Varian VK 5010 CLH Testing System

Overview

The Varian VK 5010 CLH Testing System is a pre-owned, fully functional high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) platform engineered for robust isocratic and gradient elution analysis in regulated and research laboratory environments. Built on Varian’s legacy CLH (Chromatographic Liquid Handling) architecture, the system integrates a precision quaternary solvent delivery module, an autosampler with programmable injection sequence control, a thermostatted column compartment, and a dual-beam UV-Vis absorbance detector. Its core measurement principle relies on differential absorption of ultraviolet and visible light by analytes eluting from a packed chromatographic column under controlled mobile phase composition and flow dynamics. Designed for reproducible retention time stability and peak area precision, the VK 5010 meets foundational performance requirements outlined in USP Chromatography and ASTM D5292-17 Standard Test Method for Determination of Hydrocarbon Types in Middle Distillates by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. This certified refurbished unit has undergone full functional validation at SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration facility, including baseline noise assessment (<0.5 × 10⁻⁵ AU), wavelength accuracy verification (±1 nm at 254 nm), and system suitability testing per ICH Q2(R2) guidelines.

Key Features

• Quaternary low-pulsation pump delivering stable flow rates from 0.001 to 10.000 mL/min with ≤0.1% relative standard deviation across full range
• Autosampler with 100-position vial capacity, 1–100 µL injection volume range, and programmable needle wash protocol to minimize carryover (<0.01%)
• Column oven with temperature control from ambient +5°C to 80°C (±0.5°C stability), supporting method transfer consistency
• Dual-wavelength UV-Vis detector featuring deuterium and tungsten lamps, spectral range 190–800 nm, and real-time ratio monitoring capability
• Integrated degasser with four-channel membrane-based vacuum system to maintain consistent mobile phase composition
• Legacy-compatible electronics architecture supporting Varian Star v6.4 software and third-party CDS integration via Agilent OpenLab CDS (using certified legacy drivers)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VK 5010 CLH system accommodates a broad spectrum of small-molecule analytes—including pharmaceutical actives, organic acids, aromatic hydrocarbons, and polar metabolites—across reversed-phase (C18, C8), normal-phase (silica), and ion-exchange column chemistries. It supports standard analytical column dimensions (2.1–4.6 mm ID, 50–250 mm length) and is compatible with sub-2 µm particle-packed columns when operated within specified pressure limits (≤6000 psi). From a regulatory standpoint, the system’s documented performance history—including validated linearity (r² ≥ 0.999 over 3 orders of magnitude), repeatability (retention time RSD ≤ 0.15%, peak area RSD ≤ 1.0%), and system suitability records—enables its deployment in GLP-compliant stability studies and QC release testing where legacy instrument qualification is permitted. Full audit trail functionality requires implementation of compliant CDS software with 21 CFR Part 11 controls.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and processing are managed through Varian Star v6.4, a Windows-based chromatography data system offering sequence definition, real-time chromatogram visualization, peak integration using tangent skim and valley-to-valley algorithms, and customizable report generation. The system supports export of raw data in .vcd and ASCII formats for long-term archival and secondary analysis. When integrated with Agilent OpenLab CDS (via validated legacy interface), it enables centralized instrument management, electronic signature enforcement, and secure user access control aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. All refurbished units ship with verified software license status and installation media; optional extended software support contracts are available upon request.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical impurity profiling and assay validation per ICH Q5A and Q5C guidelines
• Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) quantification in biodiesel feedstocks (ASTM D6584)
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) analysis in environmental water and soil extracts (EPA Method 8310)
• Vitamin A, D, and E content determination in fortified food matrices (AOAC 992.15)
• Quality control of synthetic intermediates in fine chemical manufacturing
• Academic and industrial method development for chiral separations using polysaccharide-based stationary phases

FAQ

Is this unit eligible for IQ/OQ/PQ documentation support?
Yes—SpectraLab Scientific provides customizable Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) protocols aligned with GAMP 5 principles. Protocol execution and witnessed testing can be performed on-site or at our facility.
What maintenance history is available for this specific unit?
Each VK 5010 carries a complete service log, including pump seal replacement dates, lamp usage hours, and most recent system suitability test results. Full documentation is provided prior to shipment.
Can the system be upgraded to support modern networking or remote monitoring?
While the native controller lacks Ethernet connectivity, a hardware bridge module is available to enable TCP/IP communication with modern LIMS and CDS platforms, subject to firmware compatibility verification.
Does the 6-month warranty cover detector lamp replacement?
Yes—the warranty includes parts and labor for detector lamp failure occurring within the coverage period, provided usage remains within manufacturer-specified operational limits.
Are spare parts still available for the VK 5010 platform?
Varian-branded consumables (seals, frits, purge valves) and select OEM modules remain in active distribution through Agilent Technologies’ legacy support program; SpectraLab maintains a strategic inventory of critical wear components.