Waters Introduces The New ACQUITY UPLC I-Class

June 1, 2011

Waters Corporation today introduced the ACQUITY UPLC I-Class System, a high-performing UPLC system. For scientists challenged by the most difficult separations, the company says, the I-Class features the lowest system dispersion and lowest carryover in the industry today. Low dispersion maximizes peak capacity thereby advancing chromatographic separations and optimizing the performance of any mass spectrometer.

“The scientific discoveries with the biggest potential to improve our lives often rely on samples and compounds that are the most difficult to understand. The ACQUITY UPLC I-Class System was designed specifically for the rapid pace of laboratories on the cutting edge of research,” said Art Caputo, President of the Waters Division. “Design and function of the I-Class are based on continuous customer input resulting in improvements in sub-two-micron separation that only the originator of the technology can exploit. Whether customers need to rapidly analyze sample-limited compounds amid a complex matrix or they seek to optimize the performance of any mass spectrometer on the market, ACQUITY UPLC I-Class enables scientists to solve their most complex separations and detection challenges.”

Keeping pace with today’s most advanced laboratories, the ACQUITY UPLC I-Class System excels when analyzing complex, sample-limited compounds. Sample-limited compounds include high potency medications, trace levels of food or water contamination, and (advanced) sophisticated biotherapeutics. These samples can represent complex separation challenges requiring an LC system that can maximize the benefits of sub-two-micron for faster throughput and optimized MS performance.

While there are many innovations built into the new ACQUITY UPLC I-Class, minimal system volume is a new key feature. Reduced system volume significantly decreases dispersion rates for reproducibly higher resolution and superior peak capacity. Reduced dispersion and small peak volumes extend the sensitivity of any mass spectrometer. Additionally, low dispersion footprint allows users to reduce their separation cycle times without impact to the separation as resolution is maintained even for ballistic gradients lasting less than one minute. Also importantly, new design and materials dramatically reduce sample carryover effects, thus increasing user confidence in results.

The ACQUITY UPLC I-Class also features class leading flexibility and precise sampling capabilities. Depending on application needs, users can choose either the highest precision and lowest dispersion fixed-loop Sample Manager, or the world’s first low dispersion variable volume Sample Manager with a flow-through needle design, which delivers high-precision injections, excellent sample recovery, and lowest sample carryover optimizing the performance for even the most sensitive mass detectors.