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In Pursuit of Higher Speed and Uncompromised Separation

Download Ultra Fast Liquid Chromatograph Brochure (.pdf file)
The goal of high-speed HPLC is to realize increased productivity in the laboratory. Shimadzu believes that this increase in speed should not compromise the quality of the analytical data or the robustness of the HPLC. The quality of the data obtained from high-speed HPLC should be similar to that of conventional HPLC. For example, the Retention Time and Area repeatability should be excellent - even after 10,000 analytical runs, and peak shape and resolution should not deteriorate after prolonged use. To realize the increase in productivity from high-speed HPLC, the instrument should be easily maintained and have minimal downtime. These characteristics, not just high pressure, are the focus for a high-speed system.
The Shimadzu UFLC system achieves the above goals, providing speed and performance without compromise. The UFLC system does not depend on extremely high pressures and offers a high level of precision and expandability not available with previous fast LC systems. The proof is in the data!

View Shimadzu’s presentation on Conventional Approaches to High Speed HPLC

Learn more about Prominence UFLC in a "Live from Pittcon 2007" video

Features
ULTRA FAST – Amazing Speed and Performance 
The Prominence UFLC and the new XR Columns combine to achieve 10x the speed of separation compared to a conventional HPLC system. Furthermore the high-speed injection mechanism of the Prominence SIL-20A sample injector significantly reduces overall cycle time by minimizing the time between runs. This autosampler speed, along with an inert "needle in line" flow path design, allows for rapid cycle times without the carryover (As demonstrated on the Applied Biosystems/MDS Sciex API 5000TM system) or complexity that can result from inject ahead methods. Additionally, the excellent resolution of the new columns increases the possibility of analyzing samples that are not sufficiently separated by conventional HPLC.

UNQUESTIONABLE FIDELITY – Both Repeatability and Speed
The Shimadzu high-precision solvent delivery system provides excellent durability and precision due to its micro displacement pump design and resolution of delivery steps. This pump resolution is necessary to perform steep gradient profiles required for high-speed HPLC. After extended-use endurance tests, the autosampler demonstrates excellent repeatability for small-volume injections due to its proprietary valves and design.

NEW HIGH-SPEED COLUMNS – Shim-pack XR-ODS
The new XR columns were developed in consideration of separation, durability and applicable pressure. The 2.2um particle size with controlled particle size distribution skillfully balances separation efficiency, high-speed flow and pressure.
UPGRADEABILITY
Any Prominence system utilizing LC-20AB or LC-20AD pumps can be field upgraded to UFLC, thereby protecting the investment and allowing users to make smart choices.

 

Prominence UFLC
Ultra Fast Amazing Speed and High Separation Performance

Liquid chromatography separation speed becomes faster by using analytical columns with ultra-fine particle packing and increasing the mobile phase flow rate. When the actual analysis time is reduced, other factors required for the analysis cycle time become important, such as the time required for autosampler injection movement, gradient delay time and system conditioning time. Prominence UFLC offers the solution for these factors by greatly reducing total analysis cycle time, which ultimately enhances laboratory productivity.

High-speed LC analysis – 10 times faster than conventional LC

The following is a comparison of chromatograms between Prominence UFLC with Shim-pack XR-ODS, a new reversed-phase column, and conventional LC using a conventional column (150mmL. x 4.6mm i.d., 5um). In conventional LC, benzo-fluoranthene isomers (peaks 7 and 8) with separation 1.2 were eluted in 35 minutes. Using Prominence UFLC with the Shim-pack XR-ODS, the same components were eluted in 3.5 minutes while maintaining the same excellent resolution. Retention time for benzo-perylene (peak 9) is reduced from 50.4 min. to 5.07 min., while its theoretical plate number changes slightly from 10,600 to 11,900.
Prominence UFLC reduces analysis time to 1/10 of conventional LC while keeping separation efficiency. (Analysis time reduction may vary by analytical conditions.)

Reduction of total analysis cycle time

When the time needed for analysis is reduced with the use of a high-speed column, other considerations affecting the analysis cycle become important, such as the time required for autosampler injection movement, gradient delay time, and system conditioning time. If the autosampler injection movement is slow, it may take up the majority of the total analysis cycle time. Prominence UFLC employs a fast autosampler (10 seconds for 10uL injection), which contributes to a truly fast analysis cycle.

(*Assuming analysis time: 30 sec., other fast LC autosampler injection movement: 30 sec.)

A variety of automated features, such as automatic purging, shortens the time required for system start-up via manual operation. To reduce the delay time of concentration change at the column inlet during gradient operation, and the conditioning time required for initialization, UFLC utilizes a smaller system inner volume.

These Prominence UFLC features demonstrate excellent gradient analysis. The data below shows ultra- high-speed gradient analysis of about 30 seconds for one analysis cycle. Prominence UFLC offers superb high speed and resolution, without applying high pressure, by optimizing system and column efficiency.

