PerkinElmer Series 200 Used High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) System

Overview

The PerkinElmer Series 200 HPLC system is a robust, benchtop high-performance liquid chromatography platform originally engineered for routine analytical laboratories requiring reliable gradient separation, precise retention time reproducibility, and consistent baseline stability. Built on a modular architecture common to late-1990s–early-2000s PerkinElmer instrumentation, the Series 200 employs dual-piston reciprocating pumps operating in antiphase to deliver low-pulsation binary gradient elution, coupled with a fixed-wavelength UV-Vis detector (typically 254 nm or 280 nm) based on a deuterium lamp and photodiode array detection principle. The system integrates seamlessly with the N2000 Chromatography Data System—a Windows-based acquisition and processing software widely deployed in academic, QC, and contract research environments prior to widespread adoption of modern CDS platforms. As a pre-21 CFR Part 11 compliant system, it supports GLP-aligned workflows when paired with appropriate documentation protocols and audit trail supplementation.

Key Features

• Binary solvent delivery system with independent high-pressure mixing, capable of delivering flow rates from 0.01 to 10.0 mL/min with ±1% accuracy across the operational range
• Autosampler with integrated Peltier-cooled sample tray (4–10 °C), supporting up to 120 × 4.6 mm vials and enabling temperature-sensitive compound analysis
• UV/Vis detector featuring dual-beam optics, variable pathlength flow cell (10 µL, 10 mm path), and real-time absorbance monitoring from 190–360 nm
• Modular design allowing field-replacement of pump heads, injector valves, and detector lamps without system recalibration
• N2000 software provides peak integration, calibration curve generation, retention time locking, and export of ASCII-compatible chromatogram files (.raw, .txt)
• Refurbishment includes full fluidic path inspection, seal replacement, detector lamp validation, pump pressure testing, and baseline noise verification (< 2.5 × 10⁻⁵ AU at 254 nm)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Series 200 HPLC accommodates standard 3.9–4.6 mm I.D. reversed-phase columns (C18, C8, phenyl-hexyl) as well as normal-phase and ion-exchange configurations compatible with 100–400 bar maximum system pressure. It supports aqueous-organic mobile phases (e.g., water/acetonitrile, water/methanol) with pH range 2–8. While not natively compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, the system meets foundational requirements for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs when operated under documented SOPs, including manual logbook entries for instrument use, maintenance, and calibration verification. All refurbished units undergo IQ/OQ documentation support upon request—covering installation verification, flow rate accuracy, dwell volume measurement, and UV detector linearity per ASTM E260-18 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

N2000 operates on Windows XP/7 (32-bit) platforms and utilizes a client-server architecture where acquisition and processing occur on the same workstation. Raw data are stored in proprietary binary format but are fully exportable to CSV, TXT, or Excel-compatible formats for third-party statistical analysis. The software supports multi-channel acquisition (up to four detectors simultaneously), internal standard quantitation, and area normalization. Audit trails are manually maintained; however, optional add-ons (e.g., electronic lab notebook integration) may be implemented via API extensions. SpectraLab provides post-delivery software configuration assistance, driver installation, and basic method migration support from legacy systems.

Applications

This refurbished PerkinElmer Series 200 system is routinely deployed in pharmaceutical QC labs for assay of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), dissolution testing per USP , and excipient purity screening. It remains suitable for food safety applications—including mycotoxin and pesticide residue analysis per AOAC 2007.01—and environmental testing of PAHs and chlorinated hydrocarbons using EPA Method 8330B. Academic users leverage its stability for teaching chromatographic fundamentals, method development exercises, and undergraduate analytical chemistry curricula. Its mechanical simplicity and well-documented service architecture make it especially valuable for laboratories seeking cost-effective, maintainable instrumentation with extensive spare parts availability.

FAQ

Is this system compatible with modern Windows operating systems?
Yes—N2000 can run on Windows 7 (32-bit) and Windows 10 (32-bit mode via compatibility settings); virtualization options (e.g., VMware Workstation with Windows XP guest) are recommended for long-term stability.
Does the refurbishment include column oven or fraction collector?
No—these are optional accessories not included in the base configuration. Compatible PerkinElmer 200-series ovens (e.g., Model 200 Column Heater) and fraction collectors may be sourced separately.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
Each unit ships with a Certificate of Functional Testing, refurbishment summary report, and original user manuals (digital PDF archive). IQ/OQ templates available upon request.
Can I integrate this system with current LIMS or ELN platforms?
Direct API integration is not native; however, exported ASCII chromatograms and calibration reports can be ingested into most LIMS/ELN systems via automated file watchers or manual upload protocols.
Is technical support available after warranty expiration?
Yes—SpectraLab offers extended service contracts, remote diagnostics, and on-site engineering support for hardware-level troubleshooting and preventive maintenance planning.