Zhongke-Niujin Quantum-I Plus 400–600 MHz High-Field Pulsed Fourier Transform Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer
| Brand | Zhongke-Niujin |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hubei, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor & System Integrator |
| Product Category | Domestic High-Field NMR Spectrometer |
| Model | Quantum-I Plus |
| Operating Frequencies | 400 MHz and 600 MHz |
| Measurement Principle | Pulsed Fourier Transform (PFT) NMR |
| Sample Form | Liquid-state |
| Excitation Mode | RF Pulse Sequencing with Digital IF Sampling |
| Sensitivity | High (¹H S/N ≥ 500:1 @ 1% ethylbenzene, 1 scan, 5 mm probe) |
| Resolution | High (¹H linewidth ≤ 0.4 Hz, shimming optimized) |
| Quantitative Reproducibility | High (¹H integral RSD < 0.5% over 24 h) |
| Probe Compatibility | Broadband multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁵N, ³¹P, etc.), manual/automatic tuning, custom-configurable for 400–600 MHz superconducting magnets |
Overview
The Zhongke-Niujin Quantum-I Plus is a high-field, liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer engineered for precision structural elucidation, quantitative analysis, and dynamic process monitoring in academic research laboratories, pharmaceutical quality control (QC), and industrial R&D environments. Operating at nominal proton frequencies of 400 MHz and 600 MHz, the system employs pulsed Fourier transform (PFT) methodology—leveraging precisely timed radiofrequency (RF) pulse sequences to excite nuclear spin systems and acquire time-domain free induction decay (FID) signals, which are subsequently transformed into high-resolution frequency-domain spectra via fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithms. Its architecture integrates a cryogenically cooled superconducting magnet with active shielding (supplied under technology partnership with Oxford Instruments), ensuring field homogeneity better than 0.1 ppm over a 10 mm DSV and long-term stability (< 10 Hz/h drift) critical for multi-hour experiments and quantitative applications.
Key Features
- Actively shielded 400/600 MHz superconducting magnet with ultra-low helium boil-off rate (< 0.5 L/day), enabling extended operational uptime and reduced cryogen logistics burden.
- Proprietary digital console based on distributed network architecture: supports up to 8 RF channels, CAN bus interconnect for real-time hardware synchronization, and digital intermediate-frequency (IF) sampling at 250 MS/s for enhanced signal fidelity and phase stability.
- QOneTec-designed broadband multinuclear probe (manufactured in Switzerland): optimized for high ¹H and ¹³C sensitivity; features manual and motorized tuning capabilities; compatible with standard 5 mm NMR tubes; supports inverse detection (e.g., HSQC, HMBC) and quantitative pulse sequences (e.g., qNOESY, ERETIC).
- Fully integrated shimming system with 24+ gradient coils and automated lock/shim routines—enabling rapid, reproducible field optimization across diverse solvent systems including DMSO-d6, CDCl3, and aqueous buffers.
- Modular design allows future expansion: optional solid-state MAS probe interface, variable temperature unit (VTU) support (–40 °C to +150 °C), and deuterium lock channel upgrade for solvent suppression robustness.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Quantum-I Plus is validated for routine analysis of homogeneous liquid-phase samples—including small organic molecules, natural products, synthetic polymers, and biofluids—in standard 5 mm outer diameter NMR tubes. It meets essential regulatory requirements for analytical instrument qualification under GLP and GMP frameworks: full audit trail logging (user actions, parameter changes, acquisition timestamps), electronic signature support per FDA 21 CFR Part 11, and data integrity safeguards aligned with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Annex A. All pulse sequences comply with IUPAC-recommended nomenclature and referencing conventions (e.g., TMS at 0.00 ppm). The system supports ASTM E2896-22 (Standard Practice for Quantitative NMR Spectroscopy) and USP <724> (NMR Spectroscopy) for pharmaceutical assay validation.
Software & Data Management
The spectrometer runs on a dual-platform software suite compatible with both Linux (RHEL 8.x) and Windows 10/11 operating systems—ensuring seamless integration into heterogeneous IT infrastructures. The control interface provides intuitive graphical editing of pulse sequences, real-time spectral preview during acquisition, and batch processing workflows for multi-sample queues. Over 80 pre-validated pulse sequences are included—including 1D/2D homo- and heteronuclear correlation methods (COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HSQC, HMBC), relaxation measurements (T1, T2), diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY), and quantitative techniques (qNMR with ERETIC or internal standard calibration). Raw FID and processed data adhere to the universally supported JCAMP-DX v5.01 and NMR-Data-Exchange (NMR-DE) formats, enabling interoperability with third-party processing tools such as MestReNova, TopSpin, and Chenomx.
Applications
- Structural determination and conformational analysis of novel synthetic compounds and natural product isolates.
- Pharmaceutical impurity profiling, polymorph identification, and forced degradation studies per ICH Q5A–Q5E guidelines.
- Metabolomics and biomarker discovery in serum, urine, and tissue extracts using targeted and untargeted ¹H-NMR approaches.
- Reaction monitoring of catalytic processes, polymerization kinetics, and hydrogen exchange dynamics via time-resolved NMR.
- Quality-by-Design (QbD) implementation in API manufacturing: raw material identity verification, assay quantification, and residual solvent analysis per ICH Q2(R2).
FAQ
Is the Quantum-I Plus compatible with third-party probes or magnets from other vendors?
Yes—the probe interface follows standard 400–600 MHz mechanical and electrical specifications; custom adapters and matching networks are available for integration with Bruker, JEOL, or Magnex magnets.
Does the system support 2D and 3D NMR experiments out of the box?
Yes—all core 2D sequences (COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HSQC, HMBC) are pre-installed and fully calibrated; 3D experiments require optional multi-channel RF amplifiers and phase cycling modules, which can be added post-purchase.
What level of technical support and service coverage is provided?
Zhongke-Niujin offers on-site installation, user training, annual preventive maintenance contracts, and remote diagnostics via secure VPN; service response time is guaranteed within 48 business hours for critical system faults.
Can the instrument be upgraded from 400 MHz to 600 MHz operation?
No—the magnet system is fixed at either 400 MHz or 600 MHz at time of manufacture; however, the same console and probe platform are used across both configurations, minimizing retraining and method transfer overhead.
Are software updates and new pulse sequences provided at no additional cost?
Yes—software version upgrades and newly developed pulse sequences are delivered free of charge for the first three years following commissioning, subject to standard support agreement terms.
