Shimadzu Prominence LC-20A High-Performance Liquid Chromatography System (Refurbished)

Overview

The Shimadzu Prominence LC-20A is a network-enabled, modular high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system engineered for precision, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance in regulated laboratory environments. Based on Shimadzu’s proven dual-piston parallel pump architecture (LC-20AD), the system delivers stable flow rates from 0.001 to 10.000 mL/min with ≤0.07% RSD at 1.0 mL/min — critical for gradient elution stability and retention time reproducibility. Its integrated web server enables remote monitoring and control via standard browsers, eliminating dependency on dedicated client software. Designed for compatibility with mass spectrometry interfaces (e.g., LC-MS coupling), the LC-20A minimizes carryover (<0.005% for naphthalene/chlorhexidine) and maintains low baseline noise (<±0.35 × 10⁻⁵ AU at 254 nm), supporting trace-level quantitation across pharmaceutical QC, environmental analysis, food safety testing, and academic research applications.

Key Features

• Modular architecture with independent control of up to four pumps, two detectors, one autosampler, one column oven, and auxiliary modules via CBM-20A system controller
• SPD-M20A photodiode array detector with 190–800 nm spectral range, 1 nm resolution, and real-time peak purity assessment
• SIL-20AC autosampler featuring Peltier-cooled sample compartment (4–40 °C), programmable needle wash cycles, and 0.1–100 µL standard injection volume (RSD <0.3% at 10 µL)
• CTO-20AC column oven with electronic cooling, temperature range of (ambient −10) to 85 °C, and ±0.04 °C typical stability
• DGU-20A5 online degasser with four-channel vacuum membrane technology and automatic pressure regulation
• LCsolution software v1.25 pre-installed and validated — supports method validation templates, peak integration per USP , and GLP-compliant electronic records

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Prominence LC-20A accommodates reversed-phase, normal-phase, HILIC, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatographic methods using columns from 2.1 mm to 4.6 mm ID and lengths up to 250 mm. It supports mobile phase compositions including aqueous buffers (pH 1.5–10.0), organic modifiers (acetonitrile, methanol), and additives (TFA, ammonium formate). All refurbished units undergo full functional verification per Shimadzu’s Factory Service Bulletin FS-LC-20A-REV2, including pump linearity, detector wavelength accuracy (NIST-traceable holmium oxide filter), and autosampler precision testing. Systems are delivered with ISO/IEC 17025–aligned calibration certificates and meet baseline requirements for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with validated LCsolution configurations, including user access controls, audit trail activation, and electronic signature enforcement.

Software & Data Management

LCsolution v1.25 provides comprehensive instrument control, data acquisition, and reporting capabilities. The software features built-in sequence scheduling, real-time chromatogram overlay, automated system suitability testing (SST) per ICH Q2(R2), and customizable report templates compliant with ALCOA+ principles. Raw data files (.lcd) are stored in a structured, non-proprietary folder hierarchy with embedded metadata (method parameters, instrument conditions, operator ID). Audit trails record all user actions — method edits, data reprocessing, parameter changes — with timestamps, user IDs, and before/after values. Data backups follow NIST SP 800-88 guidelines; export formats include CSV, PDF/A-2, and XML for LIMS integration.

Applications

This refurbished LC-20A system is routinely deployed in:

• Pharmaceutical quality control: assay, related substances, dissolution testing per USP and EP 2.2.46
• Environmental laboratories: PAHs, pesticides, and PFAS analysis per EPA Methods 8330B, 8081B, and 1633
• Food and beverage testing: mycotoxins, preservatives, vitamins, and adulterants per AOAC 2012.01 and ISO 14501
• Academic and contract research: method development for chiral separations, peptide mapping, and natural product profiling
• Biopharmaceutical support: mAb aggregate/fragment analysis using SEC-HPLC with TSKgel columns

FAQ

Is this system compatible with mass spectrometry interfaces?
Yes — the LC-20A’s low-dead-volume flow path, pulse-free delivery, and minimal carryover make it suitable for direct coupling to single-quadrupole, triple-quadrupole, and Q-TOF mass spectrometers.
What documentation is included with the refurbished unit?
Each system ships with a Certificate of Refurbishment, full test report (including pump accuracy, detector linearity, autosampler precision), LCsolution installation media, and Shimadzu’s original operation manuals (English).
Can the system be upgraded to support additional detectors or modules?
Yes — the CBM-20A controller supports up to two detectors and eight total modules; optional add-ons include RF-20Axs fluorescence detector, RID-20A refractive index detector, or FCV-10ALvp flow cell valve.
Does the 6-month warranty cover software support and method transfer assistance?
Warranty covers hardware defects and firmware functionality; complimentary remote technical support for LCsolution configuration and basic method transfer is provided during the warranty period.
Are spare parts and consumables available for long-term operation?
All major consumables (seals, pistons, purge valves, lamp assemblies) and OEM spare parts remain actively stocked by Shimadzu Global Distribution Centers and authorized partners.