Wufeng ARCUS 7 Multifunctional HPLC Autosampler
| Brand | Wufeng |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | ARCUS 7 |
| Instrument Type | HPLC Autosampler |
| Max Sample Capacity | 192 × 1 mL vials |
| Minimum Injection Volume | 0.1–120 µL |
| Loop Volume Range | 0.1–120 µL |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.1 µL at 200 µL |
| Motion Architecture | XYZ 3-axis robotic arm |
| Needle Wash | Internal & external wall washing, unlimited cycles |
| Re-injection Capability | Unlimited repeat injections |
| Sample Tray Configurations | (1) 54 × 2 mL (standard), (2) 15 × 10 mL, (3) 35 × 4 mL, (4) 96 × 1 mL — dual-side modular trays, auto-recognized, max 192 positions (1 mL vials) |
| Max Vial Height | ≤52 mm (including septum & cap) |
| Pump Volume | 200 µL (accuracy ±0.1 µL) |
| Sampling Modes | Full-loop, Partial-loop, and Zero-dead-volume (ZDV) sampling |
| Carryover | ≤0.005% (with validated wash protocol) |
| Max System Pressure Tolerance | 60 MPa |
| Safety Protections | Vial-missing detection, needle-strike alarm, plunger/piston stall detection, leak sensing |
| Power Supply | AC 115–230 V, 50/60 Hz |
Overview
The Wufeng ARCUS 7 Multifunctional HPLC Autosampler is an engineered solution for high-throughput, precision liquid chromatography workflows requiring robust sample handling, trace-level reproducibility, and seamless integration across heterogeneous LC platforms. Designed around a high-fidelity XYZ robotic arm architecture and a sapphire-piston syringe pump, the ARCUS 7 operates on core principles of volumetric displacement metrology—ensuring consistent fluidic delivery independent of solvent viscosity or backpressure fluctuations up to 60 MPa. Its modular tray system supports up to 192 positions using interchangeable configurations (e.g., 54 × 2 mL, 96 × 1 mL), with automatic physical recognition of tray geometry and vial dimensions (max height 52 mm). The system executes full-loop, partial-loop, and zero-dead-volume (ZDV) sampling protocols—each optimized for distinct analytical priorities: maximal accuracy (full-loop), flexibility in volume range (partial-loop), or elimination of sample waste (ZDV). This tri-modal capability enables method transfer across QC, stability studies, and method development without hardware reconfiguration.
Key Features
- Triple-mode sampling architecture: Full-loop (RSD₆ ≤0.3%), Partial-loop (RSD₆ ≤0.5% for ≥10 µL), and Zero-dead-volume (RSD₆ ≤1.0% for ≥10 µL), all programmable within a single sequence.
- Sapphire-piston metering pump with >1 million cycle seal life—engineered to maintain volumetric fidelity under repeated high-pressure loading (up to 60 MPa) and aggressive solvent exposure (e.g., THF, DMSO, 100% acetonitrile).
- True 3-axis robotic motion control with ±0.1 µL positioning repeatability at 200 µL—calibrated against NIST-traceable standards and verified per ISO 8655-3 for piston-type liquid handlers.
- Integrated dual-wash station performing simultaneous internal lumen and external needle surface cleaning with configurable solvent sequences and unlimited rinse cycles—validated to achieve ≤0.005% carryover using USP residual testing protocols.
- Real-time hardware diagnostics: Vial presence sensing, needle collision detection, plunger stall monitoring, and micro-leak identification—triggering immediate pause and event-logged alerts compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail requirements.
- Modular tray ecosystem supporting four standard formats (2 mL, 4 mL, 10 mL, 1 mL) with auto-detection logic; dual-side mounting allows mixed configurations (e.g., 54 × 2 mL + 96 × 1 mL) for heterogeneous sample sets.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ARCUS 7 accommodates standard crimp-top, screw-cap, and snap-cap vials with heights up to 52 mm—including those fitted with PTFE/silicone septa and aluminum crimps. It interfaces natively with major HPLC/UHPLC systems (Agilent 1260/1290, Waters Acquity/Alliance, Shimadzu Nexera/i-Series, Thermo Vanquish) via industry-standard TTL and RS-232/485 control protocols. All firmware operations adhere to GLP/GMP-aligned design controls: electronic signatures, user-role-based access (admin/operator/auditor), immutable audit trails, and method-lock functionality. Hardware safety interlocks meet IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory equipment, while pressure containment complies with PED 2014/68/EU Annex I essential safety requirements.
Software & Data Management
ARCUS 7 is operated exclusively through its native Windows-based control software—designed for ISO/IEC 17025-compliant laboratories. The interface supports sequence building with nested dilution, mixing, and derivatization steps; real-time status dashboards display pump pressure, needle position, wash cycle progress, and error logs. All acquisition parameters, calibration records, and maintenance events are stored in an encrypted SQLite database with optional export to CSV, XML, or LIMS-compatible ASTM E1384 templates. Software validation packages—including IQ/OQ documentation, test scripts, and traceability matrices—are available upon request to support FDA or EMA inspection readiness.
Applications
- Routine QC release testing in pharmaceutical manufacturing (ICH Q2(R2)-aligned precision verification).
- Stability-indicating assays requiring repeated injections over extended timeframes (e.g., forced degradation studies with 24+ hour unattended operation).
- Method development labs evaluating gradient robustness across variable injection volumes (0.1–120 µL) and loop sizes.
- Clinical bioanalysis where carryover minimization (<0.005%) is critical for low-concentration analytes (e.g., therapeutic drug monitoring).
- Contract research organizations managing multi-client sample batches with divergent vial formats and SOP-driven wash protocols.
FAQ
Does the ARCUS 7 support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—the system includes electronic signature capture, role-based permissions, audit-trail logging of all critical actions, and data integrity safeguards aligned with FDA guidance for computerized systems.
Can it be integrated with third-party CDS software such as Empower or Chromeleon?
Yes—via standardized ASCII command sets over RS-232/485 or TTL; driver packages for Waters Empower 3, Thermo Chromeleon 7.x, and Agilent OpenLab CDS are provided.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the sapphire-piston pump?
No scheduled replacement is required; the pump seal is rated for >1 million actuations under typical use. Annual performance verification (linearity, precision, carryover) is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4.
Is remote monitoring supported?
Yes—through optional Ethernet-enabled controller module with SNMPv3 support and secure HTTPS web interface for status viewing and emergency pause commands.
How is tray configuration recognized automatically?
Each tray contains embedded RFID tags encoding physical dimensions and vial layout; the system reads these during initialization and adjusts needle travel maps accordingly.
