The Agilent 1260 Infinity series HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) system is a workhorse in analytical labs worldwide. Known for its reliability, precision, and flexibility, this system is used for a wide range of applications, from pharmaceutical analysis and food safety testing to environmental monitoring and chemical research. If you're diving into HPLC or considering an upgrade, understanding the Agilent 1260's specifications is crucial. Let's break down the key features and specs that make this system so popular.

Overview of the Agilent 1260 Infinity Series

The Agilent 1260 Infinity series is designed to provide accurate and reproducible results in a variety of analytical tasks. This HPLC system is built with modular components, allowing users to configure it to meet their specific needs. The series includes a range of detectors, pumps, autosamplers, and column compartments, each with its own set of specifications that contribute to the overall performance of the system.

One of the standout features of the Agilent 1260 is its ability to handle a wide range of applications. Whether you're working with small molecules, biomolecules, or polymers, this system can be optimized to deliver the results you need. Its robust design ensures reliable operation, even under demanding conditions, making it a valuable asset in any laboratory setting.

Key Modules and Their Specifications

To truly understand the Agilent 1260, let's dive into the specifications of its key modules:

1. Pumps: The pump is the heart of any HPLC system, responsible for delivering the mobile phase at a consistent flow rate. The Agilent 1260 series offers several pump options, each with different specifications to suit various applications.

   • Agilent 1260 Iso pump: The Agilent 1260 Isocratic Pump is designed for applications requiring a constant mobile phase composition. It delivers a stable and precise flow rate, ensuring consistent results.

     • Flow Rate Range: Typically ranges from 0.001 to 5 mL/min, providing flexibility for different column sizes and flow rate requirements.
     • Pressure Range: Can operate at pressures up to 600 bar (8700 psi), allowing the use of high-resolution columns and fast separation techniques.
     • Flow Accuracy: ± 1%, ensuring reliable and reproducible results.
     • Flow Precision: < 0.1% RSD (Relative Standard Deviation), providing excellent flow stability.

   • Agilent 1260 Quaternary Pump: The Agilent 1260 Quaternary Pump allows for the mixing of up to four solvents, offering greater flexibility in method development. It can perform gradient elution, where the mobile phase composition changes over time.

     • Flow Rate Range: 0.001 to 10 mL/min, accommodating a wide range of column dimensions and flow rates.
     • Pressure Range: Up to 600 bar (8700 psi), suitable for high-pressure applications.
     • Solvent Selection: Can blend up to four solvents, enabling complex gradient profiles.
     • Gradient Formation: Low-pressure mixing, ensuring accurate and reproducible gradients.
     • Composition Accuracy: ± 0.2%, providing precise control over mobile phase composition.

2. Autosamplers: The autosampler automates the injection of samples into the HPLC system, improving efficiency and reproducibility. The Agilent 1260 autosamplers are known for their precision and reliability.

   • Agilent 1260 ALS (Automatic Liquid Sampler): The Agilent 1260 ALS is designed to handle a variety of sample formats, including vials and microplates. It offers precise injection volumes and minimizes sample carryover.

     • Injection Volume Range: Typically ranges from 0.1 to 100 μL, accommodating different sample concentrations and detection limits.
     • Injection Precision: < 0.25% RSD, ensuring consistent injection volumes.
     • Sample Capacity: Can hold multiple sample vials or microplates, allowing for unattended operation.
     • Carryover: < 0.005%, minimizing contamination between samples.
     • Injection Cycle Time: Fast injection cycles to maximize throughput.

3. Column Compartments: Maintaining a constant column temperature is crucial for reproducible results. The Agilent 1260 column compartments provide precise temperature control.

   • Agilent 1260 TCC (Temperature Controlled Column Compartment): The Agilent 1260 TCC provides precise temperature control for HPLC columns, ensuring reproducible results and stable retention times.

     • Temperature Range: Typically ranges from 10 °C below ambient to 85 °C, accommodating a wide range of applications.
     • Temperature Accuracy: ± 0.1 °C, ensuring precise temperature control.
     • Temperature Stability: < 0.1 °C, maintaining stable column temperature.
     • Heating and Cooling Rates: Fast heating and cooling rates for quick temperature changes.

4. Detectors: The detector is responsible for detecting the separated compounds as they elute from the column. The Agilent 1260 series offers a variety of detectors, each with its own strengths and applications.

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   • Agilent 1260 VWD (Variable Wavelength Detector): The Agilent 1260 VWD is a versatile detector that measures the absorbance of light at a specific wavelength. It is suitable for a wide range of compounds that absorb UV or visible light.

     • Wavelength Range: Typically ranges from 190 to 950 nm, covering a broad spectrum of compounds.
     • Bandwidth: Variable bandwidth settings to optimize sensitivity and resolution.
     • Linearity: High linearity for accurate quantification.
     • Noise Level: Low noise level for improved detection limits.
     • Drift: Minimal drift for stable baselines.

   • Agilent 1260 DAD (Diode Array Detector): The Agilent 1260 DAD measures the absorbance of light across a range of wavelengths simultaneously. This allows for spectral analysis and compound identification.

     • Wavelength Range: Typically ranges from 190 to 950 nm, providing comprehensive spectral data.
     • Resolution: High spectral resolution for accurate compound identification.
     • Sensitivity: Enhanced sensitivity for detecting low-concentration compounds.
     • Data Acquisition Rate: Fast data acquisition rates for capturing narrow peaks.
     • Spectral Analysis: Tools for spectral matching and library searching.

