Agilent 1260 Infinity SFC / UHPLC Hybrid System
| Brand | Agilent Technologies |
|---|---|
| Origin | Canada |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | 1260 Infinity |
| Price Range | USD 13,500 – 40,500 (FOB) |
| Product Category | Chromatography |
| Operational Age | 4–5 years |
| Warranty | 6 months |
Overview
The Agilent 1260 Infinity SFC / UHPLC Hybrid System is a rigorously refurbished, dual-mode chromatographic platform engineered for orthogonal separation science. It integrates supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) capabilities within a single, modular architecture—enabling method development flexibility without hardware duplication. At its core, the system leverages CO2-based mobile phases under precisely controlled temperature and backpressure conditions to achieve high-resolution separations of chiral and achiral small molecules, particularly low-abundance impurities in pharmaceutical intermediates, natural products, and synthetic APIs. Unlike conventional HPLC systems, SFC mode operates with food-grade carbon dioxide as the primary eluent, significantly reducing solvent consumption and disposal costs while delivering chromatographic efficiency comparable to LC-MS workflows. The hybrid design supports seamless switching between SFC and UHPLC modes via software-controlled valve sequencing—eliminating manual reconfiguration and preserving column integrity across analytical campaigns.
Key Features
- Modular SFC/UHPLC architecture with G4301A SFC Module Controller, G4302A SFC Binary Pump, and G4303A SFC Autosampler—fully calibrated and validated per Agilent-recommended protocols
- G1379B Vacuum Degasser and G1316A Column Compartment with ±0.1 °C temperature stability for reproducible retention time control
- Compatible with multiple detection modalities: G1315D/C Diode Array Detector (DAD), 6000-series LC/MS interfaces, Agilent 1260 ELSD, or SIM-FID for non-UV-absorbing analytes
- Backpressure regulator (BPR) capable of maintaining stable supercritical conditions up to 400 bar, ensuring consistent density-dependent selectivity
- Fully refurbished by SpectraLab Scientific to OEM specifications—including leak testing, pump flow accuracy verification (<±0.5% RSD), and detector baseline noise assessment (<0.5 mAU)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The system is validated for analysis of thermally labile, polar, and chiral compounds—including enantiomeric excess determination per ICH Q5A and USP residual solvents guidelines. Its SFC configuration complies with ASTM D7793–16 for hydrocarbon fingerprinting and ISO 17025:2017 requirements when operated under documented SOPs. All refurbished units undergo full GLP-compliant functional testing, including system suitability checks per USP for resolution, tailing factor, and plate count. Data integrity is maintained through audit-trail-enabled instrument control software compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic record environments.
Software & Data Management
Controlled via Agilent OpenLab CDS (ChemStation Edition or OpenLab ECM), the system supports automated method transfer, sequence scheduling, and real-time chromatogram review. Raw data files (.D format) are natively compatible with MassHunter, ChemStation, and third-party processing tools such as ACD/Labs and Empower. Instrument diagnostics—including pressure transients, detector lamp hours, and autosampler syringe wear metrics—are logged with timestamps and user IDs to support regulatory traceability. Optional integration with LIMS platforms is available via standard OPC UA or ODBC interfaces.
Applications
- Chiral purity assessment of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates using polysaccharide-based columns (e.g., Chiralpak AD-H, AS-H)
- Impurity profiling in generic drug submissions per ICH Q3B(R2) thresholds
- High-throughput screening of catalyst libraries in asymmetric synthesis
- Analysis of lipid classes and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) in nutraceuticals without derivatization
- Residual solvent quantification in excipients using headspace-SFC-GC coupling
FAQ
Is this system fully compliant with current regulatory data integrity standards?
Yes—each unit ships with pre-installed OpenLab CDS configured for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, including electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access controls.
What documentation accompanies the refurbished instrument?
You receive a comprehensive refurbishment report, calibration certificates for all critical modules, system suitability test results, and a traceable chain-of-custody log from original installation to final validation.
Can the system be upgraded to support mass spectrometry detection?
Yes—the G4302A pump and G1315D detector feature standard LC/MS interface ports; compatibility with Agilent 6100/6200 series MS systems is verified during refurbishment.
What maintenance support is available post-purchase?
SpectraLab Scientific provides remote troubleshooting, on-site service contracts, and access to genuine Agilent spare parts with lead times under 5 business days.
How is column compatibility managed between SFC and UHPLC modes?
The system includes dual-column switching manifolds and pressure-rated fittings rated for both subcritical and supercritical CO2—ensuring safe operation with silica, C18, and chiral stationary phases across both modes.
