Accela UPLC

[reuvenk]

Hi,

Anyone using Thermo's Accela UPLC? known problems, autosampler features, repeatability, carryover?

Any known problems with the injection system?

[trozen]

We have 3 systems; to be short: do not even think about it - buy waters or agilent

we changed syringe drive in two systems;

rotor seals in Rheodyne valves were changed several times, jammed (and you can only buy them from Thermo, its OEM part; however, starting from May 2010 Thermo installs Valco valves);

injection valve is located in the heated column compartment - not good for the valve (we work at 50 deg C): when you change rotor seal on a cold valve and tighten the nuts you may then find them loose when the valve will heat up;

dynamic mixer in the pump was changed in one system (motor blown up);

proportioning valves in the pump may freeze in either open or close state;
actual flow through the column does not correspond to a set value (10% lower in our case)

never use no waste injection when working with polar or early eluting compounds, as wash solution (typically methanol or methanol/water) will be co-injected to a column and ruin your chromatography;

carry-over strongly depends on the chemistry of your analytes, could be as high as 0.1%;

pump is connected through the USB port, and the connection may get lost from time to time;

at the moment we are going to change Accela for Waters Acquity UPLC

[hermo71]

I have 6 Accela systems (3 connected to LCMS systems) and I had no problem at all!!! The oldest one has already 4 years...no problems at all.

I work on food safety, and my Accela have already done thousands on injections..))

[reuvenk]

I've used Shimadzu system with Applied 3200 for food safety applications with not problems. Now using the Accela for peptides - and the problems don't seem to end... (mostly blocked stator).

[hermo71]

I'm really sorry reuvenk..

My Accela are connected to a TSQ Quantum Ultra and to a TSQ Vantage. I analyse pesticides in food, antibiotics in honey and fish, mycotoxins in cereal, hormones in diluted urine, etc...without any kind of problems..

[trozen]

I'm really sorry reuvenk..

My Accela are connected to a TSQ Quantum Ultra and to a TSQ Vantage. I analyse pesticides in food, antibiotics in honey and fish, mycotoxins in cereal, hormones in diluted urine, etc...without any kind of problems..

you must be a lucky one!
I have responses from 3 labs having mostly Thermo instruments, and they are not as happy with robustness of those machines
just my opinion..

[lcadiente]

I got (Accela) with two bad proportioning valves. Any idea how much?

[lmh]

The only comment I'd make is that Thermo lc systems are, so far as I know, completely incompatible with the software of any other manufacturer (unlike Agilent, Waters etc., who seem to be grudgingly prepared to control one another's pumps). If you use an Accela, you will struggle to use it in the future with any non-thermo MS system without having to dedicate two PCs to controlling the two parts of your system, and coordinate by contact closure. I.e. slight loss of flexibility.

[Mike in Seattle]

In full disclosure I work for Thermo Scientific, I sell Chromatography Consumables (HPLC columns, etc) in the Northwest United States.

Chromeleon is compatible with the Accela system (probably one of the two major reasons Thermo bought Dionex...) When I was working in the lab I used ChemStation and I understand that compatability with exisiting LIMS systems is a key concern people have. But the Thermo ChromQuest software is easy to use and is integrated into a lot of LIMS Systems.

I have a number of customers with Thermo Accela systems, they don't seem to be down any more than any other manufacturers systems. I will also say that because Thermo is going after market share they are selling these systems for less than our competitors.

I'd recommend contacting your local sales rep, and having them come out and show you the system. At least in my area the instrument reps will come out and provide a lunch 'n learn style presenation for you and your lab. Worst case you get a free lunch and learn about our new system and are better able to compare what we offer to our competitors systems.

[lmh]

Mike in Seattle, since you've replied in admirable openness, can I ask if Chromeleon can handle the MS side of things? The problem I have with Accela is that Waters and Agilent LC-MS software packages seem to be able to handle each others' front-ends, but it's really hard to attach an Accela to anyone else's MS system.... It'd be really nice if Thermo could "join the club" and be compatible. If you can't, you're going to lose sales. I love Thermo mass specs, but get frustrated with Thermo software, licensing, and isolationism.

[Mike in Seattle]

Hi LMH,

I have shared your feedback with the product managers I know. In response to your question; Chromeleon has a module called DCMSLink that allows you to control the MS through the XCalibur software. I don't have any personal experience using the DCMSlink software, but I would be happy to get you in touch with some people who have used the software.