Shimadzu Prominence UFLC XR Used Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatograph
| Brand | Shimadzu |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | Prominence UFLC XR |
| Category | Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC/UHPLC-class) |
| Maximum Pressure | 66 MPa |
| Flow Rate Range | 0.0001–10.0000 mL/min |
| Detector Wavelength Range | 190–800 nm |
| DAD Resolution | 1.2 nm (high-res mode) |
| Injection Volume Range | 0.1–50 µL (standard), up to 100 µL (optional) |
| Column Oven Temp Range | 4–85 °C (CTO-20AC with active cooling) |
| Cross-contamination | <0.005% |
| System Age | 3–4 years |
| Warranty | 6 months |
Overview
The Shimadzu Prominence UFLC XR is a high-performance, ultra-fast liquid chromatography system engineered for high-resolution, high-throughput separations under elevated backpressures—up to 66 MPa (9570 psi). Designed as a bridge between conventional HPLC and next-generation UHPLC platforms, it leverages advanced fluidic architecture—including parallel dual-plunger micropiston pumps, high-pressure gradient mixing, and low-dead-volume flow paths—to deliver exceptional retention time reproducibility (<0.06% RSD), minimal baseline noise (±0.3 × 10⁻⁵ AU), and robust method transfer capability. Its compatibility with Shim-pack XR-ODS II columns (60 MPa rated, 2.2 µm particles, 8 nm pore size) enables extended column lengths (up to 150 mm) without sacrificing efficiency or system stability. As a fully integrated platform, the UFLC XR supports seamless front-end coupling to mass spectrometry systems—including triple quadrupole (LC-MS/MS) and ion trap–time-of-flight (LC-IT-TOF) configurations—making it suitable for regulated pharmaceutical QC, metabolomics, impurity profiling, and stability-indicating assays.
Key Features
- High-Pressure LC Platform: LC-20AD XR pump delivers precise flow control from 0.0001 to 10.0000 mL/min with ±1% accuracy (or ±2 µL/min, whichever is greater) across 0.01–3 mL/min; gradient composition precision <0.15% RSD.
- Low-Cross-Contamination Autosampler: SIL-20AC XR features pressure-rated (66 MPa) full-loop injection, programmable pre-/post-injection needle wash, and Peltier-cooled sample compartment (4–40 °C) with humidity control to preserve thermally labile analytes.
- High-Sensitivity Diode Array Detection: SPD-M20A DAD incorporates dual light sources (D₂ and tungsten), 512-element photodiode array, and a thermostatted semi-micro flow cell optimized for UFLC flow rates and reduced dispersion.
- Intelligent Column Management: CTO-20AC column oven provides active electronic cooling, enabling sub-ambient operation down to 4 °C—critical for retaining volatile or unstable compounds—and maintains temperature stability within ±0.1 °C.
- System-Level Data Integrity: CBM-20A system controller includes Ethernet-based communication, local data buffering during network interruptions, and browser-accessible remote monitoring via standard HTTP—supporting basic 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with validated LabSolutions software and audit-trail-enabled workflows.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Prominence UFLC XR accommodates a broad range of sample matrices—including aqueous, organic, and mixed-solvent extracts—from pharmaceutical actives and biologics to environmental contaminants and food additives. Its modular design permits integration with derivatization modules, fraction collectors, or online SPE cartridges. All hardware components meet IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment. When operated with Shimadzu LabSolutions LC software (v5.9 or later) under documented SOPs, the system supports GLP and GMP environments through configurable user access levels, electronic signatures, and audit-trail generation—fully traceable per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. Column hardware and consumables comply with ISO 8573-1 (compressed air purity) and ASTM E2621 (chromatographic system suitability testing) guidelines.
Software & Data Management
Control and data acquisition are performed using Shimadzu LabSolutions LC software, which provides method development tools, peak integration algorithms compliant with USP , and automated system suitability assessment. The included method conversion utility allows bidirectional translation between conventional HPLC and UFLC XR methods—preserving k′, α, and resolution while scaling flow rate, gradient time, and injection volume based on column geometry and particle size. Raw data files (.lcd) are stored in vendor-neutral format and can be exported to ASCII or CSV for third-party processing. Instrument logs—including pressure traces, UV spectra, and temperature histories—are timestamped and archived with metadata tags for full traceability. Optional add-ons include LabSolutions DB for database-driven workflow management and OpenLab CDS integration kits for enterprise-level LIMS connectivity.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical quality control: assay, related substances, residual solvents, and dissolution testing per ICH Q2(R2) and USP monographs.
- Biopharmaceutical analysis: peptide mapping, mAb charge variant profiling, and glycan release studies using shallow gradients and low-temperature separation.
- Clinical research: quantification of steroids, vitamins, and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) biomarkers in plasma or urine with sub-ng/mL sensitivity.
- Environmental testing: multi-residue pesticide screening in water and soil extracts per EPA Method 531.1 and EU SANTE/11312/2021 guidelines.
- Food safety: mycotoxin detection (e.g., aflatoxins, ochratoxin A), preservative quantitation, and authenticity verification via fingerprint chromatography.
FAQ
Is this unit refurbished or used-as-is?
This instrument is a pre-owned, fully tested system sourced from operational laboratory environments. It has undergone functional validation at SpectraLab Scientific—including pressure integrity checks, flow accuracy verification, DAD wavelength calibration, and autosampler precision testing—and is supplied with all original modules, cables, and documentation.
Does it include current software licenses?
The system ships with LabSolutions LC software v5.x installed and activated. Valid software maintenance contracts may be renewed directly with Shimadzu or authorized partners; legacy license keys remain valid for supported versions.
Can it be upgraded to support newer Shimadzu detectors or modules?
Yes—the CBM-20A controller supports backward- and forward-compatible communication protocols. Integration of newer detectors (e.g., RF-20Axs fluorescence detector) or auxiliary devices (e.g., Nexera UC preparative module) requires firmware updates and physical interface verification by qualified service personnel.
What does the 6-month warranty cover?
The warranty covers parts and labor for defects in materials or workmanship under normal laboratory use. Exclusions include consumables (seals, frits, lamps), damage from improper installation or environmental conditions (e.g., voltage spikes, dust ingress), and software configuration errors.
Is method transfer support available post-purchase?
SpectraLab Scientific provides complimentary method optimization guidance and UFLC-to-HPLC conversion assistance for the first 30 days following delivery, including parameter scaling recommendations and troubleshooting notes aligned with ASTM D7813 and ISO 17025 documentation practices.
