Shimadzu LC-20AT Used High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph

Overview

The Shimadzu LC-20AT is a high-reliability, entry-to-mid-tier HPLC system engineered for robust isocratic and gradient separations in quality control, pharmaceutical stability testing, and routine analytical laboratories. As a core component of Shimadzu’s Prominence series, the LC-20AT employs a precision-engineered **tandem dual-plunger piston delivery system**, delivering stable, pulse-free solvent flow across its full operational range (0.001–10.000 mL/min) with maximum backpressure tolerance of 40 MPa (5800 psi). Unlike parallel-piston designs, the tandem architecture provides enhanced mechanical durability and long-term pressure stability—particularly advantageous for extended method runs involving viscous mobile phases or narrow-bore columns. This used unit has undergone comprehensive functional validation—including pump linearity, detector baseline noise assessment, autosampler carryover evaluation, and gradient composition verification—and is certified to meet original factory specifications for flow accuracy (±2% or ±2 µL/min), flow precision (RSD < 0.1%), and wavelength fidelity (<1 nm deviation). All modules are fully compatible with Shimadzu’s LabSolutions software suite and support seamless integration into regulated environments requiring audit trails and electronic records.

Key Features

• Tandem dual-plunger pump design with 47 µL primary and 23 µL secondary pistons—optimized for low-pulse, high-stability flow generation
• 40 MPa maximum operating pressure—enables use of sub-2 µm particle columns and UHPLC-compatible methods
• High-pressure or low-pressure gradient capability (2–4 solvents), with concentration accuracy ≤1% for LC-20AT configurations
• Modular detector compatibility: Supports SPD-20A (190–700 nm), SPD-20AV (190–900 nm), and SPD-M20A PDA (190–800 nm, 512-diode array)
• SIL-20A/SIL-20AC autosampler with 0.1–100 µL standard injection range, RSD < 0.3% (10 µL injection), and cross-contamination < 0.005%
• Full compliance with Shimadzu’s hardware-level communication protocols—ensures interoperability with LabSolutions CDS v5.9+ and legacy LCsolution versions

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LC-20AT accommodates a broad spectrum of sample matrices—including small-molecule pharmaceuticals, natural product extracts, environmental contaminants, and food additives—when paired with appropriate column chemistries (C18, phenyl-hexyl, HILIC, ion-exchange). Its autosampler supports 1.5 mL vials (105-position), 96-well and 384-well microtiter plates (up to 768 injections per run), and optional large-volume syringes for 1–2 mL injections. From a regulatory standpoint, the system meets foundational requirements for GLP and GMP workflows when deployed with LabSolutions software configured for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance (electronic signatures, audit trail logging, user access controls). While the instrument itself does not bear CE or UKCA marking post-resale, all electrical safety and EMC performance remains consistent with original IEC 61010-1 and EN 61326-1 specifications, verified during pre-delivery inspection.

Software & Data Management

Operation and data acquisition are managed via Shimadzu’s LabSolutions chromatography data system (CDS), included with full licensing for instrument control, peak integration, calibration curve generation, and report export (PDF, CSV, XML). The system supports both standalone operation and networked deployment in multi-instrument labs. Audit trail functionality—recording all method edits, sequence changes, and result modifications with timestamp, user ID, and reason-for-change—is enabled by default and exportable for internal QA review or regulatory submission. Raw data files (.lcd) are stored in a structured, non-proprietary folder hierarchy, facilitating third-party reprocessing using open-format parsers. Optional add-ons include LabSolutions DB for relational database archiving and LabSolutions IC for impurity profiling workflows.

Applications

This LC-20AT configuration is routinely applied in:

• Pharmaceutical QC release testing (assay, related substances, dissolution) per USP and EP 2.2.46
• Stability-indicating method development for forced degradation studies
• Environmental analysis of pesticides and PAHs per EPA Method 8330B
• Food and beverage testing for preservatives (e.g., benzoic acid, sorbic acid) and artificial colors
• Academic research requiring reproducible retention time alignment across multi-day experiments

Its proven thermal and mechanical stability ensures retention time RSD < 0.2% over 24-hour unattended runs—a critical attribute for high-throughput screening and method transfer between labs.

FAQ

Is this LC-20AT unit supplied with a detector and autosampler?
Yes—the quoted configuration includes the LC-20AT pump, SPD-20A UV-Vis detector, and SIL-20A autosampler, all verified for synchronized operation.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
You will receive a Certificate of Functional Verification, detailed service history log, original Shimadzu operation manuals (English PDF), and LabSolutions installation media with activation key.
Can this system be upgraded to support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—LabSolutions CDS v5.9 or later supports full Part 11 mode when installed on a Windows domain-joined PC with validated backup procedures and administrator-defined role-based permissions.
What maintenance is recommended prior to first use?
We recommend replacing the pump seal kit, purge valve filter, and column inlet frits; these consumables are included with shipment along with a preventive maintenance checklist.
Is remote diagnostics supported?
Yes—Shimadzu’s Remote Support Module (RSM) can be activated post-installation for secure, technician-assisted troubleshooting without compromising network security.