Shimadzu LC-20A Used High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph

Overview

The Shimadzu LC-20A is a high-precision, modular high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system originally engineered for robust routine analysis in regulated and research environments. Based on Shimadzu’s proven LC-20 series architecture, this used instrument employs low-pulsation binary gradient pumping, UV-VIS detection with variable wavelength capability, and temperature-controlled autosampling—enabling reproducible separation of small-molecule analytes across pharmaceutical, environmental, food safety, and academic applications. The system operates on standard reversed-phase, normal-phase, and ion-exchange chromatographic principles, with compatibility for C18, phenyl-hexyl, HILIC, and other commercially available columns (3–5 µm particle size, 2.1–4.6 mm ID, up to 250 mm length). All core modules—including the LC-20AD pump, SPD-20A UV-VIS detector, SIL-20A autosampler, and CTO-20A column oven—are fully functional and verified per Shimadzu factory specifications prior to resale.

Key Features

• Binary solvent delivery system with dual plunger pumps, delivering flow rates from 0.001 to 10.000 mL/min with ≤0.1% RSD precision at 1 mL/min
• SPD-20A UV-VIS detector featuring a deuterium lamp source and photodiode array (PDA)-capable optical path, supporting wavelength scanning from 190–700 nm with 1 nm resolution
• SIL-20A autosampler with 100-position vial capacity, injection volume range 0.1–100 µL, and programmable needle wash cycles to minimize carryover
• CTO-20A column oven maintaining temperature stability within ±0.1 °C across 4–85 °C operating range
• Integrated system controller (CBM-20A) enabling synchronized operation, real-time pressure monitoring, and event-triggered method sequencing
• Full hardware compatibility with Shimadzu LabSolutions LC software (v5.8x or later), supporting method development, peak integration, calibration curve generation, and audit-trail-enabled data handling

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LC-20A accommodates aqueous, organic, and mixed mobile phases—including acetonitrile, methanol, water, phosphate buffers (pH 2–8), and trifluoroacetic acid modifiers—within standard stainless-steel or PEEK fluidic paths. It supports injection of clarified liquid samples, filtered extracts (0.22 µm or 0.45 µm membrane), and derivatized compounds compatible with UV absorbance detection. As an imported instrument originally sold into Japan and subsequently reconditioned for international resale, the system meets baseline CE electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and low-voltage directive requirements. While not supplied with full 21 CFR Part 11 validation packages, its LabSolutions software environment supports user access control, electronic signatures, and audit trail export—facilitating alignment with GLP and GMP documentation practices when implemented with site-specific SOPs.

Software & Data Management

Operation is managed via Shimadzu LabSolutions LC software, a Windows-based platform supporting method building, sequence definition, real-time chromatogram display, and quantitative report generation. Raw data files (.lcd format) are stored with embedded metadata including acquisition time, instrument parameters, and operator ID. The software permits batch processing, peak purity assessment (via spectral overlay), and export to CSV, PDF, or XML formats for LIMS integration. Audit trails record all method modifications, data reprocessing events, and user logins—configurable to retain logs for ≥36 months. Optional add-ons include ChemStation migration tools and third-party CDS interoperability drivers (e.g., OpenLab CDS compatibility via Shimadzu Bridge Module).

Applications

This reconditioned LC-20A system is routinely deployed in QC laboratories for assay validation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), residual solvent analysis per ICH Q3C guidelines, pesticide residue screening in agricultural commodities (AOAC 2007.01), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) quantification in soil extracts (EPA Method 8310). In academic settings, it supports natural product isolation tracking, polymer additive profiling, and metabolite identification workflows when coupled with preparative fraction collection. Its reliability over extended duty cycles—verified through >500 hours of post-refurbishment stress testing—makes it suitable for high-throughput environmental monitoring labs requiring consistent retention time stability (<0.02 min RSD over 24 h) and peak area repeatability (<1.5% RSD, n=6).

FAQ

Is this LC-20A system eligible for Shimadzu factory service support?

Yes—provided the unit retains original Shimadzu serial numbers and has not undergone unauthorized hardware modification, it qualifies for technical consultation and spare parts ordering through Shimadzu’s global service network.
Does the 1-year warranty cover detector lamp replacement?

The warranty includes labor and parts for defects in materials or workmanship; however, consumables such as deuterium and tungsten lamps are excluded per standard industry practice.
Can the system be upgraded to include a diode array detector (DAD)?

Yes—the SPD-M20A or SPD-M30A DAD modules are mechanically and electrically compatible with the LC-20A chassis and can be integrated with appropriate firmware updates and LabSolutions configuration.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?

Each unit ships with a Certificate of Reconditioning, functional test report (including pump linearity, detector noise/drift, and autosampler precision data), and English-language operation manuals (PDF and printed).
Is remote diagnostics supported?

LabSolutions LC includes built-in remote desktop readiness; secure remote access may be enabled via customer-configured VPN or IT-approved remote support tools, subject to local cybersecurity policies.