Beckman Coulter P/ACE MDQ Capillary Electrophoresis System (Refurbished)
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | P/ACE MDQ |
| Price Range | USD 13,500 – 40,500 (FOB) |
| Product Category | Capillary Electrophoresis Instrument |
| Operational Age | 3–4 years |
| Warranty | 6 months comprehensive |
| Included Components | Full system configuration (capillary cartridge, high-voltage power supply, UV-Vis detector, autosampler, CE control software, and validated startup kit) |
Overview
The Beckman Coulter P/ACE™ MDQ Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) System is a modular, fully automated platform engineered for high-resolution, rapid separation of charged analytes across molecular weight ranges—from small inorganic ions to large biomolecules including proteins, glycans, nucleic acids, and intact viral particles. Operating on the principle of electrokinetic migration in fused-silica capillaries under high electric fields (up to ±30 kV), the P/ACE MDQ delivers exceptional separation efficiency (>500,000 theoretical plates/m), minimal sample consumption (nL injection volumes), and reproducible run-to-run performance. Its design reflects over three decades of Beckman Coulter’s leadership in CE instrumentation—beginning with the first commercial CE system launched in 1989—and incorporates robust thermal management, precise capillary temperature control (±0.1 °C), and integrated pressure-assisted sample injection for enhanced precision and carryover reduction. As a refurbished unit certified by SpectraLab Scientific, this system has undergone full functional validation per ASTM E2915-22 (Standard Practice for Evaluation of Refurbished Analytical Instruments), including baseline noise assessment, voltage stability verification, detector linearity calibration (200–400 nm), and electrophoretic mobility repeatability testing (<2% RSD over 10 consecutive runs).
Key Features
- Modular architecture supporting UV-Vis absorbance detection (190–400 nm, fixed-wavelength or scanning), with optional upgrade paths to laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) or contactless conductivity detection
- Automated capillary conditioning, rinsing, and storage protocols minimizing manual intervention and operator variability
- Integrated high-voltage power supply with real-time current monitoring and arc suppression circuitry for stable operation during extended runs
- Programmable injection modes: hydrodynamic (pressure), electrokinetic (voltage), or combined—enabling optimization for ionic strength-sensitive samples
- Temperature-controlled cartridge compartment (15–60 °C, ±0.1 °C stability) critical for reproducible mobility-based separations
- Compliance-ready firmware with audit trail logging, user access levels, and electronic signature support aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The P/ACE MDQ accommodates a broad spectrum of sample matrices without derivatization, including biological fluids (serum, CSF, urine), pharmaceutical formulations, environmental extracts, food homogenates, and polymer solutions. It supports multiple CE modes: capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE), capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF), and capillary isotachophoresis (CITP). Method transfer and validation align with ICH Q2(R2), USP , and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 frameworks. The system meets essential requirements for GLP/GMP environments, with documented IQ/OQ protocols available upon request. All refurbished units include traceable calibration records for detector response, voltage output, and temperature sensor accuracy.
Software & Data Management
Controlled via Beckman Coulter’s 32-bit P/ACE System Software v3.2.1 (Windows 10-compatible), the platform provides intuitive method development tools, real-time electropherogram visualization, peak integration with baseline correction algorithms (tangent skim, vertical drop), and customizable reporting templates compliant with ALCOA+ data integrity principles. Raw data files (.CEW) are stored in vendor-neutral formats (CSV export supported), and metadata—including instrument parameters, environmental logs, and user actions—is embedded and cryptographically timestamped. Integration with LIMS systems is achieved via OPC UA or direct database connectors (ODBC/JDBC). Audit trails are immutable, searchable, and exportable for regulatory submissions.
Applications
- Ion analysis: Quantitative determination of anions (Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻) and cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺) in wastewater, electroplating baths, and beverage matrices—achieving sub-ppb LODs with suppressed conductivity detection
- Chiral separations: Enantioselective resolution of pharmaceuticals using cyclodextrin-modified buffers; validated per USP and EP 2.2.48 for assay of chiral impurities in APIs
- PTA purity testing: Routine quantification of 4-CBA and p-Tol in purified terephthalic acid per SH/T 1687–2000, with <1.5% RSD inter-day precision
- Nucleic acid characterization: ssDNA/dsDNA fragment sizing (10–10,000 bp), QC of oligonucleotide therapeutics, PCR product purity assessment, and aptamer selection workflows
- Protein charge heterogeneity: cIEF-based profiling of monoclonal antibody acidic/basic variants, deamidation, and oxidation products under non-denaturing conditions
FAQ
Is this a factory-refurbished unit or third-party refurbished?
This P/ACE MDQ system has been refurbished and validated by SpectraLab Scientific under ISO 9001-certified processes, including full electrical safety testing, optical path alignment, and performance qualification against original Beckman Coulter specifications.
Does the 6-month warranty cover parts, labor, and on-site service?
Yes—the warranty includes all components, labor, remote diagnostics, and one on-site technical visit within North America or EU regions. Extended service plans with SLA-backed response times are available.
Can the system be upgraded to support LIF detection post-purchase?
Yes—hardware-ready configurations include pre-aligned optical ports and power supply headroom for seamless LIF module integration (e.g., Beckman Coulter 355 nm diode laser + PMT detector).
Are original method libraries and application notes included?
All units ship with a digital archive of Beckman Coulter’s CE Application Library (v2023), including SOPs for USP/EP monographs, regulatory-compliant validation templates, and peer-reviewed separation methods.
What documentation accompanies the system?
You receive a Certificate of Refurbishment, IQ/OQ summary report, calibration certificates for detector wavelength and temperature sensors, and a complete set of operational manuals (English).
