.2% at 1.0 mL/min, and dwell volume <700 µL—enabling compatibility with UHPLC-compatible columns when operated within validated parameters.

Key Features

• Binary pump (G1312A) with dual independent piston assemblies, active solvent compressibility compensation, and real-time pressure monitoring for stable gradient formation
• Autosampler (G1367B) featuring 100-position vial capacity, programmable injection volume (0.1–100 µL), needle wash station, and temperature-controlled sample tray (4–40 °C)
• Column oven (G1316A) with forced-air circulation, setpoint range 5–80 °C, and ±0.15 °C thermal stability for retention time reproducibility
• Variable wavelength UV detector (G1314B) with spectral range 190–600 nm, 1 nm wavelength resolution, and dual-beam optical design for baseline stability
• Degasser (G1379B) with four-channel helium-purged membrane technology to minimize baseline noise and bubble-induced flow disruption
• Integrated thermostat (G1330B) for maintaining consistent detector cell and flow cell temperatures, reducing thermal drift during extended runs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The system supports standard 4.6 mm × 150 mm analytical columns as well as narrow-bore (2.1 mm ID) and microbore configurations. It accommodates aqueous-organic mobile phases (e.g., water/acetonitrile, water/methanol), buffers (e.g., phosphate, ammonium acetate), and volatile additives compatible with LC-MS coupling. All modules are CE-marked and compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety standards. The hardware architecture permits full integration into GLP/GMP environments when paired with validated software (e.g., OpenLab CDS or ChemStation Rev. B.04.03 or later), supporting audit trail generation, electronic signatures, and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance via optional security configuration. Method validation data—including system suitability testing per USP , ISO 17025 traceability, and ASTM E2632-19 guidelines—is routinely documented during refurbishment and functional verification.

Software & Data Management

The instrument operates natively with Agilent ChemStation (Rev. B.04.03 or higher) and is fully compatible with OpenLab CDS 2.x. Both platforms provide sequence control, real-time chromatogram display, peak integration using tangent skim or valley-to-valley algorithms, calibration curve fitting (linear, quadratic, weighted), and report generation with customizable templates. Raw data files (.D format) are stored in hierarchical folder structures with embedded metadata (date/time stamp, operator ID, method name, instrument serial number). Data integrity is maintained through write-once-read-many (WORM) archiving options and optional network-based backup to NAS or LTO tape systems. Remote diagnostics and firmware updates are supported via Ethernet connectivity and Agilent’s Instrument Manager utility.

Applications

This refurbished Agilent 1200 HPLC system is routinely deployed in small-molecule assay development, stability-indicating method validation, impurity profiling per ICH Q3B(R2), dissolution testing (USP ), excipient analysis, natural product fractionation, and environmental contaminant screening (e.g., PAHs, pesticides). Its binary gradient capability ensures reliable method transfer from development to QC laboratories, while the column oven and autosampler thermostat support temperature-sensitive separations such as chiral resolutions and polymer molecular weight distribution analysis. Academic users leverage its modularity for teaching chromatographic theory—including van Deemter optimization, selectivity tuning, and dwell volume characterization.

FAQ

What refurbishment protocol is followed prior to resale?
Each unit undergoes full functional verification per Agilent’s Factory Service Manual: pump flow accuracy and precision testing, detector linearity and noise assessment, autosampler carryover evaluation (<0.05%), column oven thermal mapping, and degasser vacuum integrity check. All consumables (seals, frits, lamp, purge valve filters) are replaced.
Is method transfer support available?
Yes—SpectraLab Scientific provides documented method equivalency reports comparing baseline performance against new-system benchmarks, including retention time shift analysis, peak symmetry (As), and resolution (Rs) under identical conditions.
Can this system be upgraded to support mass spectrometry?
The G1312A pump and G1367B autosampler meet flow and pulse-dampening requirements for ESI-LC/MS interfaces; however, direct MS coupling requires additional components (e.g., splitter, make-up flow module) and software synchronization—not included in base configuration.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
Shipment includes full service history log, calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards, OEM user manuals (English), and a signed Certificate of Conformance verifying compliance with stated specifications and warranty terms.