Shimadzu Prominence UFLC Used Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatograph

Overview

The Shimadzu Prominence UFLC is a rigorously refurbished ultra-fast liquid chromatography system engineered for high-throughput, high-resolution separations without compromising analytical integrity. Based on Shimadzu’s proprietary low-dwell-volume fluidic architecture and precision micro-piston pump technology, the UFLC platform operates under optimized gradient delay control and minimized extra-column dispersion—enabling sub-2-minute gradient runs while maintaining robust peak shape, baseline stability, and quantitative reproducibility. Unlike conventional HPLC systems constrained by system volume and dwell time limitations, the Prominence UFLC achieves up to 10× faster analysis speed and ~3× higher peak capacity through synergistic integration of low-dispersion flow paths, thermally stabilized optics, and pressure-tolerant hardware (rated to 60 MPa / 600 bar). This system is particularly suited for laboratories requiring regulatory-compliant method transfer from legacy HPLC to UFLC platforms—including QC labs supporting pharmaceutical development, environmental testing, and food safety applications where retention time stability, area precision (RSD < 0.5% for n = 10 injections), and column lifetime are critical performance benchmarks.

Key Features

• Refurbished and functionally validated by SpectraLab Scientific per documented SOPs—including full pressure calibration, gradient accuracy verification (±0.2% absolute), detector linearity assessment (SPD-M20A DAD: 190–800 nm, ±0.001 AU noise), and autosampler carryover testing (< 0.01%)
• Modular configuration includes LC-20AT or LC-20AD binary/quaternary pump (flow range: 0.001–10.000 mL/min, pulseless delivery), CTO-20A column oven (ambient to 85 °C, ±0.1 °C stability), and DGU-20A5 online degasser with four-channel vacuum membrane technology
• SIL-20A HT or SIL-20AC autosampler supports 1.5–100 µL injection volumes with temperature-controlled tray (4–40 °C) and programmable needle wash cycles—optimized for low-volume bioanalytical workflows
• SPD-M20A diode array detector provides full-spectrum acquisition at 80 Hz scan rate and real-time peak purity assessment; SPD-20A UV-Vis alternative offers dual-wavelength quantitation with 24-bit ADC resolution
• CBM-20A system controller enables seamless integration with LabSolutions software and supports ASTM E1319-compliant instrument communication protocols

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Prominence UFLC accommodates standard 2.1–4.6 mm ID analytical columns—including Shim-pack XR-ODS (1.8 µm particles, 100 Å pore size) and third-party UHPLC-compatible phases—without hardware modification. All refurbished units undergo full leak integrity testing at maximum operating pressure (60 MPa) and demonstrate compliance with ISO 17025 clause 5.5.2 (equipment verification) and USP chromatographic system suitability requirements. Data integrity features include audit-trail-enabled LabSolutions CS (Compliance Solution) mode, supporting 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when deployed with appropriate IT infrastructure and administrative controls. System qualification documentation (IQ/OQ summary reports) is provided upon request.

Software & Data Management

LabSolutions v5.9x or later is pre-installed and licensed for standalone operation, delivering integrated instrument control, sequence management, peak integration (with customizable baseline algorithms), spectral library matching, and multi-dimensional data review. The software supports PDF report generation with embedded chromatograms, metadata stamping (user, timestamp, method ID), and export to CSV, AIA (.cdf), and XML formats for LIMS integration. Raw data files are stored in vendor-native format with SHA-256 checksum validation to ensure immutability. Optional add-ons include LabSolutions IC for method scouting and LabSolutions QA for automated system suitability testing (SST) execution per predefined criteria.

Applications

This UFLC system is routinely deployed in regulated environments for residual solvent analysis (ICH Q3C), assay and impurity profiling of small-molecule APIs (USP , EP 2.2.46), pesticide multiresidue screening (AOAC 2007.01), and peptide mapping in biologics characterization. Its low dwell volume ( 500 injections/week) and kinetic studies requiring precise retention time alignment across large sample cohorts.

FAQ

Is this system eligible for extended warranty or service contracts?
Yes—SpectraLab Scientific offers optional 12- or 24-month extended service plans including remote diagnostics, priority dispatch for on-site support, and annual preventive maintenance visits.
Can I use non-Shimadzu columns or third-party software?
The system is fully compatible with industry-standard 1/16″ stainless steel tubing and all commercially available HPLC/UHPLC columns rated ≤ 60 MPa. While LabSolutions is required for full hardware control, exported .cdf files are readable in OpenChrom, Chromeleon, and Empower.
What documentation is included with the refurbished unit?
Each system ships with a Certificate of Refurbishment, functional test report, LabSolutions license certificate, and electronic copy of user manuals (English). IQ/OQ templates and validation support packages are available separately.
How is data integrity ensured during long-term operation?
LabSolutions CS enforces role-based access control, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails for all method changes, sequence edits, and reprocessing events—fully traceable per ALCOA+ principles.
Is column oven temperature stability verified during refurbishment?
Yes—CTO-20A performance is validated across its full operating range (4–85 °C) using NIST-traceable PT100 probes; thermal uniformity is confirmed at ±0.1 °C over 24 hours at 40 °C.