Agilent 1260 Infinity HPLC System

Overview

The Agilent 1260 Infinity HPLC System is a high-performance, four-solvent gradient liquid chromatography platform engineered for precision, robustness, and method compatibility in regulated and research laboratory environments. Based on proven quaternary pump architecture, it delivers stable flow rates up to 5 mL/min and maximum operating pressure of 600 bar—enabling full utilization of sub-2 µm fully porous and superficially porous (core-shell) columns for enhanced resolution, peak capacity, and analysis speed. Its modular design integrates seamlessly with existing Agilent ChemStation or OpenLab CDS software ecosystems, ensuring backward compatibility with legacy methods developed on earlier 1100/1200-series systems. The system operates on fundamental principles of high-pressure liquid chromatography: precise solvent delivery, reproducible sample introduction, thermally controlled column retention, and real-time detection via UV-Vis absorbance, fluorescence, or evaporative light scattering—each optimized for signal-to-noise ratio, linear dynamic range, and baseline stability.

Key Features

• Quaternary pump (G1311B) with integrated vacuum degasser for low-pulsation, high-accuracy gradient formation across wide solvent polarity ranges
• Autosampler (G1367C) with 100-position tray capacity, programmable injection volume (0.1–100 µL), and needle wash function to minimize carryover
• Column compartment (G1316A) maintaining temperature stability ±0.15 °C from 5–80 °C, supporting method transfer and retention time reproducibility
• UV-Vis detector (G4212A) offering dual-wavelength monitoring, 100 Hz data acquisition rate, and 190–950 nm spectral range with <0.0005 AU/hr baseline drift
• Thermostatted control module (G1330B) ensuring consistent detector and autosampler thermal environment for long-duration sequences
• Pre-owned unit refurbished to OEM specifications, including full functional validation, leak testing, pressure calibration, and baseline noise verification

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 1260 Infinity HPLC accommodates standard 4.6 mm × 150 mm analytical columns as well as narrow-bore (2.1 mm ID) and microbore configurations. It supports reversed-phase, normal-phase, HILIC, and ion-exchange separations with compatible mobile phases (aqueous/organic, buffers, acids, bases). All modules comply with IEC 61010-1 safety standards and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directives. When operated under Agilent OpenLab CDS with audit trail enabled, the system meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures—including user access control, change tracking, and immutable data archiving. Method validation documentation aligns with ICH Q2(R2) and USP guidelines for chromatographic system suitability.

Software & Data Management

The system is supplied with Agilent OpenLab CDS version 2.5 or later, supporting both single-instrument control and networked multi-instrument deployment. Data acquisition, processing, reporting, and archiving are handled within a validated workflow framework featuring automated system suitability testing (SST), peak integration with customizable algorithms (e.g., valley-to-valley, tangent skim), and customizable report templates compliant with GLP/GMP reporting conventions. Raw data files (.D format) are stored in hierarchical folder structures with embedded metadata (instrument parameters, sequence logs, calibration records). Backup and restore protocols follow ISO/IEC 27001-aligned data integrity practices.

Applications

This instrument is routinely deployed in pharmaceutical QC laboratories for assay, dissolution, and impurity profiling per USP monographs; in food safety labs for pesticide residue screening and mycotoxin quantification; in environmental testing for PAHs, PCBs, and pharmaceutical metabolites in wastewater; and in academic research for natural product isolation, polymer characterization, and biomarker discovery. Its pressure and flow capabilities make it suitable for UHPLC-ready column chemistries without requiring hardware upgrades, while its method portability ensures minimal revalidation effort when migrating from older Agilent platforms.

FAQ

Is this unit certified for use in GMP-regulated environments?
Yes—refurbishment includes IQ/OQ documentation packages and optional PQ support; all firmware and software versions are validated for compliance with current regulatory expectations.
What is included in the 6-month warranty?
Comprehensive coverage of all core modules (pump, autosampler, detector, column oven, controller) against defects in materials and workmanship; excludes consumables, misuse, or unauthorized modifications.
Can I integrate this system with third-party data systems (e.g., LIMS)?
Yes—OpenLab CDS provides ODBC-compliant database export, HL7 messaging, and RESTful API endpoints for bidirectional LIMS integration.
Are original Agilent service records available?
Yes—full maintenance history, calibration logs, and prior performance qualification reports are provided upon request.
Do you offer installation and on-site qualification services?
Yes—qualified field application scientists provide remote startup assistance and optional on-site IQ/OQ execution with documented traceability to NIST-traceable standards.