Watrex 2021 Product catalog

Importance of the Topic

Liquid chromatography and its variants, such as ion exclusion, ion exchange, gel permeation and ion chromatography, are fundamental tools in modern analytical laboratories. They support pharmaceutical development, environmental monitoring, food safety, industrial quality control and biochemical research. Reliable, high‐precision instrumentation with low dead volume, stable flow and sensitive detection is essential to achieve reproducible separations and accurate quantitation.

Study Objectives and Overview

This document surveys the evolution and current product portfolio of Watrex Praha, a Czech company founded in 1990 by Dr. Milan Minárik. It outlines the firm’s transition from distributor to manufacturer of bespoke liquid chromatography modules and complete systems under the Streamline™, DeltaChrom™ and proprietary column families. Key milestones include the development of low‐pulsation pumps, a range of detectors and automated sampling and fractionation solutions, as well as patented zero‐dead‐volume recycle chromatography.

Applied Methodology and Instrumentation

The analysis of Watrex’s instrumentation covers:

• Pumps: Streamline™ P1 and DeltaChrom™ P102 are high‐precision HPLC pumps (0–10 mL/min, 0–6000 psi, flow accuracy ±2 %, pulsation <0.5 %).
• Detectors: UV1 (190–800 nm, dual lamp UV/VIS), PDA1 (190–720 nm photodiode array), RI1 (LED‐based refractive index) and VD1 (viscometric intrinsic viscosity).
• Sampling & fractionation: AS1/AS2 autosamplers (60/120 vial capacity, variable volume injections 0.1–999.9 µL) and FC1 fraction collector with time‐ or signal‐triggered collection and optional cooling.
• Thermostats & reactors: CT1 column oven (10 °C above ambient to 100 °C), PCRS‐300 post‐column derivatization (10–150 °C) and reusable reaction coils.
• Specialty modules: UFO™ solvent recycler for isocratic mobile phase recovery and OLE180 on‐line SPE/preconcentration unit.
• Chromatographic columns: DeltaSil™ C18 reversed phase, Polymer IEX™ ion exclusion, DeltaGel™ mixed‐bed SEC, IonPlus™ anion/cation exchange and a variety of empty stainless steel or PEEK housings.

Main Findings and Discussion

Watrex instruments demonstrate robust mechanical design with overlapping cam pistons and digital motor control for precise solvent delivery. Detector modules achieve low baseline noise (<1×10⁻⁵ AU) and drift (<3×10⁻⁴ AU/h) in UV and photodiode arrays, while RI and viscometric units deliver high sensitivity for non‐UV active analytes. The modular architecture allows users to assemble isocratic, binary gradient, ion chromatography or gel permeation systems tailored to specific applications.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Watrex portfolio offers cost‐effective alternatives to larger suppliers, with full OEM or self‐service capabilities. Key benefits include:

• Modularity for flexible system build‐up and future upgrades.
• Low operational costs through reusable reactor cartridges and solvent recycling.
• High reproducibility for QA/QC, bioanalysis and environmental screening.
• Comprehensive local support and collaborations with academic centers.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances will focus on automation, online recycling, micro‐ and nano‐flow applications, integrated data management and further reduction of dead volume. The patented recycle chromatography method points toward enhanced resolution for complex mixtures. Ongoing collaborative research may yield novel stationary phases and on‐line sample preparation modules.

Conclusion

Watrex Praha has evolved into a turnkey provider of high‐performance chromatography modules and systems. Its technically mature Streamline™ and DeltaChrom™ lines, supported by specialized detectors, sample handling and suppression technologies, address a broad range of analytical challenges while maintaining affordability and adaptability.

References

No literature references were included in the original document.