Waters Acquity UPLC H-Class System with PDA and FLR Detectors

Overview

The Waters Acquity UPLC H-Class System is a high-performance, modular ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) platform engineered for method development, routine QC/QA, and regulated laboratory environments. Leveraging Waters’ proprietary ACQUITY UPLC technology, the system operates under ultra-high pressures (up to 15,000 psi) to deliver superior resolution, sensitivity, and speed compared to conventional HPLC systems. Its core architecture is based on low-dispersion fluidics, minimized dwell volume (< 100 µL), and thermally stabilized flow paths—enabling robust gradient performance and exceptional retention time reproducibility (RSD < 0.05% over 24 h). This refurbished H-Class configuration includes a Quaternary Solvent Manager (QSM) for precise multi-solvent gradient formation, a Sample Manager-FTN with needle-in-loop injection and refrigerated autosampler capability (4–40 °C), a Photodiode Array (PDA) Detector for full-spectrum UV/Vis detection (190–800 nm, 1.2 nm resolution), and a Fluorescence (FLR) Detector optimized for trace-level quantitation of native or derivatized analytes (excitation/emission range: 200–800 nm, programmable bandwidth). The integrated Column Heater supports temperature control from 5 °C to 90 °C (±0.5 °C stability), critical for method transfer and retention time consistency.

Key Features

• Refurbished and fully validated by SpectraLab Scientific’s certified UPLC service engineers—including leak testing, pressure calibration, detector wavelength accuracy verification (NIST-traceable standards), and system suitability assessment per USP and EP 2.2.46.
• Quaternary Solvent Manager with active solvent selection valves, pulse-free pumping, and real-time solvent composition monitoring via integrated pressure sensors.
• Sample Manager-FTN featuring 100 µL fixed-loop injection, low carryover (< 0.005%), and dual-seal syringe design for extended reliability in high-throughput labs.
• PDA Detector with 1024-element diode array, 10 Hz acquisition rate, and spectral deconvolution support for co-eluting peak analysis.
• FLR Detector with high-intensity xenon lamp, selectable excitation/emission slits (2.5–20 nm), and time-resolved fluorescence mode for background suppression.
• Column Heater with dual-zone thermal control (oven + pre-heater) and real-time temperature logging compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The H-Class system accommodates standard 2.1 mm ID UPLC columns (50–150 mm length) packed with sub-2 µm particles (e.g., ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18, HSS T3, or CORTECS columns), as well as legacy 3–4.6 mm ID HPLC columns via optional low-volume adapters. It supports aqueous, organic, and ion-pairing mobile phases—including TFA, HFBA, and ammonium formate/bicarbonate buffers—without compromising seal life or baseline stability. All refurbished units undergo comprehensive compliance validation: IQ/OQ documentation available upon request; system meets ASTM D7593 (petroleum hydrocarbon analysis), ISO 17025:2017 (testing lab competence), and ICH Q2(R2) guidelines for analytical method validation. Data integrity safeguards include electronic signatures, user access levels, and immutable audit trails aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 expectations.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via Waters Empower 3 FR4 or later (licensed and pre-installed), the system supports both QuickStart and Advanced modes for seamless operation across skill levels. Empower provides full chromatographic data acquisition, processing, reporting, and review workflows—with built-in tools for peak purity assessment (PDA), spectral library matching, and multi-wavelength integration. Raw data files (.emp) are stored in a secure, timestamped repository with automatic backup options. The software supports LIMS integration (via ODBC or REST API), electronic batch records (EBR), and automated report generation compliant with GLP/GMP documentation standards. All refurbished instruments ship with valid software maintenance contracts and firmware updated to the latest stable release.

Applications

This H-Class configuration is routinely deployed in pharmaceutical QC (assay, related substances, dissolution), biopharmaceutical characterization (mAb aggregation, peptide mapping), food safety testing (mycotoxins, pesticides, vitamins), environmental analysis (PAHs, PCBs, pharmaceutical residues), and clinical research (therapeutic drug monitoring, biomarker quantification). The dual-detector setup enables orthogonal detection—simultaneous UV spectral confirmation and fluorescence-based selectivity—making it ideal for complex matrices where specificity and regulatory defensibility are paramount. Method transfer from legacy HPLC to UPLC is accelerated via Empower’s Auto-Conversion Tool, preserving retention time windows and peak shapes without re-optimization.

FAQ

Is this a factory-refurbished unit or third-party refurbished?
This instrument has been comprehensively refurbished, tested, and certified by SpectraLab Scientific’s in-house Waters-trained engineers—not an OEM-certified program, but performed to equivalent functional and documentation standards.
What documentation is included with purchase?
Each system ships with a full refurbishment report, IQ/OQ summary, system suitability test results, calibration certificates (wavelength, flow, temperature), and a signed warranty statement covering parts and labor for six months.
Can Empower 3 be upgraded to Empower 4?
Yes—Empower 4 compatibility is supported on this hardware configuration; upgrade path requires a valid Waters software maintenance agreement and installation by authorized personnel.
Are spare parts and consumables available?
SpectraLab maintains inventory of critical spares (seals, frits, lamps, capillaries) and offers volume pricing on ACQUITY columns, solvents, and maintenance kits.
Do you offer installation and on-site training?
Remote commissioning is standard; on-site installation, qualification, and operator training are available as optional services at quoted rates.