UltimateOpto UC-3210 Integrated Quaternary Low-Pressure Gradient HPLC System
| Brand | UltimateOpto |
|---|---|
| Model | UC-3210 |
| Instrument Type | Conventional High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph |
| Flow Rate Range | 0.001–9.999 mL/min |
| Pump Type | Dual-Piston Series Configuration with Electronic Pressure Pulsation Damping |
| Flow Accuracy | <0.4% RSD at 1 mL/min (deionized water, 25 °C) |
| Flow Precision | 0.1% RSD at 1 mL/min (deionized water, 25 °C) |
| Maximum Pressure | 40 MPa at 1 mL/min (deionized water, 25 °C) |
| Pressure Pulsation | <0.05 MPa at 1 mL/min (deionized water, 25 °C) |
| Gradient Accuracy | ≤1% |
| Wavelength Range | 190–740 nm |
| Light Source | Deuterium Lamp |
| Wavelength Accuracy | ±1 nm |
| Spectral Scanning | Stop-Flow Auto-Scan |
| Baseline Noise | 2×10⁻⁵ AU at 240 nm (25 °C) |
| Baseline Drift | 15×10⁻⁵ AU/h at 240 nm (25 °C) |
| LOD | 5×10⁻⁹ g/mL (naphthalene, 254 nm, methanol mobile phase, 25 °C) |
| Interface | RS-232 |
| Display | 5.6-inch color TFT LCD |
| Power Supply | 220 V AC, 180 W |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 400×480×360 mm |
| Weight | 32 kg |
Overview
The UltimateOpto UC-3210 Integrated Quaternary Low-Pressure Gradient HPLC System is a compact, benchtop high-performance liquid chromatography platform engineered for precision, reproducibility, and operational efficiency in routine analytical laboratories. Unlike modular HPLC configurations, the UC-3210 integrates the high-pressure binary or quaternary solvent delivery system, variable-wavelength UV/Vis detector, 7725i-compatible manual or automated injection valve interface, and thermostatically controlled column oven into a single chassis—minimizing inter-component dwell volume and eliminating external tubing-induced dispersion. Its core separation mechanism relies on isocratic or gradient elution via low-pressure mixing of up to four solvents prior to the pump head, enabling flexible method development while maintaining robust baseline stability and retention time reproducibility. Designed for compliance-critical environments, the system supports full remote control and audit-ready data handling when paired with validated chromatography data systems (CDS).
Key Features
- Monolithic chassis architecture reduces total system dwell volume to <150 µL, enhancing gradient delay time consistency and peak shape fidelity.
- Selectable gradient configuration: quaternary low-pressure mixing (standard) or optional binary high-pressure gradient mode—enabling method portability across instrument classes.
- Dual-piston series pump with real-time electronic pressure pulsation damping eliminates mechanical pulse dampers, reducing maintenance intervals and improving long-term flow stability.
- UV/Vis detector features fully digital signal processing, stop-flow spectral scanning (190–740 nm), and programmable wavelength gradients—supporting multi-analyte detection without hardware reconfiguration.
- Column compartment maintains temperature from ambient +5 °C to 80 °C (±0.2 °C), with pre-heated inlet lines to minimize thermal band broadening.
- 5.6-inch color TFT display with intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) enables standalone operation—including method loading, system self-test, and real-time chromatogram viewing—without PC dependency.
- RS-232 serial interface ensures seamless integration with third-party CDS platforms compliant with ASTM E1957, ISO/IEC 17025, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The UC-3210 accommodates standard 3.0–4.6 mm ID analytical columns (up to 250 mm length) and is compatible with reversed-phase (C18, C8), HILIC, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chemistries. It supports mobile phases containing aqueous buffers (e.g., phosphate, acetate), organic modifiers (acetonitrile, methanol), and additives (TFA, formic acid) within pH 1.5–12.0 limits. The system meets ICH Q2(R2) guidelines for method validation parameters including specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness. Its hardware design aligns with GLP/GMP laboratory infrastructure requirements, and all firmware logs—including pressure, flow, lamp status, and error events—are timestamped and exportable for regulatory audits.
Software & Data Management
The UC-3210 operates under full reverse control via UltimateOpto’s certified ChromoLink CDS software (v3.2+), which provides complete instrument parameterization—including gradient profiles, detection wavelength programs, column oven setpoints, and auto-zero calibration routines—from a centralized interface. Data acquisition occurs at 20 Hz with 24-bit ADC resolution; raw chromatograms are stored in open-format .CDF (NetCDF-based) files compliant with ASTM E2524. Audit trail functionality records all user actions, method modifications, and sequence changes with operator ID and timestamp. Export options include CSV, PDF, and XML for LIMS integration. Software validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ protocols) and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance packages are available upon request.
Applications
This system is routinely deployed in pharmaceutical QC labs for assay quantitation (e.g., API purity per USP ), dissolution testing, and stability-indicating methods. It supports environmental analysis (EPA Method 8330B for PAHs), food safety screening (mycotoxins, pesticides per AOAC 2012.01), and academic research requiring reliable small-molecule separation (e.g., natural product fractionation, metabolite profiling). Its low-pressure gradient architecture facilitates rapid method scouting with minimal solvent consumption, while its UV spectral scanning capability aids peak purity assessment per ICH Q5C recommendations.
FAQ
Is the UC-3210 compatible with autosamplers?
Yes—its RS-232 interface supports industry-standard TTL-level trigger signals for synchronization with third-party autosamplers (e.g., CTC PAL, GERSTEL MPS).
Can the system be upgraded to support high-pressure gradient mixing?
Yes—hardware retrofit kits (dual high-pressure pump module + mixer) and corresponding firmware updates are available as factory-authorized options.
Does the detector support post-run spectral deconvolution?
No—the detector performs real-time or stop-flow scanning only; spectral library matching requires post-acquisition processing in ChromoLink or third-party tools like OpenChrom.
What is the warranty coverage and service response time?
Standard warranty is 24 months parts-and-labor; extended service plans with 4-hour remote diagnostics and next-business-day on-site support are offered globally through authorized partners.
Are consumables such as pump seals and flow cells available separately?
Yes—all critical wear components—including sapphire piston seals, PEEK frits, and fused-silica flow cells—are stocked and sold individually with full traceability documentation.
