Waters ACQUITY UPLC I-Class Used Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography System
| Brand | Waters |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | ACQUITY I-Class |
| Product Category | Chromatography |
| Usage Duration | 3–4 years |
| Warranty Period | 6 months |
| Instrument Model | ACQUITY I-Class |
| Instrument Age | 4 years |
Overview
The Waters ACQUITY UPLC I-Class is a rigorously validated, pre-owned ultra-performance liquid chromatography system engineered for high-resolution, high-throughput separations under elevated pressure conditions (up to 130 MPa / 18,850 psi). Built upon the foundational principles of ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC), it leverages sub-2 µm particle-packed columns to achieve superior peak capacity, reduced analysis time, and enhanced mass spectrometry (MS) coupling efficiency. This certified pre-owned system is fully refurbished and functionally verified by SpectraLab Scientific—a US-based laboratory instrumentation service provider—ensuring mechanical integrity, fluidic precision, and electronic stability across all integrated modules. Designed for laboratories requiring regulatory-compliant performance without capital equipment lead times, the I-Class delivers reproducible retention time precision (<0.05% RSD), low dwell volume (<100 µL), and nanogram-level injection repeatability—critical for quantitative bioanalysis, impurity profiling, and trace-level food contaminant detection.
Key Features
- Binary Solvent Manager (BSM) with active backpressure control and pulse-free flow delivery across 0.01–2.0 mL/min range, supporting gradient robustness and method transfer fidelity
- Sample Manager – FTN (Flow-Through Needle) with 0.1 µL minimum injection volume, <0.2% carryover for high-sensitivity LC-MS workflows
- PDA eλ Detector featuring 190–800 nm spectral acquisition, 80 Hz data rate, and real-time peak purity assessment via spectral deconvolution
- Column Manager with active temperature control (5–90 °C ±0.2 °C), enabling retention time stabilization for method ruggedness
- Sample Organizer with 21-position 2-mL vial capacity and barcode scanning compatibility for LIMS integration
- Integrated system architecture with embedded diagnostics, automatic leak detection, and pressure transient compensation algorithms
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ACQUITY UPLC I-Class supports aqueous, organic, and mixed-mode mobile phases—including ammonium formate, TFA, and volatile buffers compatible with electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI). It accommodates column dimensions from 2.1 × 30 mm to 2.1 × 150 mm and internal diameters down to 1.0 mm, optimized for sub-2 µm particles (e.g., BEH C18, HSS T3, CSH Fluoro-Phenyl). All hardware components comply with ISO 9001-certified refurbishment protocols. The system meets baseline requirements for GLP and GMP environments when deployed with Waters Empower 3 FR (Full Regulatory) software, supporting 21 CFR Part 11 audit trails, electronic signatures, and user access controls. Method validation documentation—including system suitability test (SST) reports per USP , ASTM D7921, and ICH Q2(R2)—is available upon request.
Software & Data Management
Operation is managed through Waters Empower 3 Software (v3.7 or later), configured in FR mode to enforce role-based permissions, secure data archiving, and full electronic record integrity. Raw data files (.raw) are stored in a tamper-evident format with SHA-256 hashing. The system supports direct export to third-party platforms including Chromeleon CDS, OpenLab CDS, and MassHunter via AIA/ANDI standards. All refurbished units include licensed software media, activation keys, and installation support. Audit trail logs capture operator actions, parameter changes, and instrument status events with timestamped metadata—fully traceable for FDA inspection readiness.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical development: Forced degradation studies, stability-indicating assays, and peptide mapping for biologics
- Clinical research: Quantitative pharmacokinetic analysis of small-molecule drugs and metabolites in plasma/serum
- Food safety: Multi-residue pesticide screening (EU SANTE/11312/2021), mycotoxin quantification (aflatoxins, ochratoxin A)
- Environmental testing: PFAS analysis in water matrices using C18-HILIC hybrid columns
- Academic proteomics: High-resolution intact protein separation coupled to Q-TOF MS
FAQ
Is this unit eligible for extended warranty or service contracts?
Yes—post-purchase service plans (including 12- and 24-month comprehensive coverage with remote diagnostics and on-site engineer dispatch) are available directly through SpectraLab Scientific.
Does the system include original factory calibration certificates?
All refurbished units ship with post-refurbishment calibration reports signed by a certified Waters-trained technician, documenting pressure accuracy, flow precision, injection volume linearity, and UV absorbance verification.
Can this I-Class be upgraded to support newer detectors or autosamplers?
Hardware compatibility with Waters ACQUITY QDa Mass Detector, Xevo TQ-S micro, or Sample Manager – C (cooling) is confirmed; upgrade paths require firmware update and module certification prior to deployment.
What documentation accompanies the shipment?
Each system includes a Certificate of Refurbishment, complete wiring diagrams, electrical safety test report, and a traceable chain-of-custody log covering prior usage history and functional test results.
