Waters Acquity UPLC System

Overview

The Waters Acquity UPLC System is a high-performance liquid chromatography platform engineered for ultra-high resolution, speed, and sensitivity in analytical laboratories. Leveraging sub-2-µm particle-packed columns operated at pressures up to 15,000 psi (103 MPa), the system implements true Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC®) technology—distinct from conventional HPLC due to its integrated low-dispersion fluidics, minimized dwell volume (2× higher peak capacity, <50% shorter run times, and improved quantitation precision—critical for demanding applications in pharmaceutical QC, biopharmaceutical characterization, environmental analysis, and metabolomics. As a fully refurbished instrument, this Acquity UPLC system has undergone comprehensive functional validation per Waters’ service protocols, including pump linearity and pulse-free flow verification, autosampler precision (RSD < 0.25% for 1–100 µL injections), detector baseline noise (< ±0.5 mAU at 254 nm), and column oven thermal stability (±0.2 °C over 24 h).

Key Features

• Binary Solvent Manager: Dual high-pressure gradient pumps with active backpressure control, delivering flow rates from 0.01 to 2.0 mL/min with ≤0.1% RSD and pressure ripple < 0.1%.
• Sample Manager: Low-volume, refrigerated autosampler (4–40 °C) supporting 1–100 µL injection volumes, equipped with needle wash station and positive displacement syringe for minimal carryover (< 0.005%).
• PDA eλ Detector: Photodiode array detector with 190–800 nm spectral range, 1.2 nm optical resolution, and real-time spectral acquisition at up to 80 Hz—enabling peak purity assessment and method development support.
• FLR Detector: Fluorescence detector with programmable excitation/emission wavelengths (200–700 nm), high-sensitivity PMT optics, and zero-crossing baseline correction for trace-level analyte detection.
• Column Heater/Cooler: Precision thermal module accommodating columns up to 30 cm length, maintaining setpoint accuracy within ±0.2 °C across ambient temperatures of 15–35 °C.
• Refurbishment Protocol: Includes replacement of all wetted seals, gaskets, and check valves; recalibration of all detectors and pumps; full system leak testing; and generation of a Certificate of Performance Verification with raw test data.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Acquity UPLC system supports reversed-phase, HILIC, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatographic modes using columns with internal diameters from 2.1 mm to 4.6 mm and particle sizes down to 1.7 µm. It is compatible with aqueous-organic mobile phases (e.g., water/acetonitrile, water/methanol), buffers (e.g., ammonium formate, ammonium acetate), and acidic/basic modifiers (e.g., TFA, TEA). The system meets essential regulatory requirements for GxP environments: all modules support audit-trail-enabled software operation (when paired with Empower 3 FR or later), comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record/signature controls, and are validated against ASTM E2656 (Standard Guide for Validation of Chromatographic Systems) and USP Chromatography. Instrument logs—including method parameters, sequence files, calibration events, and error reports—are retained with time-stamped, immutable entries.

Software & Data Management

This refurbished Acquity UPLC system is supplied with Waters Empower 3 Feature Release (FR) software pre-installed on a dedicated Windows 10 Pro workstation. Empower 3 provides full instrument control, real-time data acquisition, peak integration with customizable algorithms (e.g., ApexTrack, Baseline Drop), and automated report generation compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 and GLP documentation standards. Raw data (.raw files) are stored in a secure, folder-based repository with automatic daily backup scheduling. Software licensing includes 12 months of Waters SupportPlus coverage, granting access to firmware updates, remote diagnostics, and priority technical assistance. All configuration files, method templates, and system suitability test (SST) protocols are provided in editable format for seamless laboratory integration.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical QC: Assay, related substances, and dissolution testing per ICH Q2(R2) guidelines using validated UPLC methods.
• Biopharmaceutical Analysis: Intact mass profiling, peptide mapping, and glycan release/analysis under denaturing and native conditions.
• Clinical Research: Quantitative bioanalysis of small-molecule drugs and metabolites in plasma, serum, and urine via LC-MS/MS sample preparation workflows.
• Environmental Testing: Multi-residue pesticide screening in food and water matrices per EPA Method 541 and EU SANTE/11312/2021.
• Academic & Method Development Labs: Rapid scouting of gradient conditions, column chemistries, and mobile phase additives using intelligent method optimization tools.

FAQ

Is this a factory-refurbished unit or third-party refurbished?
This Acquity UPLC system is professionally refurbished by SpectraLab Scientific’s certified engineers following Waters’ original service manuals and diagnostic procedures—not by Waters directly, but to equivalent functional and performance standards.
What documentation accompanies the system?
You receive a Certificate of Performance Verification, full service history log, Empower 3 software license certificate, hardware configuration report, and a signed warranty agreement covering parts and labor for six months.
Can the system be configured for LC-MS coupling?
Yes—the binary solvent manager and sample manager are fully compatible with Waters ACQUITY UPLC M-Class and Xevo series MS interfaces; required interface hardware (e.g., Z-spray source, capillary tubing) must be procured separately.
Are consumables and spare parts included?
No consumables are included, but a starter kit (seals, frits, guard cartridges, and column hardware) can be ordered optionally. All genuine Waters spare parts remain available through authorized distributors.
Does the warranty cover software support and reinstallation?
Yes—the 6-month warranty includes remote software troubleshooting, Empower 3 reinstallation assistance, and configuration support for integration into existing LIMS or network environments.