Agela FL-MH100 Modular Preparative Liquid Chromatography System

Overview

The Agela FL-MH100 Modular Preparative Liquid Chromatography System is an engineered solution for synthetic organic chemists, medicinal chemists, and process development laboratories requiring reliable, scalable, and methodologically flexible purification of small-molecule compounds. Built on the principles of low-pressure to medium-pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC/MPLC), the system operates within a pressure range suitable for silica- and polymer-based stationary phases (typically up to 20 MPa), supporting both normal-phase and reversed-phase separation modes. Its architecture enables seamless integration of gradient-capable dual piston pumps, UV/Vis detection with variable-wavelength capability (e.g., 190–400 nm), and intelligent fraction collection—making it suitable for iterative compound isolation in drug discovery, natural product purification, and impurity enrichment workflows.

Key Features

• Modular Configuration: Users select and combine core modules—including high-precision dual-piston solvent delivery units, UV/Vis detectors with flow cell options (e.g., 8 mm pathlength, 1.5 mL volume), and optional mass-directed or ELSD detection interfaces—based on specific application requirements.
• Bidirectional Elution Capability: The system supports both forward and reverse flow direction without hardware reconfiguration, facilitating column regeneration, backflushing of particulates, and method optimization across diverse sample matrices.
• Four-Dimensional Fraction Collection: Automated fraction triggering based on time, UV threshold, peak apex detection, or user-defined retention windows; compatible with standard 13 mm × 100 mm test tubes, 96-well plates, and custom vial racks via programmable X-Y-Z robotic arm positioning.
• Large-Volume & Continuous Cross-Injection: Equipped with a high-capacity loop injector (up to 5 mL) and optional dual-loop configuration enabling uninterrupted sample loading during ongoing separation—minimizing downtime between injections in high-throughput campaigns.
• Intuitive Touchscreen Interface: A 10.1-inch capacitive display running embedded Linux-based control software provides real-time chromatogram visualization, method storage (≥1,000 methods), password-protected user roles, and audit-trail-enabled operation logs compliant with GLP documentation standards.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FL-MH100 accommodates crude reaction mixtures, extracted natural product fractions, and formulated APIs with solubility in common organic solvents (e.g., hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, acetonitrile, water). It supports columns from 10 mm to 100 mm internal diameter and lengths up to 500 mm, compatible with silica gel, C18, amino, cyano, and diol phases. All fluidic pathways are constructed from chemically resistant materials (e.g., PEEK, stainless steel 316L, sapphire windows) ensuring compatibility with aggressive solvents and acidic/basic mobile phases. The system meets CE marking requirements and adheres to IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment. Data integrity features—including electronic signatures, session-based audit trails, and exportable .csv/.pdf reports—support alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations where configured with networked authentication and backup protocols.

Software & Data Management

Control and data acquisition are managed via Agela ChromoView™ PC software (Windows 10/11 compatible), offering method development tools such as gradient scouting, peak tracking, and retention time prediction algorithms. Raw chromatographic data are stored in vendor-neutral .cdf format (compatible with OpenLab CDS, Chromeleon, and Empower). The software supports automated report generation with customizable templates, batch processing of multiple runs, and integration with LIMS through ODBC or REST API endpoints. All method parameters, instrument status logs, and fraction mapping metadata are timestamped and linked to operator IDs—enabling full traceability required under ISO/IEC 17025 and pharmaceutical GMP environments.

Applications

• Purification of synthetic intermediates and final APIs in early-stage drug discovery
• Isolation of bioactive constituents from plant extracts and fermentation broths
• Removal of catalysts, ligands, and residual metals from transition-metal-catalyzed reactions
• Chiral separation using immobilized polysaccharide-based columns (e.g., Chiralpak AD-H, OD-H)
• Preparative-scale desalting and buffer exchange of peptide fractions prior to lyophilization
• Supporting DOE (Design of Experiments) studies for mobile phase optimization and column screening

FAQ

What column dimensions and flow rates is the FL-MH100 rated for?
The system supports analytical-to-preparative scale columns (i.d. 10–100 mm) with maximum recommended flow rates ranging from 5 mL/min (for 10 mm i.d.) to 120 mL/min (for 50 mm i.d.), depending on column packing and backpressure constraints.
Does the system support method transfer from analytical HPLC to preparative scale?
Yes—ChromoView™ includes a scale-up calculator that converts analytical gradient profiles and retention data into equivalent preparative conditions using linear velocity and mass load normalization principles.
Is remote monitoring or unattended overnight operation possible?
The system supports scheduled run execution, email alerts upon completion or error, and secure remote desktop access via IT-approved VPN configurations—subject to local network policy compliance.
Can the FL-MH100 be integrated with mass spectrometry for fraction triggering?
While the base configuration does not include MS coupling, the system features analog/digital I/O ports and TTL-compatible triggers compatible with third-party mass spectrometers for real-time mass-directed collection when used with appropriate interface hardware.
What service and validation support is provided?
Agela offers IQ/OQ documentation packages, preventive maintenance contracts, and on-site technician training aligned with ASTM E2500 and USP guidelines for analytical instrument qualification.