Agilent 1200 Infinity Series

Significance of LC Automation in Analytical Chemistry

Automating liquid chromatography enhances reproducibility, throughput, and method development across pharmaceutical, environmental and industrial laboratories.

Objectives and Study Overview

The brochure presents Agilent’s modular automation portfolio for the 1200 Infinity Series, aiming to:

• Increase sample throughput via automated valve switching and column regeneration.
• Accelerate method development with multi-column, multi-solvent scouting.
• Integrate third-party detectors and devices through a universal interface.
• Generate flexible, customized reports for data-driven decision making.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

Agilent’s modular approach combines versatile valve heads and drives with software control:

• Quick-Change Valves (2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, 12-position configurations) for column/solvent selection, enrichment, cleanup and 2D-LC.
• 1290 Infinity Thermostatted Column Compartment, Flexible Cube and external Valve Drives for compact, high-pressure setups.
• 1200 Infinity Universal Interface Box II for analog/digital I/O, relay control and CAN connectivity.
• OpenLAB CDS with Intelligent Reporter for customizable reporting.
• Supporting modules: pumps, autosamplers, detectors and fraction collectors.

Main Results and Discussion

Automated workflows demonstrated:

• Two-fold throughput increase via parallel column regeneration with 2-position/10-port valves.
• Trace analyte enrichment and matrix cleanup using 2-position/6-port valves.
• Automated scouting of up to eight columns and twelve solvents for rapid LC method optimization.
• Seamless integration of diverse detectors and enhanced data conversion through the Universal Interface Box.
• Implementation of heart-cutting and comprehensive 2D-LC with a dedicated 2-position/4-port duo valve.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced laboratory productivity through unattended operation and modular hardware.
• Greater flexibility in method design and rapid column screening.
• Reduced carry-over and extra-column band broadening in nano to UHPLC applications.
• Streamlined data analysis and reporting for regulatory compliance.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Integration of AI-driven method optimization and predictive maintenance.
• Expansion of biocompatible and bio-inert valve materials for proteomics.
• Advanced 3D-LC and multi-dimensional separations combining LC with MS or spectroscopy.
• Cloud-based data management and real-time analytics.

Conclusion

Agilent’s 1200 Infinity automation suite delivers a flexible, scalable platform for high-performance LC workflows, meeting diverse analytical demands and paving the way for next-generation chromatographic innovation.

References

• Agilent Application Note 5990-5069EN: Automated Column Regeneration.
• Agilent Poster 5990-6922EN: Sample Enrichment Techniques.
• Agilent Application Note 5990-5255EN: Automated Sample Cleanup.
• Agilent Brochure 5990-8702EN: OpenLAB Intelligent Reporter.
• Agilent Application Note 5990-5600EN: Multi-Method Solution.
• Agilent Brochure 5990-6226EN: Method Scouting Wizard.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 1200 Infinity Series LC modules (pumps, autosamplers).
• Quick-Change Valves and 2-position/4-port duo valve.
• 1290 Infinity Thermostatted Column Compartment and Flexible Cube.
• 1200 Infinity Universal Interface Box II.
• OpenLAB Chromatography Data System with Intelligent Reporter.