Shimadzu LC-10A Used High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph

Overview

The Shimadzu LC-10A is a robust, entry-level high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) originally engineered for routine analytical laboratories requiring reliable isocratic or gradient separations. Built on Shimadzu’s proven dual-plunger reciprocating pump architecture and UV-VIS detection platform, the LC-10A operates on classical reversed-phase, normal-phase, and ion-exchange chromatographic principles. Its modular design includes an LC-10AT solvent delivery unit, an SPD-10A UV-Vis absorbance detector (fixed wavelength at 254 nm or variable-wavelength operation up to 370 nm), an SCL-10A system controller, and optional auto-sampler compatibility (e.g., SIL-10A). Though superseded by newer models such as the LC-2010 series, the LC-10A remains widely deployed in QC labs, academic teaching facilities, and contract testing environments due to its mechanical durability, straightforward maintenance protocol, and well-documented method transfer history across pharmaceutical, environmental, and food safety applications.

Key Features

• Stable isocratic and low-pressure gradient elution capability via LC-10AT pump (flow range: 0.1–9.9 mL/min, max pressure: 39.2 MPa)
• SPD-10A UV-Vis detector with ±0.001 AU baseline noise (254 nm, 1 s response), 10 mm pathlength flow cell, and analog/digital output interfaces
• SCL-10A system controller supporting real-time parameter monitoring, method storage (up to 10 methods), and RS-232C communication with external data systems
• Proven long-term reliability—mechanical components engineered for >10,000 hours of continuous operation under standard lab conditions
• Full service history verification available; units undergo full functional validation including pump leak test, detector linearity check (using potassium dichromate NIST-traceable standards), and column oven temperature calibration (if equipped)
• Compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 preconditions for method validation when operated within documented operating ranges and maintained per Shimadzu Technical Bulletin LC-10A-MNT-2018

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LC-10A accommodates standard 3.9–4.6 mm ID analytical columns (150–250 mm length) packed with C18, C8, phenyl-hexyl, or silica-based stationary phases. It supports aqueous mobile phases (e.g., water/acetonitrile or water/methanol gradients), buffered systems (e.g., phosphate or acetate buffers, pH 2.5–7.5), and low-viscosity organic modifiers. While not inherently compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, the system can be integrated into validated workflows when paired with compliant third-party acquisition software (e.g., Empower 3 or Chromeleon 7.2) and operated under documented GLP/GMP procedures—including audit trail generation, electronic signature enforcement, and periodic performance qualification (PQ) per ASTM E2500-13 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

The native Class VP software (v6.x or earlier) provides basic instrument control, chromatogram acquisition, peak integration, and report generation. All refurbished units ship with licensed, activation-verified copies of Class VP and include full driver packages for Windows 7/10 (32-bit). Raw data files (.chm, .dat) are fully compatible with open-format converters (e.g., AIA/ANDI standards) for import into LIMS or ELN platforms. Optional firmware upgrades enable enhanced timing resolution (100 ms dwell time) and improved baseline stability during extended runs (>60 min). Data integrity is preserved through hardware timestamping embedded in the SCL-10A controller and detector firmware.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical QC: Assay of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), related substances testing per USP , dissolution profile analysis
• Environmental testing: Quantification of PAHs, phenols, and chlorinated pesticides in water and soil extracts (EPA Methods 8330B, 8080A)
• Food safety: Detection of mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A), preservatives (sorbic acid, benzoic acid), and artificial colors (Allura Red, Tartrazine)
• Academic research: Teaching chromatographic theory, retention modeling, and method development fundamentals
• Contract laboratories: Cost-effective platform for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited routine analyses where throughput and regulatory traceability are balanced against capital expenditure constraints

FAQ

Is the LC-10A compatible with modern data systems and LIMS?
Yes—when configured with Class VP and appropriate interface cards (RS-232 or optional GPIB), it supports ASCII-based data export and can be integrated into validated LIMS environments using middleware compliant with ASTM E1469-18.
What documentation accompanies each unit?
Each system ships with full refurbishment report, operational qualification (OQ) summary, calibration certificates for detector wavelength and flow accuracy, and original Shimadzu manuals (English translation included).
Can I upgrade the detector to a photodiode array (PDA)?
No—the SPD-10A is not field-upgradable to PDA functionality; however, the SPD-M10A PDA detector from later Shimadzu platforms is physically incompatible with the LC-10A controller bus.
What consumables and spare parts are readily available?
Pump seals, rotor seals for the injector valve, UV lamp assemblies (L6380), and standard HPLC tubing/fittings remain in global distribution through Shimadzu-authorized channels and third-party OEM suppliers.
Does the 6-month warranty cover labor and parts globally?
Warranty covers parts and labor for defects in materials or workmanship when serviced by certified technicians; international support requires advance coordination and may incur logistics surcharges outside APAC regions.