PerkinElmer FLEXAR™ Fluorescence Detector for HPLC
| Brand | PerkinElmer |
|---|---|
| Origin | Canada |
| Model | FLEXAR™ |
| Product Category | Fluorescence Detector (not Mass Spectrometer) |
| Usage Duration | 3–4 years |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Condition | Refurbished & Fully Tested |
Overview
The PerkinElmer FLEXAR™ Fluorescence Detector is a high-performance, benchtop optical detection module engineered for integration into high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) systems. It operates on the principle of native or derivatized fluorescence detection—exciting analytes at defined wavelengths and measuring emitted photons with high quantum efficiency photomultiplier tube (PMT) technology. Designed for demanding quantitative and qualitative applications—including pharmaceutical impurity profiling, environmental PAH analysis, amino acid quantitation, and natural product characterization—the detector delivers exceptional signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), low baseline drift, and wavelength accuracy traceable to NIST standards. Its optical architecture features dual monochromators (excitation and emission), enabling precise spectral selectivity and effective suppression of scattered light and Raman background. As a refurbished unit certified by SpectraLab Scientific, this detector has undergone full functional validation—including lamp intensity calibration, wavelength verification, linearity assessment across 3–4 orders of magnitude, and baseline stability testing per ASTM E260-21 guidelines.
Key Features
- Optimized optical path with dual grating monochromators for independent excitation (200–850 nm) and emission (200–900 nm) wavelength selection
- High-sensitivity PMT detector with selectable gain modes and auto-zero baseline correction
- Programmable wavelength switching during gradient runs—enabling multi-analyte detection without hardware reconfiguration
- Integrated flow cell with 10 µL volume, fused silica capillary connections, and pressure-rated design compatible with UHPLC up to 1000 bar
- Rugged mechanical construction with thermally stabilized optics and vibration-damped housing for long-term operational reproducibility
- Front-panel interface with real-time signal display and diagnostic LEDs; full remote control via Ethernet or USB 2.0
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FLEXAR™ Fluorescence Detector supports a broad range of fluorescent and derivatizable compounds—including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), catecholamines, vitamins (e.g., B2, B6), peptides, and nucleic acid metabolites. It is compatible with standard reversed-phase, HILIC, and ion-pairing chromatographic methods using aqueous/organic mobile phases. All refurbished units undergo verification against ISO/IEC 17025-aligned procedures, including photometric linearity (per USP ), dwell volume consistency, and carryover assessment (<0.05% typical). The system meets essential requirements for GLP-compliant laboratories and supports 21 CFR Part 11-ready software configurations when paired with compliant data acquisition platforms.
Software & Data Management
While the detector operates as a standalone module with analog/digital output, it is fully interoperable with industry-standard chromatography data systems (CDS), including PerkinElmer TurboMass™, Chromeleon™ (Thermo Fisher), and OpenLAB CDS (Agilent). SpectraLab Scientific provides optional firmware updates to v3.2.x, enabling enhanced peak tracking algorithms and improved integration with time-resolved fluorescence protocols. Audit trails, user access logs, and electronic signature support are implemented at the host CDS level—ensuring full traceability in regulated environments. Raw detector output (mV or arbitrary units) is recorded at ≥20 Hz sampling rate, preserving kinetic fidelity for post-run deconvolution or spectral library matching.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical QC/QA: Quantification of fluorescent degradation products in APIs per ICH Q2(R2)
- Food safety: Detection of aflatoxins (B1, G1) and ochratoxin A following AOAC 2005.03 derivatization
- Clinical research: High-sensitivity measurement of serotonin and dopamine metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid
- Environmental monitoring: EPA Method 8310-compliant analysis of priority pollutant PAHs in soil extracts
- Natural products: Profiling of flavonoid glycosides and alkaloids in plant extracts without UV-absorbing interference
FAQ
Is this detector compatible with non-PerkinElmer HPLC systems?
Yes—its analog voltage output (0–1 V or 0–5 V) and digital RS-232/Ethernet interfaces support seamless integration with third-party pumps, autosamplers, and CDS platforms.
What refurbishment protocol was applied prior to resale?
Each unit underwent lamp replacement (Xe arc source), optical alignment verification, flow cell inspection/cleaning, electronic self-test diagnostics, and performance validation against reference standards (quinine sulfate in 0.05 M H2SO4).
Does the 1-year warranty cover parts, labor, and on-site service?
The warranty includes parts and labor for defects in materials or workmanship; remote technical support is provided globally, while on-site service is available in North America and EU regions under extended service agreement terms.
Can excitation/emission spectra be acquired in scanning mode?
No—this is a fixed-wavelength or programmable single-wavelength detector; spectral scanning requires the optional FLEXAR™ UV/Vis or PDA modules.
Are original manufacturer manuals and calibration certificates included?
Yes—digitally archived documentation, including PerkinElmer’s Operation Manual (PN: 0301-0270), Certificate of Conformance, and SpectraLab’s Reconditioning Report are supplied with each unit.
