Agilent 1260 Infinity II Modular HPLC System
| Brand | Agilent Technologies |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | 1260 Infinity II |
| Instrument Type | Conventional High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph |
| Application Scope | General-purpose QC/QA, R&D, and routine analytical laboratories |
| Flow Rate Range | 0.2–10 mL/min |
| Maximum Pressure | 600 bar |
| Flow Precision | ≤0.07% RSD |
| Injection Volume Range | 0–100 µL |
| Sample Tray Capacity | 100 positions (expandable to 6144 via microtiter plates) |
| Column Oven Temperature Range | 4–80 °C |
| UV-Vis Wavelength Range | 190–900 nm |
| Data Acquisition Rate | 80 Hz |
Overview
The Agilent 1260 Infinity II Modular HPLC System is a high-performance, scalable liquid chromatography platform engineered for precision, reproducibility, and long-term operational stability in regulated and non-regulated laboratory environments. Based on proven quaternary and binary pumping architectures, the system operates under the fundamental principles of high-pressure liquid chromatography—utilizing precise solvent delivery, thermally controlled column separation, and high-sensitivity UV-Vis detection to resolve complex mixtures with robust retention time stability and peak shape fidelity. Designed to meet the evolving demands of pharmaceutical quality control, environmental testing, food safety, and academic research, the 1260 Infinity II supports both conventional 3–5 µm particle columns and advanced superficially porous (e.g., Poroshell 120) and sub-2-µm fully porous columns—enabling method transfer across legacy and next-generation workflows without hardware replacement.
Key Features
- Modular architecture allows seamless expansion from a single-pump configuration to a full quaternary gradient system, compatible with other 1200/1260 Infinity II modules including autosamplers, column ovens, and detectors.
- Binary or quaternary pump options deliver flow rates from 0.2 to 10 mL/min with ≤0.07% RSD precision at 200 bar—supporting analytical, semi-preparative, and method development applications.
- High-pressure capability up to 600 bar enables use of modern narrow-bore and short-length columns packed with sub-2-µm particles, improving resolution and reducing analysis time.
- Agilent 1260 Infinity II Multisampler features dual-needle injection, programmable needle wash (with three-solvent external rinse and seat-backflush), and cross-contamination <10 ppm—critical for trace-level quantitation and high-throughput screening.
- Front-access maintenance design permits rapid replacement of pumps, valves, seals, and detector lamps without disassembly—minimizing instrument downtime and service intervention.
- Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) continuously monitors component usage (e.g., pump seal wear, lamp hours, valve actuations) and logs events into the system audit trail for proactive service planning.
- InfinityLab Quick-Connect fittings reduce connection errors and leak risk while accelerating column and tubing changes—enhancing method reproducibility and operator safety.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The system accommodates standard 1.5 mL vials, 2 mL vials, and 96-/384-well microtiter plates via optional shallow-drawer trays (up to 16 plates, 6144 samples). It complies with global regulatory expectations for data integrity and instrument qualification: built-in self-test routines, electronic logbooks, pre-programmed system suitability tests (SST), and full support for 21 CFR Part 11-compliant chromatography data systems (CDS) such as OpenLab CDS. All firmware and embedded software adhere to IEC 62304 medical device software standards where applicable, and mechanical components meet ISO 9001-certified manufacturing protocols. The system satisfies ASTM E2656 (Standard Practice for HPLC System Suitability), USP <621>, and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements when operated within validated methods and documented SOPs.
Software & Data Management
Control and data acquisition are managed through Agilent Instrument Control Framework (ICF), enabling interoperability with third-party CDS platforms—including Thermo Chromeleon, Waters Empower, and Shimadzu LabSolutions—via standardized API interfaces. Onboard diagnostics integrate with Agilent Lab Advisor software, providing real-time performance monitoring, predictive alerts for consumables life-cycle thresholds, and automated generation of maintenance reports compliant with GLP/GMP documentation standards. Raw data files (.D directories) follow the Agilent MassHunter-compatible format, supporting post-run reprocessing, spectral deconvolution (for DAD), and integration with LIMS via ASTM E1578-compliant export protocols. Audit trails record all user actions—including method edits, sequence modifications, and calibration events—with immutable timestamps and operator authentication.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical QC: Assay, related substances, dissolution testing, and stability-indicating methods per ICH Q2(R2) guidelines.
- Environmental analysis: Pesticide residue screening (EPA Method 531.1), PAHs, and pharmaceuticals in wastewater per ISO 21675.
- Food & beverage: Mycotoxin quantification (aflatoxins, ochratoxin A), preservative profiling, and vitamin analysis per AOAC Official Methods.
- Academic & industrial R&D: Method scouting, column screening, and forced degradation studies leveraging fast gradient capabilities and thermal column management.
- Biochemical separations: Peptide mapping, oligonucleotide purity assessment, and small-molecule metabolite profiling using reversed-phase and HILIC chemistries.
FAQ
Is the Agilent 1260 Infinity II compatible with UHPLC columns?
Yes—the system’s 600 bar pressure rating and low dwell volume (< 700 µL) enable effective operation with 2.7 µm superficially porous and sub-2 µm fully porous columns, though optimal performance at >1000 bar requires the Agilent 1290 Infinity II platform.
Does it support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance out-of-the-box?
The hardware and firmware support Part 11 requirements; full compliance depends on implementation within a validated OpenLab CDS environment, including electronic signatures, audit trail activation, and role-based access controls.
Can the autosampler handle viscous or particulate-containing samples?
With optional syringe filtration and needle wash optimization, the system handles samples up to ~20 cP viscosity; however, filtration prior to injection is recommended for samples containing suspended solids to prevent check valve clogging.
What column oven configurations are supported?
The 1260 Infinity II High-Capacity Column Compartment accommodates up to four columns (each up to 250 mm × 4.6 mm) with independent flow switching via integrated 6-port/2-position valves—eliminating manual tubing reconfiguration.
How is system suitability verified?
Pre-loaded SST methods include tailing factor, resolution, %RSD of retention time and peak area, and theoretical plates calculation—automatically executed and reported within OpenLab CDS or via standalone instrument diagnostics.
