Hitachi LaChrom Elite HPLC System
| Brand | Hitachi |
|---|---|
| Origin | Canada |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | LaChrom Elite |
| Age | 4–5 Years |
| Warranty | 6 Months |
| Configuration | HPLC System (Pump L-2100, Autosampler L-2200, Column Oven L-2300, Diode Array Detector L-2450, System Organizer) |
| Condition | Refurbished & Fully Tested |
Overview
The Hitachi LaChrom Elite HPLC System is a high-performance, modular liquid chromatography platform originally engineered by Hitachi High-Technologies (now part of Hitachi High-Tech Corporation) and manufactured in Canada for global laboratory use. Designed around classical gradient HPLC architecture with precise low-dead-volume fluidics, the system employs dual-plunger reciprocating pumps (L-2100), a temperature-stabilized column oven (L-2300), a high-speed autosampler (L-2200) with programmable injection volume and needle wash, and a UV/Vis diode array detector (L-2450) capable of full-spectrum acquisition from 190–800 nm at up to 80 Hz sampling rate. Its modular design supports both isocratic and binary gradient elution, enabling robust method transfer and long-term operational stability across diverse analytical workflows — including pharmaceutical QC, environmental contaminant screening, natural product profiling, and polymer additive quantification.
Key Features
- Refurbished and functionally validated by SpectraLab Scientific’s certified HPLC service engineers using NIST-traceable standards and system suitability protocols (e.g., USP , EP 2.2.46)
- Full system configuration includes L-2100 binary pump (flow range: 0.001–10.000 mL/min, pressure limit: 40 MPa), L-2200 autosampler (100-position vial capacity, injection precision ≤ 0.3% RSD), L-2300 column oven (ambient to 85°C, ±0.1°C stability), and L-2450 DAD (1024-pixel array, 1 nm resolution, photometric accuracy ±0.002 AU at 1.0 AU)
- LaChrom Elite Organizer provides integrated system control via Windows-based LaChrom Elite software (v3.x), supporting method storage, sequence management, real-time chromatogram display, and peak integration with baseline correction algorithms
- Instrument architecture complies with fundamental design principles aligned with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements for calibration traceability and measurement uncertainty documentation
- Refurbishment includes replacement of critical wear components: pump seals, check valves, injector rotor seals, lamp assemblies, and detector flow cell gaskets; all replaced parts are OEM-specified or equivalent-grade certified replacements
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LaChrom Elite accommodates standard 3.0–4.6 mm ID analytical columns (up to 250 mm length) and is compatible with reversed-phase (C18, C8), normal-phase, HILIC, and ion-exchange chemistries. It supports aqueous/organic mobile phases containing common buffers (e.g., phosphate, acetate, ammonium formate) and volatile additives required for LC-MS interfacing. All modules meet CE marking requirements per Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). While not pre-certified for FDA 21 CFR Part 11, the LaChrom Elite software environment can be configured with audit trail logging, electronic signatures, and user access controls — enabling laboratories to implement compliant data governance frameworks consistent with GLP and GMP practices.
Software & Data Management
LaChrom Elite software (v3.5 or later) operates on Windows 10/11 platforms and supports raw data export in ASCII (.txt), .csv, and vendor-neutral .cdf formats. Chromatographic data files include embedded metadata (date/time, instrument ID, method parameters, detector settings), facilitating traceability during regulatory review. The software supports batch processing, custom report templates, and integration with LIMS via ODBC connectivity. SpectraLab Scientific provides post-delivery software installation support, instrument qualification documentation (IQ/OQ templates), and optional validation protocol assistance for labs requiring formal GxP implementation.
Applications
This refurbished LaChrom Elite system is routinely deployed in contract research organizations (CROs), university core facilities, and industrial QC labs for applications including: assay of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) per USP monographs; residual solvent analysis in drug substances (ICH Q3C); pesticide residue quantification in food matrices (AOAC 2007.01); impurity profiling of synthetic intermediates; and stability-indicating assays for accelerated degradation studies. Its DAD enables spectral library matching (e.g., Wiley UV Library) and peak purity assessment via absorbance ratio tracking — critical for method development under ICH Q5C guidelines.
FAQ
Is this system fully refurbished and tested prior to shipment?
Yes. Each unit undergoes functional verification across all modules using certified reference standards (e.g., caffeine, uracil, naphthalene), pressure leak testing, gradient accuracy validation, and retention time reproducibility assessment (n ≥ 5 injections, RSD ≤ 0.5%).
Does the system include original software licenses and documentation?
Yes. A valid LaChrom Elite software license, electronic user manuals, maintenance logs, and refurbishment certification are included with delivery.
Can this system be integrated into an existing LIMS or ELN environment?
Yes. The system supports ASCII and .csv data export, and optional ODBC drivers enable direct database ingestion. Custom API-level integrations may require third-party middleware.
What warranty and technical support options are available?
SpectraLab Scientific provides a 6-month limited hardware warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Extended service contracts and remote troubleshooting support are available upon request.
Are consumables and spare parts still available for this platform?
Yes. Hitachi High-Tech maintains legacy part support for LaChrom Elite components through authorized channels; SpectraLab also stocks critical spares including pump seal kits, DAD lamps, and autosampler syringes.
