Shimadzu LC-20A Used Liquid Chromatograph

Overview

The Shimadzu LC-20A is a high-performance, modular high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system originally engineered for robust routine analysis in regulated and research laboratories. As a second-hand unit refurbished and certified to operational specification, it retains the core architecture of Shimadzu’s widely adopted Prominence platform—featuring gradient-capable dual plunger reciprocating pumps, a low-dead-volume autosampler with precise injection repeatability, a thermostatically controlled column oven, and a variable-wavelength UV-Vis detector (SPD-20A). The system operates on the principle of liquid-phase separation under high pressure, where analytes are differentially partitioned between a mobile phase (eluent) and a stationary phase (chromatographic column), enabling quantitative and qualitative determination across pharmaceutical, environmental, food safety, and academic applications.

Key Features

• Modular design supporting configuration flexibility: pump, injector, column oven, and detector modules can be validated and re-integrated per application requirements.
• Dual-plunger parallel-flow pump delivering stable flow rates from 0.001 to 10.000 mL/min with ≤0.07% RSD flow precision and pulse-free delivery—critical for gradient elution reproducibility.
• Autosampler (SIL-20A) with 100-position vial capacity, 1–100 µL injection volume range, and ≤0.2% RSD injection precision at 10 µL; needle wash function minimizes carryover.
• Column oven (CTO-20A) maintaining temperature stability within ±0.1 °C across 4–85 °C, ensuring retention time reproducibility and method transferability.
• UV-Vis detector (SPD-20A) featuring 190–700 nm wavelength scanning, 8 nm spectral bandwidth, and 0.0001 AU noise level—optimized for trace-level quantitation in compliance-driven workflows.
• Pre-owned unit subjected to full functional verification: leak testing, pressure calibration, baseline stability assessment, and gradient accuracy validation prior to resale.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LC-20A accommodates standard 3.9–4.6 mm ID analytical columns (up to 250 mm length) and is compatible with reversed-phase (C18, C8), HILIC, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chemistries. It supports aqueous/organic mobile phases including acetonitrile, methanol, water, and buffered systems (e.g., ammonium acetate, phosphate). While not supplied with current FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software out-of-the-box, the system is fully compatible with Shimadzu’s Class VP or LabSolutions LC software when installed on validated Windows platforms—enabling electronic signatures, audit trails, and user access controls required under GLP and GMP environments. Method files conform to ASTM E2500-18 (Good Practice for Specification of Pharmaceutical Equipment) and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (General Requirements for Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories).

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and processing are executed via Shimadzu’s LabSolutions LC software (v5.9x or later), which provides peak integration, calibration curve generation, system suitability testing (SST), and report export in PDF, CSV, and XML formats. All raw data files (.lcd) are stored in a hierarchical directory structure with embedded metadata (date/time, operator ID, method name, instrument serial number). When deployed in validated configurations, the software supports full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance—including role-based permissions, electronic signatures with biometric or token-based authentication, and immutable audit trails recording all data modifications, method changes, and user logins. Backups adhere to ISO 27001-aligned storage protocols, with optional integration into LIMS environments via ODBC or vendor-specific APIs.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical QC/QA: Assay, related substances, dissolution testing, and stability-indicating methods per USP , EP 2.2.46, and JP XVII.
• Environmental analysis: PAHs, pesticides, phenols, and pharmaceutical residues in water, soil, and wastewater extracts (EPA Methods 8330B, 625.1).
• Food & beverage safety: Mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1), preservatives (sorbic/benzoic acid), artificial colors, and sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose).
• Academic & method development labs: Robust platform for optimizing separation conditions, column screening, and method validation per ICH Q2(R2).
• Clinical research: Quantification of endogenous metabolites (e.g., amino acids, organic acids) and therapeutic drugs in plasma/urine matrices.

FAQ

Is this LC-20A unit fully refurbished and tested before shipment?

Yes. Each unit undergoes comprehensive functional testing—including pressure integrity checks, gradient accuracy verification, detector linearity assessment, and autosampler precision evaluation—per Shimadzu’s original service specifications.
Does the system include a computer and software license?

No. The LC-20A is supplied as hardware only. LabSolutions LC software licenses must be procured separately from Shimadzu or an authorized reseller.
Can this used system be qualified for GMP use?

Yes—provided installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and performance qualification (PQ) are performed by the end user or qualified third-party service provider using documented protocols aligned with Annex 15 and ASTM E2500.
What consumables and spare parts are recommended for initial operation?

We recommend stocking guard columns, C18 analytical columns (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm), frits, pump seals, UV lamp (Lamp Code: 200-51232), and certified reference standards appropriate to your target analytes.
Is technical support available post-purchase?

Yes. Remote troubleshooting and on-site service options are available through our global network of Shimadzu-certified field engineers—subject to regional availability and service agreement terms.