Which HPLC model?

[Daniela_Ela]

Hi everybody,

we want to buy a HPLC system for our lab. We want to perform quantitative vitamin and supplement analyses in future. We are still at the beginning of the experimental design.

We found two different HPLC systems on the internet:
- Agilent 1100
- Beckman Gold

So do you have experiences with one of these (or both) HPLC systems? Which one is more suitable for these kind of analyses? Which model is more suitable for beginners? Do you have experiences with functionality?

Thanks a lot!

Daniela

[Gerhard Kratz]

Dear Daniela,

The decision what brand of HPLC system to purchase should be linked to the overall service situation in your area, in your country.
I would recommend to add Waters to your list and Knauer.

[skunked_once]

The most important factor in choosing either of these systems is where are you going to get support and replacement parts.

I really liked the Beckman systems but they are no longer in business. There are used equipment dealers that will still service them if you can find one.

You are more likely to find parts and support for the Agilent system. Once again, the key is to find a source of support and parts.

[KM-USA]

95% of my chromatography experience is with Agilent, back from 5830 GC and 1084B HPLC days. I've found Agilent systems to be very reliable and have great up-time.

I also think that in-house repairs/maintenance is straightforward.

[Blazer]

I would also recommend Agilent, especially over Beckman.

If we're talking software, I'd want Empower over OpenLab or Chemstation. Should I get to build my own lab someday, that's what I'll push for with my budget.

[HPLC_chainik]

Judging from your list, you are on a rather tight budget. I would suggest also looking at Shimadzu hardware. There are fewer Shimadzu HPLCs around than Agilents, and for this reason it is easier to find parts for Agilents. However, this makes used Agilent pumps twice as expensive as Shimadzu ones. Shimadzu LC10 component are comparable to Agilent 1100 in reliability, and you can get service for them if you really need to, although you have to find your ways. I am building a third Shimadzu HPLC from bits and pieces in the last several months, and so far it is going OK. For the money that I spent on the components, I would probably be able to put together only one working Agilent 1100.

[Khanom]

Dear Daniela,

Have you considered the use of a Cecil Instruments’ HPLC system. There are three HPLC ranges, to suit differing needs and circumstances.

[url][/url]http://www.cecilinstruments.com/submenupage-hplc.html

All the Cecil HPLC systems are modular, easy to install, use and maintain, and robust. Extra modules, such as detectors, pumps, autosamplers, post column reactors, etc., may be added at any stage, to accommodate your future requirements.


Kind regards,