Agilent HPLC-1220 Infinity II Liquid Chromatograph

Overview

The Agilent HPLC-1220 Infinity II is a robust, UHPLC-capable liquid chromatography system engineered for precision, reliability, and regulatory readiness in routine analytical laboratories. Built upon the proven architecture of the Agilent 1200 Infinity II platform, it employs high-pressure gradient or isocratic pumping, low-dispersion flow paths, and thermally stabilized column compartment design to deliver consistent retention time reproducibility and peak shape fidelity. Its 40 MPa (400 bar) pressure rating enables full utilization of sub-2 µm particle-packed columns—supporting faster separations, higher resolution, and improved sensitivity without compromising method transfer compatibility from legacy HPLC workflows. Designed for seamless integration into GLP-compliant environments, the system supports audit-trail-enabled software operation and meets essential requirements for data integrity under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when configured with compliant software and user access controls.

Key Features

• Modular hardware architecture: Select from single-piston isocratic pump or dual-piston quaternary gradient pump; manual injection valve or 100-position autosampler with 600 bar pressure tolerance
• Thermally optimized column oven: Maintains stable temperature from (ambient −10 °C) to +60 °C with ±0.15 °C uniformity across the chamber—critical for method robustness and retention time stability
• High-sensitivity variable wavelength detector (VWD): Scans 190–700 nm at up to 100 Hz acquisition rate; features low-noise optics and dual-beam design for baseline stability and reduced drift
• Intelligent fluidic design: Minimized dwell volume (< 600 µL in gradient configuration), low carryover (< 0.005%), and precise injection accuracy (±0.3% RSD at 10 µL)
• Factory-integrated validation: Each system undergoes full functional testing—including pressure calibration, flow accuracy verification, and detector linearity assessment—prior to shipment
• Future-ready scalability: Compatible with Agilent’s 6000-series single quadrupole mass spectrometers, RID/FLD/ELSD detectors, and optional preparative flow modules

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HPLC-1220 Infinity II accommodates standard 4.6 mm ID analytical columns (30–250 mm length), narrow-bore (2.1 mm ID), and microbore formats. It supports reversed-phase, HILIC, ion-exchange, size-exclusion, and chiral separations using aqueous/organic mobile phases, buffers (e.g., ammonium acetate, phosphate), and additives (e.g., TFA, formic acid). The system complies with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements for testing laboratories when operated within validated methods. Its hardware and firmware are compatible with IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, and when paired with Agilent OpenLab CDS or ChemStation with audit trail enabled, it satisfies key elements of FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and ICH GCP guidelines for electronic records and signatures.

Software & Data Management

Two primary software platforms are supported: Agilent OpenLab CDS (ChemStation Edition) and OpenLab ECM (Enterprise Content Management). OpenLab CDS provides intuitive method building, real-time chromatogram visualization, peak integration with customizable baselines, and automated report generation compliant with SOP templates. Audit trail functionality logs all user actions—including method edits, sequence changes, and result modifications—with timestamps, operator IDs, and reason-for-change fields. Data files adhere to ASTM E1847 and AIA/CDIF standards for long-term archival. Optional integration with LIMS via HL7 or ODBC ensures traceability across sample lifecycle management workflows.

Applications

This system serves as a core analytical platform in pharmaceutical QC/QA (assay, related substances, dissolution testing per USP ), food safety (pesticide residue screening per AOAC 2012.01), environmental analysis (PAHs, PCBs per EPA Method 8330B), and clinical research (vitamin D metabolites, therapeutic drug monitoring). Its pressure capability and low dispersion make it suitable for rapid method development with superficially porous particles (SPP) or fully porous sub-2 µm columns. The 100-vial autosampler and ambient-to-60 °C column oven support unattended overnight runs for high-throughput batch analysis in contract testing labs.

FAQ

Is the HPLC-1220 Infinity II compliant with 21 CFR Part 11?
Yes—when deployed with Agilent OpenLab CDS v3.4 or later and configured with role-based user accounts, electronic signatures, and enabled audit trail, it meets technical and procedural requirements for electronic records and signatures.
Can this system be upgraded to include mass spectrometry detection?
Yes—the front-panel interface and data acquisition architecture support direct coupling to Agilent 6100/6200 series single quadrupole MS systems via standard LC/MS interfaces and driver integration in OpenLab CDS.
What is the typical dwell volume in gradient mode?
The system achieves a total gradient dwell volume of ≤600 µL (including pump, mixer, and detector flow cell), enabling sharp gradient transitions and accurate method transfer from other Agilent Infinity II platforms.
Does the column oven support cooling below ambient temperature?
No—the oven operates from (ambient −10 °C) to +60 °C; sub-ambient cooling requires external recirculating chiller integration, which is not natively supported but feasible via third-party thermal management solutions.
Is preventive maintenance documentation included with the system?
Yes—each unit ships with a complete Preventive Maintenance Kit (PMK), service manual, and scheduled maintenance checklist aligned with Agilent’s recommended intervals (e.g., pump seal replacement every 6 months under typical use).