Shimadzu LC-2030C (3D) Used High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph with PDA Detector Upgrade
| Brand | Shimadzu |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | LC-2030C (3D) |
| Maximum System Pressure | 44 MPa |
| Sample Capacity | 100-position autosampler with refrigerated sample tray (4–10 °C) |
| Detector Type | Photodiode Array (PDA) Detector |
| Column Oven | Integrated, temperature-controlled (5–85 °C) |
| Software Platform | LabSolutions (v5.9 or later) |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Operational Age | 3–4 years |
| Compliance | Designed to support GLP/GMP workflows with audit trail-capable data handling (FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness via LabSolutions optional modules) |
Overview
The Shimadzu LC-2030C (3D) is a pre-owned, fully functional high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) system from Shimadzu’s i-Series platform — engineered for precision, operational autonomy, and seamless integration into regulated laboratory environments. The “C” designation indicates integrated refrigerated autosampling (4–10 °C), while “3D” confirms native compatibility with Shimadzu’s SPD-M30A or similar photodiode array (PDA) detectors, enabling full-spectrum UV-Vis detection (190–800 nm) and peak purity assessment. As a four-pump quaternary gradient system rated to 44 MPa (6,380 psi), the LC-2030C delivers robust performance for routine and method-transfer applications across pharmaceutical QC, food safety, environmental monitoring, and polymer characterization. Its modular architecture supports column oven integration (5–85 °C), in-line degassing, and optional fluorescence or refractive index detection — all controlled through a unified LabSolutions software interface. Unlike legacy HPLC systems requiring constant PC tethering, the LC-2030C features an integrated touchscreen controller that permits full method execution — from sample injection to report generation — directly at the instrument front panel.
Key Features
- Integrated 100-position refrigerated autosampler (4–10 °C) with low carryover design and programmable needle wash protocols
- Quaternary gradient pump with pulse-free flow delivery and real-time pressure monitoring (0.001–5.000 mL/min, ±0.1% RSD)
- Photodiode array (PDA) detector supporting wavelength scanning, spectral library matching, and peak homogeneity evaluation
- Column oven with precise temperature control (±0.1 °C stability) and dual-column capability (supports up to two 30 cm columns)
- Front-panel touchscreen interface enabling standalone operation — no external PC required for method launch, status monitoring, or basic report export
- LabSolutions software suite (v5.9+) with multi-user access control, electronic signature support, and optional 21 CFR Part 11 compliance modules
- Built-in Ethernet connectivity for remote status viewing, email notification upon run completion, and centralized instrument fleet management
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LC-2030C (3D) accommodates standard reversed-phase, normal-phase, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography methods using stainless steel or biocompatible flow paths. It supports common column dimensions (1.0–4.6 mm ID, ≤30 cm length) and mobile phases including aqueous buffers, organic modifiers (acetonitrile, methanol), and volatile additives (formic acid, ammonium acetate). In regulated environments, the system operates in alignment with ISO/IEC 17025, USP , and ICH Q2(R2) guidelines when paired with validated LabSolutions configurations. Audit trail functionality, user authentication, and electronic record integrity are enabled via LabSolutions’ optional GxP modules — meeting foundational requirements for FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and JPAL GLP compliance. All hardware components retain original Shimadzu firmware versions verified for traceable calibration history.
Software & Data Management
LabSolutions serves as the central analytical platform, providing unified control of acquisition, processing, reporting, and archival. The software supports batch processing of hundreds of injections, automated peak integration using retention time locking and spectral correlation, and statistical evaluation of system suitability parameters (tailing factor, resolution, %RSD). Raw data (.lcd files) are stored in vendor-neutral formats compatible with third-party review tools. For laboratories implementing data integrity policies, LabSolutions offers role-based permissions, mandatory electronic signatures for critical actions, and tamper-evident audit logs tracking user activity, method changes, and result modifications. Optional add-ons include LabSolutions GPC for molecular weight distribution analysis and LabSolutions LCMS for hybrid workflows.
Applications
- Pharmaceuticals: Assay and impurity profiling of APIs and finished dosage forms per USP/EP monographs; stability-indicating method validation; residual solvent analysis
- Food & Beverage: Quantification of vitamins, preservatives, mycotoxins, and pesticide residues; authenticity testing via fingerprint chromatograms
- Environmental: Multi-residue analysis of PAHs, PCBs, phenols, and pharmaceuticals in wastewater and soil extracts
- Polymers: Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) when coupled with RID-20A and LabSolutions GPC software; additive identification via PDA-UV co-detection
- Academic & Contract Research: Method development, teaching platforms, and reference-standard qualification where reproducibility and documentation rigor are essential
FAQ
Is this unit fully refurbished and tested prior to resale?
Yes — each LC-2030C (3D) undergoes comprehensive functional verification including pump flow accuracy, detector linearity (NIST-traceable standards), autosampler precision, and system pressure integrity testing. A full calibration certificate and test report are provided.
Does the system include LabSolutions software licenses?
Yes — the unit ships with a perpetual LabSolutions LC workstation license (v5.9 or later), including data acquisition, processing, and reporting modules. Optional GxP modules are available separately.
Can this system be upgraded to support fluorescence or refractive index detection?
Yes — the LC-2030C chassis supports plug-and-play integration of Shimadzu RF-20Axs (fluorescence) or RID-20A (refractive index) detectors without hardware modification.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
Original Shimadzu operation manuals (English), calibration records, installation qualification (IQ) checklist, and a 12-month parts-and-labor warranty certificate are included.
Is remote technical support available post-installation?
Yes — complimentary remote diagnostics and application support are provided for the duration of the warranty period via secure screen-sharing and log file analysis.
