UniCo UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Model 2100

Overview

The UniCo UV-Vis Spectrophotometer Model 2100 is a single-beam, microprocessor-controlled visible spectrophotometer engineered for routine quantitative and qualitative analysis in academic teaching labs, quality control environments, and industrial R&D settings where reliable absorbance and transmittance measurements in the visible and near-UV spectral region are required. Operating on classical Beer–Lambert principle-based photometry, the instrument employs a fixed 1200-line/mm diffraction grating optical system coupled with a photodiode array detector to deliver stable, reproducible spectral data across its 325–1000 nm wavelength range. Its single-beam architecture—while requiring manual reference blanking—offers mechanical simplicity, thermal stability, and reduced optical path complexity compared to dual-beam configurations, making it particularly suitable for applications where cost-efficiency, ease of maintenance, and long-term operational robustness are prioritized over real-time background correction.

Key Features

• Motorized automatic wavelength scanning with 1 nm resolution and ±2.0 nm absolute accuracy, enabling precise spectral acquisition and peak identification.
• Integrated microprocessor control for fully automated 0%T and 100%T calibration routines, minimizing operator dependency and improving measurement consistency.
• Narrow 5 nm spectral bandwidth ensures adequate resolution for most colorimetric assays and concentration determinations without excessive noise.
• High-stability optical bench design supports baseline drift of ≤±0.002 A/h at 500 nm—critical for extended kinetic or time-course measurements.
• Four-digit LED display provides immediate readout in %T, absorbance (A), concentration (C), or factor (F) modes with unit-specific scaling.
• Standard RS-232C serial interface enables direct communication with external PCs for data logging; parallel printer port supports hard-copy output of spectra and reports.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Model 2100 accommodates standard 10 mm pathlength cuvettes (glass, quartz, or plastic), with included 1 cm matched glass cuvette set (4 pcs) and dedicated cuvette holder. It complies with fundamental performance criteria outlined in ISO 6425 (spectrophotometer specifications) and ASTM E275 (standard practices for describing and measuring performance of UV-Vis spectrophotometers). While not certified for regulated GMP/GLP environments out-of-the-box, its stable photometric performance, traceable wavelength calibration, and audit-ready data export support alignment with internal SOPs and basic regulatory documentation requirements. Optional UniCo user software (sold separately) extends functionality to include method storage, multi-point calibration curves, and export to CSV or Excel formats—facilitating integration into laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Software & Data Management

The instrument operates independently via front-panel controls but is designed for seamless integration with PC-based analytical workflows. The optional UniCo User Software provides full remote control—including wavelength programming, kinetic scan setup, and spectrum averaging—as well as post-acquisition processing tools such as peak detection, baseline correction, and derivative spectroscopy. All data files are timestamped and stored with instrument metadata (wavelength, slit width, date/time), supporting traceability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when deployed with appropriate IT validation and access controls. Raw absorbance and transmittance values are exported in ASCII format compatible with third-party statistical packages (e.g., OriginLab, JMP, Python pandas) for advanced modeling and reporting.

Applications

• Routine quantification of dyes, pigments, and colored compounds in textile, food, and beverage industries.
• Enzyme kinetics assays (e.g., NADH/NADPH oxidation at 340 nm) and protein concentration determination (Bradford, BCA methods).
• Water quality analysis including nitrate, phosphate, and iron content via standardized colorimetric protocols.
• Pharmaceutical excipient testing and dissolution profile monitoring within non-GMP development labs.
• Academic instruction in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science laboratories.

FAQ

Is the Model 2100 compliant with ISO or ASTM standards?
Yes—the instrument meets core performance benchmarks defined in ISO 6425 and ASTM E275 for wavelength accuracy, photometric linearity, and stray light specification.
Can quartz cuvettes be used with this spectrophotometer?
Yes—although optimized for visible-range measurements (325–1000 nm), quartz cuvettes may be employed for extended low-end use down to ~220 nm; however, stray light increases below 340 nm and is specified at ≤0.2% T at 340 nm.
Does the instrument support GLP-compliant data archiving?
When paired with validated UniCo User Software and configured with controlled user access, electronic signatures, and audit trail logging, it can support basic GLP documentation requirements.
What is the recommended calibration frequency?
We recommend wavelength verification using holmium oxide or didymium filters every 3 months, and photometric calibration with neutral density filters annually—or after any major environmental shift or mechanical impact.
Is service and technical support available outside mainland China?
UniCo authorized distributors provide local calibration, preventive maintenance, and application support in over 40 countries; contact your regional distributor for service-level agreements and spare parts availability.