UC-3230A Modular High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph
| Origin | Beijing, China |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Domestic (PRC) |
| Model | UC-3230A |
| Instrument Type | Conventional HPLC System |
| Flow Rate Range | 0.001–9.999 mL/min |
| Pump Configuration | Dual-piston series design with electronic pressure pulsation suppression |
| Flow Accuracy | <0.4% RSD at 1 mL/min (deionized water, 25°C) |
| Flow Precision | ≤0.1% RSD at 1 mL/min (deionized water, 25°C) |
| Maximum Pressure | 40 MPa at 1 mL/min (deionized water, 25°C) |
| Pressure Pulsation | <0.05 MPa peak-to-peak at 1 mL/min (deionized water, 25°C) |
| Autosampler | XYZ robotic arm configuration (standard) |
| Sample Capacity | 120 × 1.8 mL vials |
| Sample Tray Temperature Control | 4–40°C (Peltier-cooled, optional) |
| Injection Repeatability | ≤0.5% RSD (254 nm, 20 µL naphthalene standard in methanol, 1 mL/min) |
| UV-Vis Detector Wavelength Range | 190–740 nm |
| Light Source | Deuterium lamp |
| Wavelength Accuracy | ±1 nm |
| Spectral Scan Mode | Stop-flow automated scanning |
| Baseline Noise | ≤2 × 10⁻⁵ AU at 254 nm (25°C, 1 s response) |
| Baseline Drift | ≤15 × 10⁻⁵ AU/h at 254 nm (25°C, 1 h) |
| LOD (Naphthalene) | 5 × 10⁻⁹ g/mL at 254 nm (methanol mobile phase, ambient temperature) |
| Communication Interface | RS-232 (full bidirectional instrument control) |
| Display | 4.3-inch TFT true-color touchscreen |
| Power Supply | 220 V AC, 3 A |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 390 × 800 × 430 mm |
| Weight | 35 kg |
Overview
The UC-3230A Modular High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph is an engineered solution for laboratories requiring robust, scalable, and fully automated reversed-phase and normal-phase liquid chromatographic analysis. Built upon a modular architecture, the system separates core functional units—pump, autosampler, column oven, UV-Vis detector, and data acquisition module—into physically independent yet electronically synchronized components. This design enables flexible laboratory layout optimization, simplified maintenance access, and future hardware expansion without system downtime. The instrument operates on classical high-pressure liquid chromatography principles: solvent delivery under precisely regulated pressure gradients drives analyte separation across a packed stationary phase, while real-time UV-Vis absorbance detection provides quantitative and qualitative information based on Beer–Lambert law compliance. Its full remote controllability via RS-232 interface supports integration into centralized lab informatics environments and aligns with routine QC/QA workflows in pharmaceutical, environmental, and food testing laboratories.
Key Features
- Modular, rack-mountable configuration allowing independent placement and service of pump, detector, autosampler, and column oven modules
- Dual-piston series high-pressure pump with integrated electronic pressure pulsation suppression—eliminating mechanical dampeners and enhancing long-term flow stability
- XYZ robotic autosampler supporting 120-position 1.8 mL vial capacity, with optional Peltier-based tray cooling (4–40°C) to preserve thermally labile samples
- UV-Vis detector featuring deuterium lamp source, 190–740 nm spectral coverage, stop-flow automated wavelength scanning, and programmable wavelength gradients
- Full digital signal processing architecture ensuring low baseline noise (≤2 × 10⁻⁵ AU) and minimal drift (≤15 × 10⁻⁵ AU/h), critical for trace-level quantitation
- 4.3-inch color touchscreen with intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) enabling local method setup, diagnostics, and real-time status monitoring
- Comprehensive self-diagnostic routines covering pressure validation, lamp energy check, flow calibration verification, and leak detection
- Field-upgradable hardware options including binary high-pressure gradient mixing and quaternary low-pressure gradient modules
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The UC-3230A accommodates a broad range of sample matrices—including aqueous extracts, organic solvent solutions, biological fluids (after appropriate protein precipitation or filtration), and polymer dissolution blends—provided they meet standard HPLC solubility and particulate filtration criteria (≤0.45 µm pre-injection). Its pressure rating (up to 40 MPa) supports use with sub-2 µm particle-packed columns and UHPLC-compatible hardware upgrades. The system meets essential regulatory expectations for analytical instrumentation: its software-controlled parameter logging, audit-trail-capable method storage, and timestamped event reporting support GLP-compliant documentation practices. While not pre-certified for FDA 21 CFR Part 11, the architecture permits integration with validated third-party chromatography data systems (CDS) that provide electronic signature, role-based access control, and immutable audit trail functionality required in GMP environments.
Software & Data Management
The UC-3230A operates under a full reverse-control chromatography workstation—meaning all hardware parameters (flow rate, gradient profile, injection volume, detector wavelength, column temperature, etc.) are configured, executed, and monitored exclusively through the software interface. Raw analog detector signals are digitized at ≥20 kHz sampling rate, enabling high-resolution peak deconvolution and accurate retention time alignment. Data files adhere to open ASCII-based formats (e.g., .csv export) and standard chromatogram exchange protocols compatible with third-party analysis tools (e.g., OpenChrom, Chromeleon, Empower). Method templates can be saved with embedded calibration curves, integration rules, and system suitability criteria. All instrument events—including startup, shutdown, error alerts, and maintenance logs—are automatically timestamped and stored in a relational database structure, facilitating retrospective review during internal audits or regulatory inspections.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical QC: Assay of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), related substances testing per ICH Q2(R2), and stability-indicating method validation
- Environmental analysis: Quantification of PAHs, phenols, pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues in wastewater and soil extracts
- Food & beverage testing: Detection of preservatives (e.g., benzoates, sorbates), artificial colors, mycotoxins, and vitamin profiles
- Academic research: Method development for novel stationary phases, kinetic studies of chiral separations, and coupling with mass spectrometry interfaces
- Industrial quality control: Batch release testing of polymers, surfactants, and fine chemical intermediates where reproducible retention and peak symmetry are critical
FAQ
Is the UC-3230A compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
The base instrument does not include built-in electronic signature or audit trail features required for Part 11 compliance; however, it is fully compatible with validated third-party CDS platforms that provide these capabilities when deployed in regulated environments.
Can the system perform gradient elution?
Yes—binary high-pressure gradient and quaternary low-pressure gradient configurations are available as factory-installed options, enabling linear, stepwise, or multi-segment gradient programming.
What column oven temperature range is supported?
The integrated column oven maintains temperatures from ambient +5°C to 80°C with ±0.5°C stability, optimized for retention time reproducibility and method transfer.
Is remote monitoring possible over Ethernet or USB?
The standard interface is RS-232; Ethernet or USB connectivity requires an external serial-to-Ethernet converter or optional communication module, both validated for stable bidirectional command transmission.
How often does the system require preventive maintenance?
Pump seal replacement is recommended every 6–12 months depending on solvent aggressiveness and daily usage; detector lamp life averages 1,500–2,000 hours; autosampler syringe and needle should be inspected quarterly and cleaned or replaced as needed.