Ultra Fast Gradient Analysis
Column: Shim-pack XR-ODS (30mmL. x 3mm i.d.), Temperature: 80°C, Mobile Phase: Water/Acetonitrile gradient elution, Flow Rate: 3.0mL/min, Detection: 245nm Sample: Alkylphenones

High separation analysis --- 3 times better separation
Although the Shim-pack XR-ODS has a smaller diameter particle packing material, pressure loss (back pressure) is minimized, and a longer column can be easily employed as a fast LC column. Therefore, without making analysis time longer, it is possible to obtain a high-separation chromatogram with a high theoretical plate number, which could not be achieved previously. The following chromatograms compare Benzo fluoranthene isomer separation using Prominence UFLC with a Shim-pack XR-ODS and conventional LC. Prominence UFLC offers a shorter analysis time and significantly better resolution (Rs), and three times higher theoretical plate number.

 

Prominence UFLC
High precision, stability and durability
Good repeatability is a strong feature of an HPLC, and it must not be sacrificed by high speed. Prominence UFLC employs a proven micro-stroke solvent delivery mechanism (flow rate resolution 3.7nL/min., 10uL/stroke) with improved firmware so that ultra-fast gradient formation occurs. The Prominence Autosampler, with its highly sealed measuring device and high-precision valves, achieves excellent repeatability for fast LC.

Prominence UFLC provides good repeatability even in small volume sample injection.

Repeatability in small-volume injection and ultra-fast analysis

In general high-speed LC, repeatability in a small sample volume is often regarded as a problem. The figure below shows a chromatogram by Prominence UFLC for a 2uL injection and one-minute gradient analysis. Repeatability of less than 0.2% RSD is achieved.

Column: Shim-pack XR-ODS (50mmL. x 3mm i.d.), Temperature: 40°C. Mobile Phase: Water/Acetonitrile gradient elution, Flow Rate: 1.5mL/min, Detection: 245nm, Sample: Alkylphenones, Injection Volume: 2uL

Column: Shim-pack XR-ODS (50mmL. x 3mm i.d.), Temperature: 40°C. Mobile Phase: Water/Acetonitrile gradient elution, Flow Rate: 1.5mL/min, Detection: 245nm, Sample: Alkylphenones, Injection Volume: 2uL

For precise equipment control, required by analytical validation processes and quality control tests, and for minimizing the risk of a system malfunction interrupting an analysis, the most important factor is the high-pressure valve on the autosampler. The Prominence UFLC uses Shimadzu’s own proprietary high-precision 6-port valve, which achieves 0.1% or less (RSD) area repeatability in 100,000 cycle endurance tests*. In addition, for LC-MS analyses, where reduction of sample carryover has currently gained a great deal of attention, Prominence UFLC successfully reduces carryover based on the principle of inhibiting the adsorption of samples in the first place.

* Based on Shimadzu endurance test parameters for a 6-port valve.

Repeatability for 4 Alkyl Phenons After Finishing 100,000 Cycle Endurance Test

 

Prominence UFLC
Shim-pack XR-ODS

The Shim-pack XR-ODS employs a 2.2um particle size, skillfully balancing the separation efficiency and pressure.

With the Shim-pack XR-ODS column, high-speed and high-separation analysis is possible even at pressures below 30 MPa (300 kgf/cm2). We believe that the Shim-pack XR-ODS column provides the solution for customers wanting to improve analytical efficiency by realizing both high speed and high separation using regular column pressure conditions.
Each Shim-pack XR-ODS column comes with three quality certificates. Shimadzu strictly controls the quality of each column based on criteria specified in these certificates to guarantee manufacturing uniformity.

 

 

Size of Shim-pack XR-ODS
Inside Diameter (mm) Length (mm) 2.0 30 / 50 / 75 /100 3.0 30 / 50 / 75 /100 4.6 30 / 50 / 75 /100	For general-purpose high-speed analysis, a 3.0mm i.d. 50mm length column is recommended. Columns with 2.0mm i.d. are for semi-micro high-speed analysis.

PTC Amino acid application
A pre-column derivatization method is used for the analysis of amino acids, where the amino acids are derivatized to PTC (phenylthiocarbamyl) by a PITC (phenyl isothiocyanate) reagent, and detected by a UV detector. 17 components of the PTC derivatized amino acid (100umol/L each) are analyzed and separated in only 4 minutes.

Column: Shim-pack XR-ODS (75mmL. x 3mm i.d.), Temperature: 40oC, Mobile Phase: Phosphate buffer/Acetonitrile gradient elution, Flow Rate: 1.2mL/min, Detection: 254nm

 

Peaks
1.	L-Aspartic Acid	12	L-Valine
2.	L-Glutamic Acid	13	L-Methionine
3.	L-Serine	14	L-Cysteine
4.	Glycine	15	L-Isoleucine
5.	L-Histidine	16	L-Leucine
6.	L-Arginine	17	L-Phenylalanine
7.	L-Threonine	18	L-Lysine
8.	L-Alanine
9.	L-Proline
10.	Ammonium
11.	L-Tyrosine

 

Analysis of Isoflavones in Soy
Isoflavones are compounds found in soy beans, especially in soy germ. Due to a behavior that is similar to estrogen, isoflavones attract considerable attention. Here, isoflavones in soy are analyzed using gradient elution.

Column: Shim-pack XR-ODS (75mmL. x 3.0mm i.d.), Temperature: 40°C, Mobile Phase: Formic Acid Aqueous solution/Formic Acid Acetonitrile solution, gradient elution, Flow Rate: 1.2mL/min, Detection: 275nm