Control of Shimadzu’s Nexera, Prominence and i-Series by Waters’ Empower chromatography data software is now available through a collaboration between Waters and Shimadzu utilizing the “Open Interface Portal (OIP)” for multi-vendor hardware control.
In addition to seamless system control, the detector signal is digitally transmitted to the data system. This eliminates the necessity to add an A/D converter for analogue data acquisition, making system validation easier and more robust. Photodiode array detector 3D data analysis and spectral processing are also available through Empower. Furthermore, system status information, such as pump pressures and column oven temperature, may be monitored and recorded along with chromatograms, making your analytical data even more reliable.
Full system control, including autosampler control, uses Empower sample set methods, and data processing is integrated with Empower software so that the audit trail functions of Empower software are fully utilized. This gives you full confidence in the compliance of the system to regulations such as GLP/GMP and US FDA 21 CFR Part 11. Waters™ and Empower™ are registered trademarks of Waters in the USA and other countries
It is now possible to control the Shimadzu LC systems including Nexera and i-Series from Waters’ Empower chromatography data system. Experience the advanced features of the Nexera series and LC-2050/LC-2060 such as mobile phase monitoring, dual injection and automated pretreatment programs.
Using the MPM-40 mobile phase monitor*, it is possible to check levels of mobile phase, autosampler rinse solution etc. in real time (up to 12 bottles). Remaining volumes can be monitored from the Empower control panel or from a smart device. You can receive advance notifications to your PC or smart device if the mobile phase is likely to become depleted, preventing costly mistakes in analysis.
A range of pretreatment programs for the SIL-40 series includes functions for dilution, addition, co-injection, etc. Automation prevents human error and increases repeatability as well as improving overall workflow efficiency.
Making sure you have sufficient mobile phase in the system—before sequence analysis—is critical to keeping your lab running smoothly. If you run out of mobile phase mid-sequence, you have to stop the sequence and take corrective action, resulting in costly workflow delays and potential loss of samples. To overcome this challenge, the Mobile Phase Monitor*1 enables real-time, gravimetric monitoring of mobile phase levels to ensure maximum uptime. Levels for mobile phase or autosampler rinse solution may be monitored in up to six containers*2. A large bottle version is also available. The containers can also be checked remotely from a smart device (PC/iOS/Android).
UHPLC columns can be damaged by sudden pump starts and extreme gradient changes, especially true with polymeric packings. Smart Flow Control (FlowPilot) increases the flow rate gradually to the method set point according to the status of the column oven, extending the life of your columns.
Migrating a test method (analytical conditions or method) from one instrument to another while obtaining the same chromatogram can be a challenging process. The i-Series is designed with the same internal system volumes as previous Shimadzu systems and competitor systems to ensure system compatibility and data reproducibility. An Analytical Condition Transfer and Optimization (ACTO) function also adjusts gradient start time automatically, so analysts can make adjustments to separations obtained by gradient analysis easily.
The control panel shown sample analysis window provides functions for the direct control of Shimadzu i-Series systems. It is equipped with monitoring functions to allow system operating status to be assessed at a glance, and features system checks for monitoring the usage of consumables. As a result, the software can be used for daily inspections of instruments prior to analysis, and for monitoring the operating status during analyses. Shimadzu LC control parameters are set through the instrument method editor embedded in the software. These stored parameters handled as standard method files of the software.
With the i-Series auto-validation function, anyone can follow a set procedure to examine solvent delivery stability, wavelength accuracy, absorbance accuracy, gradient accuracy, the presence of any drift/noise, and other parameters. In addition, a system check function automatically performs routine inspections before using the instrument. It also creates a report indicating system self-diagnostic results and a record of consumables used, such as the total solvent volume delivered by the delivery pump, the number of autosampler injections, and the number of hours the lamp has been illuminated. This makes it easy to accurately determine the operating status.
Displays procedures, mobile phases, and other information necessary for validation on the screen, which allows you to perform inspections by simply following the instructions. System self-diagnostic results and a record of consumables used can be output from the i-Series Driver.