Hitachi Primaide PLUS High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph
| Brand | Hitachi |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Instrument Type | Conventional HPLC System |
| Flow Rate Range | 0.001–9.999 mL/min |
| Maximum Pressure | 39.2 MPa |
| Flow Accuracy | ≤0.075% RSD |
| Injection Volume Range | 0.1–50 µL |
| Sample Tray Capacity | 200 positions |
| Column Oven Temperature Range | (Ambient −15 °C) to 65 °C |
| UV-Vis Wavelength Range | 190–900 nm |
Overview
The Hitachi Primaide PLUS is a modular, high-reliability high-performance liquid chromatograph engineered for precision, robustness, and method development flexibility in regulated and research laboratory environments. Based on the proven Primaide platform, the PLUS iteration integrates architectural enhancements—including an upright, high-capacity column oven and upgraded optical detection modules—to support complex multi-column configurations, multi-valve switching schemes, and extended gradient methods. Its core separation principle relies on high-pressure liquid mobile phase delivery through packed analytical columns, with retention governed by analyte partitioning between stationary and mobile phases. Designed for compliance-ready operation, the system meets foundational requirements for GLP and GMP-aligned workflows, including stable baseline performance, pressure pulse suppression, and traceable instrument control.
Key Features
- Upright, High-Capacity Column Oven: Engineered for thermal stability across (ambient −15 °C) to 65 °C, with uniformity ≤±0.2 °C. Accommodates up to three 250 mm columns simultaneously and supports integrated valve manifolds for heart-cutting, column-switching, or multidimensional LC applications.
- High-Precision Binary Solvent Delivery: Dual-plunger reciprocating pump with proprietary pressure pulsation suppression technology ensures ≤0.075% RSD flow accuracy across the full 0.001–9.999 mL/min range, even at low flow rates critical for nano/micro-LC coupling or narrow-bore column use.
- 200-Position Autosampler: Features variable injection volume (0.1–50 µL), needle wash capability, and programmable injection sequence logic—enabling unattended batch analysis compliant with ASTM D8073 and ISO 17025 sample handling protocols.
- Enhanced Fluorescence Detection (FLD): Upgraded excitation/emission optics deliver 30% higher sensitivity vs. prior generation; lamp lifetime extended to ≥2,300 hours. Supports time-programmable excitation/emission wavelength scanning and spectral storage for peak identification and purity assessment.
- Multi-Detector Compatibility: Interchangeable detector modules include low-drift UV-Vis (190–900 nm), diode array (DAD) with real-time spectral acquisition and peak purity evaluation, and optional electrochemical (ECD) or conductivity detectors for specialized applications.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Primaide PLUS accommodates a broad spectrum of sample matrices—including pharmaceutical actives, natural product extracts, food contaminants (e.g., aflatoxins), environmental pollutants, and biopolymer digests—without requiring hardware modification. Its solvent compatibility covers aqueous buffers, acetonitrile, methanol, THF, and chlorinated solvents within pressure and temperature limits. The system architecture conforms to key regulatory expectations: data integrity safeguards via audit-trail-enabled software (ChromAssist Data Station), electronic signature support aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, and documented IQ/OQ protocols available upon request. All optical and fluidic modules are CE-marked and comply with IEC 61010-1 safety standards.
Software & Data Management
ChromAssist Data Station provides integrated instrument control, real-time chromatogram visualization, peak integration using ISO 14155-compliant algorithms, and customizable report generation. The software supports method transfer validation (per USP ), system suitability testing (SST) automation, and spectral library matching (NIST, Wiley). Raw data files adhere to ANDI/NetCDF format for long-term archival and third-party reprocessing. Audit trails record all parameter changes, user logins, and report exports with timestamps and operator IDs—meeting GLP documentation requirements for contract research organizations and quality control labs.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical QC/QA: Assay, related substances, dissolution testing per USP monographs
- Food Safety: Quantification of aflatoxin B₁, B₂, G₁, G₂ in cereals, nuts, and spices per AOAC 2005.08
- Natural Products: Profiling of flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids in herbal extracts
- Environmental Analysis: Detection of PAHs, phenols, and pesticides in water and soil extracts
- Academic Research: Method development for chiral separations, hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC), and 2D-LC
FAQ
Does the Primaide PLUS support gradient elution with four solvent channels?
No—the standard configuration includes binary gradient capability. A quaternary pump module is available as an optional upgrade for multi-solvent method development.
Is the column oven compatible with 100 mm × 4.6 mm ID columns rated for 60 MPa?
Yes—the oven’s mechanical design accommodates standard 100–250 mm columns; however, maximum system pressure remains 39.2 MPa regardless of column rating.
Can ChromAssist Data Station generate 21 CFR Part 11-compliant reports without additional licensing?
Yes—audit trail, electronic signatures, and role-based access control are embedded features, not add-on modules.
What is the typical warm-up time required for UV-Vis detector baseline stabilization?
Under ambient lab conditions (20–25 °C), photodiode array stabilization is achieved within 30 minutes; deuterium/tungsten lamp intensity drift remains <0.5% over 8-hour continuous operation.
Are replacement parts and service manuals available globally?
Yes—Hitachi High Technologies maintains regional service centers in North America, EMEA, and APAC, with spare parts inventory and certified technician dispatch available under annual maintenance contracts.