   • Agilent 1260 FLD (Fluorescence Detector): The Agilent 1260 FLD detects compounds that emit fluorescence. It is highly sensitive and selective, making it ideal for analyzing fluorescent compounds.

     • Excitation and Emission Wavelengths: User-selectable excitation and emission wavelengths.
     • Sensitivity: Extremely high sensitivity for trace analysis.
     • Selectivity: High selectivity for fluorescent compounds.
     • Gain Settings: Adjustable gain settings to optimize signal intensity.

Agilent 1260 HPLC Specifications: A Detailed Look

When evaluating an HPLC system like the Agilent 1260, focusing on the specifications of each module is key. These specifications determine the system's capabilities and suitability for various analytical tasks. Let's take a closer look at some critical specifications.

Pump Specifications

The pump is a crucial component of the HPLC system, responsible for delivering the mobile phase at a consistent and precise flow rate. Key specifications include:

• Flow Rate Range: The range of flow rates the pump can deliver, typically measured in mL/min. A wider flow rate range provides greater flexibility for different column dimensions and analysis types. For example, the Agilent 1260 Quaternary Pump has a flow rate range of 0.001 - 10 mL/min.
• Pressure Range: The maximum pressure the pump can withstand, measured in bar or psi. Higher pressure ratings allow for the use of smaller particle size columns, which can improve separation efficiency. The Agilent 1260 series pumps often operate up to 600 bar.
• Flow Accuracy and Precision: These parameters indicate how accurately and consistently the pump can deliver the set flow rate. High accuracy and precision are essential for reproducible results. Look for values like ±1% accuracy and <0.1% RSD (Relative Standard Deviation) for precision.

Autosampler Specifications

The autosampler automates the injection of samples into the HPLC system. Its specifications are critical for ensuring accurate and reproducible injections. Key specifications include:

• Injection Volume Range: The range of volumes the autosampler can inject, typically measured in μL. A wider range allows for flexibility in sample concentration and detection limits. For example, the Agilent 1260 ALS can inject volumes from 0.1 to 100 μL.
• Injection Precision: Indicates the consistency of injection volumes. High precision is crucial for accurate quantification. Look for values less than 0.5% RSD.
• Carryover: The amount of sample that remains in the autosampler after an injection, which can contaminate subsequent samples. Low carryover is essential for accurate analysis, especially when dealing with trace amounts of analytes. The Agilent 1260 ALS typically has carryover values less than 0.005%.

Column Compartment Specifications

Maintaining a stable and controlled column temperature is essential for reproducible results. The column compartment specifications include:

• Temperature Range: The range of temperatures the compartment can maintain, typically from below ambient to above ambient. A wider range allows for optimization of separation based on temperature.
• Temperature Accuracy and Stability: These parameters indicate how accurately and consistently the compartment can maintain the set temperature. Precise temperature control is crucial for retention time reproducibility. Look for values like ±0.1 °C accuracy and <0.1 °C stability.

Detector Specifications

The detector is responsible for detecting and quantifying the separated compounds. The choice of detector depends on the properties of the analytes being measured. Key specifications include:

• Wavelength Range (for UV-Vis Detectors): The range of wavelengths the detector can measure. A wider range allows for the detection of a broader range of compounds. For example, the Agilent 1260 VWD and DAD typically have a wavelength range of 190-950 nm.
• Sensitivity: The ability of the detector to detect small amounts of analyte. Higher sensitivity allows for the detection of low-concentration compounds. Sensitivity is often expressed as the signal-to-noise ratio.
• Linearity: The range over which the detector response is linear with respect to the analyte concentration. Good linearity is essential for accurate quantification. The linear range should cover the expected concentration range of the analytes.

Optimizing Performance and Troubleshooting

To get the most out of your Agilent 1260 HPLC system, it's essential to optimize its performance and be prepared to troubleshoot common issues. Regular maintenance, proper method development, and careful monitoring of system performance are key to ensuring reliable and accurate results.

Optimizing Performance

• Method Development: Optimize your HPLC method to achieve the best possible separation and detection of your target analytes. This includes selecting the appropriate column, mobile phase, flow rate, and temperature.
• Calibration: Regularly calibrate your HPLC system using certified reference materials. This ensures that your results are accurate and traceable.
• Preventive Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance on your HPLC system to prevent breakdowns and ensure optimal performance. This includes replacing worn parts, cleaning the system, and checking for leaks.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• High Pressure: High pressure can be caused by a blocked column, a clogged frit, or a restriction in the flow path. Identify and resolve the source of the blockage to reduce the pressure.
• Baseline Noise: Baseline noise can be caused by a dirty detector cell, a noisy pump, or electrical interference. Clean the detector cell, check the pump for leaks, and ensure that the system is properly grounded.
• Poor Peak Shape: Poor peak shape can be caused by a worn column, a poorly packed column, or improper method conditions. Replace the column, optimize the method, and ensure that the system is properly maintained.

Conclusion

The Agilent 1260 HPLC system is a versatile and reliable tool for a wide range of analytical applications. By understanding its key specifications and features, you can optimize its performance and ensure accurate and reproducible results. Whether you're a seasoned HPLC user or just getting started, the Agilent 1260 offers the performance and flexibility you need to succeed.

So, whether you're analyzing pharmaceuticals, monitoring environmental pollutants, or researching new chemical compounds, the Agilent 1260 HPLC system is a valuable asset to have in your lab. With its robust design, precise specifications, and versatile capabilities, it's a workhorse that will help you achieve your analytical goals. Just remember to keep those specs in mind, optimize your methods, and stay on top of maintenance to keep your system running smoothly for years to come! Happy analyzing, folks!