Device built-in

Agilent 1100 High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) System: Detailed Introduction

The Agilent 1100 series high-performance liquid chromatograph is a classic HPLC system developed by Agilent Technologies (formerly Hewlett-Packard) and widely used in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, food safety, life sciences, and other fields. The system consists of modular components, including a degasser, quaternary pump, autosampler (ALS), column compartment, diode array detector (DAD), and computer-controlled software. These modules work together to achieve high-precision, high-sensitivity separation and analysis. Below is a detailed introduction to each core component:

1. DegasserThe degasser is a front-end module of the HPLC system, designed to remove dissolved gases (such as oxygen and nitrogen) from the mobile phase. Bubbles can cause baseline noise, pump pressure fluctuations, and even peak distortion. The Agilent 1100’s in-line degasser employs membrane degassing technology, which selectively removes dissolved gases through a gas-permeable membrane without additional solvent treatment, significantly improving system stability. It features high degassing efficiency, supports simultaneous degassing of four channels, and is compatible with varying solvent ratios.

2. Quaternary Pump

The quaternary pump is the core fluid delivery unit, capable of mixing four solvents in precise proportions for gradient elution. Key features of the Agilent 1100 quaternary pump include:

• High-precision flow control: Flow rate range of 0.001–10 mL/min with an accuracy of ±0.3%, suitable for both micro and standard columns.
• Active valve buffering: Minimizes gradient delay volume (~1 mL) to ensure accurate gradient transitions.
• Pulse-dampening technology: Reduces pressure pulsation through electronic compression compensation and a dual-piston serial design, achieving baseline noise below 0.1% AU.
• Corrosion-resistant materials: Features ceramic pistons and sapphire seals, compatible with acids, bases, and organic solvents.

3. Autosampler (ALS)

The autosampler enables high-throughput, highly reproducible sample injection, eliminating manual errors. The Agilent 1100 ALS offers:

• Injection precision: Uses a metering pump and loop-based injection with volumes of 0.1–100 µL and RSD < 0.5%.
• Sample capacity: Standard 100-vial tray (expandable to 1,000 vials), compatible with microplates (e.g., 96-well format).
• Cross-contamination control: Includes needle washing (built-in wash port) and backflush technology to minimize carryover.
• Temperature control: Optional 4°C cooling module for thermally sensitive samples.

4. Column Compartment

The column compartment precisely controls the column temperature (ambient to 80°C ± 0.1°C) to optimize separation efficiency and reproducibility. Its design features:

• Rapid temperature control: Utilizes Peltier heating/cooling technology with fast ramp rates (~10°C/min).
• Low dead volume: Integrated preheating capillary reduces peak broadening caused by solvent-column temperature mismatch.
• Multi-column compatibility: Supports dual-column switching and backpressure adjustment for method development.

5. Diode Array Detector (DAD)

The DAD is the core detection module, capable of full-spectrum acquisition (190–950 nm) with the following advantages:

• 3D spectral analysis: Extracts UV-Vis spectra for each peak, aiding compound identification (e.g., purity checks).
• High sensitivity: Low-noise optics (<±0.5×10⁻⁵ AU) and a 512-diode array enable trace-level analysis.
• Wavelength programmability: Allows multi-wavelength detection to optimize response for different compounds.

6. Computer and Software (ChemStation)

The system is controlled via Agilent ChemStation software, which provides:

• Method development: Predefined gradient programs, detection parameters, and data processing templates.
• Real-time monitoring: Displays pressure, baseline, chromatograms, and spectra in real time.
• Data analysis: Includes integration algorithms (e.g., EMG correction), peak purity analysis, and report generation.
• Regulatory compliance: Meets 21 CFR Part 11 requirements with audit trails and electronic signatures.

System Advantages and Applications

The Agilent 1100 HPLC is renowned for its modularity, reliability, and ease of maintenance. Typical applications include:

• Pharmaceuticals: Assay testing, impurity profiling, dissolution studies.
• Environmental: Analysis of PAHs, pesticide residues.
• Food: Screening of additives, vitamins, and toxins.
• Research: Metabolomics, protein purification monitoring.

Its quaternary pump flexibility and DAD’s full-spectrum capability make it ideal for multi-component analysis in complex matrices. With regular maintenance (e.g., seal replacement, mobile phase filtration), the system ensures long-term stability, making it a preferred choice for routine analysis and method development in laboratories.