ELGA PURELAB Ultra II Ultra Pure Water System
| Brand | ELGA (Veolia) |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Veolia Water Technologies |
| Product Type | Imported Laboratory Ultra-Pure Water System |
| Model | PURELAB Ultra II |
| Purity Grade | ASTM Type I / ISO 3696 Grade 1 / CLSI EP28-A3c compliant |
| Resistivity | 18.2 MΩ·cm @ 25 °C |
| Heavy Metals & Soluble Silica | <0.1 ppb |
| Total Organic Carbon (TOC) | 1–10 ppb |
| Microbial Count | <0.1 CFU/mL (with optional 0.1 µm terminal filter) |
| Endotoxin | <0.001 EU/mL |
| Particulates (>0.1 µm) | <1 particle/mL |
| Flow Rate | Adjustable from dropwise to 2 L/min |
| Particle Filtration | 0.2 µm final filtration |
Overview
The ELGA PURELAB Ultra II is a benchtop ultra-pure water system engineered for laboratories requiring consistent, high-fidelity Type I water per ASTM D1193, ISO 3696, and CLSI EP28-A3c standards. It employs a multi-stage purification architecture comprising reverse osmosis pre-treatment, dual-wavelength UV photo-oxidation (185/254 nm), ion exchange with Labpure high-capacity mixed-bed resins, and a final 0.2 µm sterile-grade membrane filter. The system’s core performance metric—resistivity of 18.2 MΩ·cm at 25 °C—is maintained through continuous recirculation, real-time resistivity monitoring, and automatic loop sanitization. Unlike single-pass systems, the Ultra II integrates a closed-loop distribution circuit with temperature-compensated conductivity measurement, ensuring long-term stability of critical parameters including TOC (<1–10 ppb), endotoxin (<0.001 EU/mL), and microbial load (<0.1 CFU/mL when equipped with optional 0.1 µm terminal filtration). Its design prioritizes analytical integrity for applications where trace-level contamination compromises data validity—particularly in elemental speciation, low-background spectroscopy, and regulatory-compliant QC workflows.
Key Features
- PureSure® dual-resin technology: Patented parallel resin cartridge configuration enabling uninterrupted operation during cartridge replacement, minimizing downtime and maintaining continuous 18.2 MΩ·cm output.
- Quantitative dispensing interface: Programmable volume delivery (1 mL to 2 L) with ±1% volumetric accuracy; supports repeat dispensing protocols and audit-trail-enabled session logging.
- Real-time TOC monitoring (Ultra Analytic variant): Integrated UV oxidation + NDIR detection providing continuous, non-invasive TOC quantification with 0.1 ppb resolution and <5% RSD precision.
- Smart cartridge recognition: RFID-tagged Labpure purification modules auto-identify type, remaining capacity, and service history—enabling predictive maintenance and GLP-compliant consumable tracking.
- Automated thermal & chemical sanitization: On-demand or scheduled cycles using heated water (80–85 °C) or hydrogen peroxide vapor, validated per ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom protocols.
- Modular architecture: Field-upgradable to include additional UV lamps, secondary endotoxin removal cartridges, or integrated data logger for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PURELAB Ultra II delivers water meeting stringent specifications required for high-sensitivity analytical instrumentation—including ICP-MS, HPLC-MS, GF-AAS, and trace electrochemical analysis—where sub-ppt metal contamination, organic leachables, or endotoxin carryover invalidate calibration curves or induce false positives. Its output complies with ISO 3696:1987 Grade 1, ASTM D1193-20 Type I, and EU Pharmacopoeia 2.2.48 for purified water used in pharmaceutical testing. When configured with the 0.1 µm terminal filter and validated sanitization protocol, it satisfies USP requirements for Water for Injection (WFI)-adjacent applications. All firmware and operational logs support ALCOA+ data integrity principles, and optional software packages enable full 21 CFR Part 11 audit trails—including electronic signatures, change control, and immutable record retention—for regulated environments operating under GMP/GLP frameworks.
Software & Data Management
The system features an embedded touchscreen HMI with configurable user access levels (operator, supervisor, administrator) and built-in event logging covering all critical parameters: resistivity, TOC, UV lamp intensity, flow rate, cartridge life, and sanitization cycle status. Data export is supported via USB and RS232 interfaces in CSV format for LIMS integration. Optional ELGA Connect™ software provides remote monitoring, predictive analytics for resin exhaustion, and automated report generation aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements. All system firmware updates are digitally signed and verified to ensure integrity; no third-party drivers or proprietary OS dependencies are required—enhancing cybersecurity posture in networked lab environments.
Applications
- Trace-element analysis by ICP-MS and HR-ICP-MS, where dissolved silica and alkali metals must remain below instrumental detection limits.
- HPLC and UHPLC mobile phase preparation, particularly for reversed-phase and HILIC separations sensitive to organic residuals.
- Cell culture media preparation requiring endotoxin-free water to prevent cytokine activation in primary cell assays.
- Electrochemical sensors and potentiometric titrations demanding minimal ionic background interference.
- Calibration standard preparation for EPA Method 200.8, ISO 17294-2, and ASTM D511–22.
- QC/QA labs performing routine verification of water purity per pharmacopeial monographs (USP , Ph. Eur. 2.2.48).
FAQ
Is the PURELAB Ultra II still in active production?
No. Manufacturing ceased at the Veolia UK facility in 2022. However, certified refurbished units and authorized inventory remain available through select distributors in APAC markets.
What is the end-of-life support timeline for spare parts and consumables?
Veolia guarantees availability of all OEM purification cartridges, UV lamps, filters, and service kits through December 31, 2026. Extended support agreements may be negotiated for legacy site maintenance.
Can the system be validated for GMP compliance?
Yes. The Ultra II supports IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages, including factory-issued calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards, and optional 21 CFR Part 11–enabled software for electronic records.
How does the PureSure system improve reliability compared to single-cartridge designs?
PureSure utilizes redundant resin beds operating in alternating duty cycles, allowing one bed to regenerate while the other remains online—eliminating process interruption during cartridge change and preventing transient spikes in ionic breakthrough.
Does the system require feedwater pre-treatment?
Yes. Optimal performance requires feedwater meeting ELGA’s inlet specification: conductivity <500 µS/cm, TOC <50 ppb, chlorine <0.1 ppm, and particulate load <5 ppm. A dedicated ELGA Option+ pre-treatment unit is recommended for municipal or well-water sources.
