Agilent 7100 Capillary Electrophoresis System in Empower

Importance of the Topic

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a pivotal separation technique recognized for its high resolution, minimal sample and reagent consumption, and versatility across biological, pharmaceutical, and environmental analyses. Integrating CE control into modern chromatography data systems streamlines workflows, enhances automation, and facilitates reliable data handling and reporting.

Objectives and Overview

This technical guide describes the configuration and operation of the Agilent 7100 Capillary Electrophoresis system within the Waters Empower 3 environment. Key aims include setting up LAN communication, defining instrument parameters, establishing direct control and dashboard feedback, developing instrument methods, and executing both single and sequence runs, including advanced modes such as indirect detection and external pressure application.

Methodology

The main configuration and operational steps are:

• Hardware integration: connect the CE mainframe to the LAC/E box via ethernet and power up the system;
• Software setup: install Agilent ICF/LC driver and Waters ICF Support v2.2 components;
• PreConfiguration Utility: assign pressure units, temperature control settings, and enable analog signals;
• Autoconfiguration: detect CE modules on the LAC/E and generate a CE‐specific project in Empower;
• Instrument method creation: specify separation conditions (voltage, temperature, runtimes), DAD parameters (signal/reference wavelengths, bandwidths), sample handling (vial positions, injection timing), and optional steps for pre/postconditioning and buffer replenishment;
• Sequence design: configure single‐run or multi‐injection sequences, synchronizing Empower run time with method stoptime.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 7100 CE Mainframe (G7150A) with G7151A Diode Array Detector;
• Fused silica capillaries (50 µm ID, various lengths);
• Agilent ICF/LC driver and Waters Instrument Control Framework (ICF Support v2.2);
• Waters Empower 3 software and Agilent PreConfiguration Utility;
• External pressure supply for CEC and CE/p modes when required.

Main Results and Discussion

Empower 3 enables real‐time instrument monitoring through a CE status dashboard and direct control context menus. Multi‐injection precision tests of a model analyte showed relative standard deviations around 1% for peak areas and below 0.5% for migration times. Indirect detection was demonstrated using background electrolyte absorbance shifts, with both positive and negative peak integration in a single run. Advanced functionalities—such as automated buffer replenishment, capillary conditioning, capillary electrochromatography (CEC) mode, and external pressure application—are fully supported after appropriate configuration. Noted limitations include unit display inconsistencies (PSI vs. mbar/bar) and unverified analog input and mass spectrometry coupling features.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced automation and throughput through integrated method control and direct instrument commands;
• Improved quantitative precision benefiting QA/QC and research laboratories;
• Extended capillary lifespan and method robustness via programmable pre/postconditioning and replenishment;
• Broad analyte compatibility, including non-UV absorbing species via indirect detection.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Emerging developments include deeper mass spectrometry integration, machine‐learning-driven data processing, cloud-based remote monitoring, and enhanced laboratory information management system (LIMS) connectivity. Adoption of non-Agilent drivers and expanded software toolkits will further diversify CE applications.

Conclusion

The successful integration of the Agilent 7100 CE system into Waters Empower 3 provides a comprehensive platform for high-performance separations and streamlined data management. Laboratories gain robust automation, precise quantitation, and flexible method execution, positioning CE as a key tool in modern analytical workflows.

References

• Agilent Technologies Inc. (2018) Agilent 7100 Capillary Electrophoresis System in Empower Technical Note, G7100-90200.
• Waters Corporation (2017) Using the Agilent PreConfiguration Utility with Agilent ICF Support v2.2, Document TECN134936402.