Varian ProStar HPLC System (Refurbished, Fully Tested)

Overview

The Varian ProStar HPLC System is a modular, high-performance liquid chromatography platform engineered for precision, flexibility, and long-term reliability in regulated and research laboratory environments. Built upon Varian’s legacy of robust chromatographic architecture, the ProStar integrates independently controllable modules—including the ProStar 210 solvent delivery system, ProStar 320 UV/Vis absorbance detector, and ProStar 410 autosampler—into a unified, scalable workflow. Its design follows classical high-pressure liquid chromatography principles, utilizing positive-displacement piston pumps and dual-beam optical detection to deliver high reproducibility across analytical, semi-preparative, and method-development applications. Unlike integrated OEM systems, the ProStar’s open architecture supports mixed-vendor component integration and field-upgradable configurations, making it especially suitable for laboratories requiring adaptability across changing regulatory or methodological requirements.

Key Features

• ProStar 210 Solvent Delivery Module: Offers programmable flow rates from 0.001 mL/min to 3200 mL/min, supporting both analytical-scale separations and preparative purification workflows.
• ProStar 320 UV/Vis Detector: Features dual-beam optics, wavelength scanning (190–700 nm), variable pathlength cells, and real-time baseline correction for enhanced signal stability.
• ProStar 410 Autosampler: Supports 96-well or 384-well microtiter plate formats; includes needle wash, sample cooling (optional), and programmable injection volume (0.1–1000 µL) with low carryover performance.
• Modular Pump Construction: Available wetted materials include 316 stainless steel, PEEK, and titanium—enabling compatibility with corrosive mobile phases (e.g., high-pH buffers, TFA, HFIP) and metal-sensitive analytes (e.g., peptides, oligonucleotides).
• STAR Workstation Software: Windows-based control interface supporting up to four instruments simultaneously; includes sequence management, peak integration, calibration curve generation, and audit-trail-enabled data handling compliant with GLP and ISO 9001 documentation practices.
• System Validation Documentation: Each refurbished unit undergoes full functional testing—including pressure integrity checks, flow accuracy verification (±1% RSD), detector linearity assessment (0.999+ r² over 4 orders of magnitude), and gradient composition validation—performed per ASTM E2656-20 guidelines for used analytical instrumentation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ProStar system accommodates a broad range of sample matrices—including pharmaceutical actives, natural product extracts, polymer additives, environmental water extracts, and biologics digests—when paired with appropriate column chemistries (C18, phenyl-hexyl, HILIC, ion-exchange, SEC). Its hardware design meets mechanical and electrical safety standards outlined in IEC 61010-1. While not natively 21 CFR Part 11 compliant out-of-the-box, the STAR software can be configured with electronic signatures, user access controls, and audit trail logging to support GxP-aligned operation when deployed under documented SOPs and periodic revalidation. All refurbished units are certified to meet ISO 9001:2015 requirements for calibration traceability and post-refurbishment performance verification.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and processing are managed via either the legacy N2000 software (DOS-based, widely used in academic labs) or the native Varian STAR Workstation (Windows XP/Vista compatible). STAR provides full instrument control, real-time chromatogram display, customizable report templates, and export to CSV, ASCII, or AIA (.cdf) formats for third-party analysis tools (e.g., Chromeleon, Empower, OpenChrom). The system supports raw data archiving with metadata tagging (operator ID, method file hash, instrument serial number), ensuring traceability during internal audits or regulatory inspections. Optional add-ons include automated system suitability testing (SST) scripts and peak purity analysis modules.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical QC/QA: Assay, related substances, dissolution testing, and stability-indicating methods per USP and ICH Q2(R2).
• Academic & Government Research: Method development for chiral separations, polar compound analysis, and multi-dimensional LC coupling.
• Environmental Labs: Detection of pesticides, PAHs, and endocrine disruptors in soil/water extracts per EPA Methods 8081B, 8330B.
• Food & Beverage: Quantification of preservatives (sorbates, benzoates), sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose), and mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1).
• Materials Science: Characterization of synthetic polymers (Mn, Mw, PDI) using SEC/GPC mode with differential refractometry or UV detection.

FAQ

Is this a factory-refurbished unit or dealer-refurbished?
This ProStar system has been fully refurbished and functionally validated by SpectraLab Scientific, an ISO 9001-certified provider of pre-owned analytical instrumentation. Refurbishment includes replacement of wear-prone components (seals, check valves, lamp housings), recalibration against NIST-traceable standards, and comprehensive system diagnostics.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
Each shipment includes a Certificate of Performance Verification, detailed test reports (flow accuracy, pressure stability, detector noise/drift, gradient fidelity), and a complete set of original Varian manuals (hardware, software, maintenance). Electronic copies are provided in PDF format.
Can the system be upgraded to support modern compliance requirements (e.g., 21 CFR Part 11)?
Yes—while the base STAR software does not ship with Part 11 features enabled, configuration options for electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable audit trails are available through validated installation protocols and supplementary validation documentation packages.
Are columns, solvents, or consumables included?
No—columns, guard cartridges, frits, and mobile phase solvents are sold separately. However, SpectraLab maintains an inventory of compatible Varian and generic HPLC consumables, including ProStar-specific fittings and seal kits.
What is the lead time for delivery and installation support?
Units are held in ready-to-ship inventory. Standard delivery within North America and EU is 5–7 business days. Remote installation assistance and on-site commissioning services are available upon request.