Improving Return on Investment with Smart, Integrated InfinityLab Solutions

Importance of the Topic

Liquid chromatography remains a cornerstone in analytical chemistry across pharmaceutical, food, and materials laboratories. The advent of advanced LC systems that deliver higher throughput, greater operational uptime, and improved data quality is vital to support rigorous QA/QC and R&D activities. By integrating smart features that streamline solvent handling, column changeovers, and system maintenance, modern LC platforms can offer substantial economic and productivity gains.

Objectives and Study Overview

This white paper evaluates the incremental economic value of combining the Agilent 1260 Infinity II Prime LC with the InfinityLab LC/MSD iQ detector. The goals are to quantify cost savings, reduced downtime, enhanced sample throughput, and the strategic advantage of instrument emulation. Using conservative laboratory usage assumptions—such as 20 samples per day, 25-minute cycle times, and standard profit margins—the study models annual financial benefits compared to conventional LC setups.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

Key features assessed include:

• BlendAssist automated solvent mixing
• InfinityLab Quick Connect and Quick Turn fittings
• Automatic purge and multipurpose valves
• Lab Advisor diagnostic software
• Automated column regeneration with dual-needle injection
• Extended 800 bar-pressure capability for smaller particle columns
• Intelligent System Emulation Technology (ISET)
• InfinityLab LC/MSD iQ mass detection

The study applies default annual usage parameters and economic rates to estimate savings in consumables, maintenance, and revenue gains from greater analytical throughput.

Main Results and Discussion

Consumables and operation costs are reduced by 2 092 USD per year through BlendAssist and durable fittings. System downtime decreases by 1 220 minutes annually, translating into 390 USD of additional profit. Higher throughput enabled by 800 bar operation and overlapping regeneration saves over 1 220 minutes of analysis time per year, equivalent to 49 additional sample analyses and 1 952 USD incremental revenue. Overall throughput improvements can generate 4 290 extra runs annually, yielding 150 600 USD more revenue and 30 120 USD profit. ISET can obviate the purchase of one additional LC, saving 52 450 USD per year. Combined, these benefits exceed 85 000 USD in annual economic value.

Benefits and Practical Applications

These integrated solutions simplify daily lab workflows, reduce human error, and improve method transfer across instruments. Faster solvent preparation, automated maintenance actions, and seamless column changes enhance productivity. Mass detection via the InfinityLab LC/MSD iQ adds selectivity and sensitivity, enabling shorter separations and confident peak identification, further boosting throughput and decision-making quality in drug discovery, food safety, and materials research.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging analytical demands will push laboratories toward more autonomous, data-rich platforms. Advances may include deeper integration of AI-driven diagnostic tools, real-time process monitoring, and further miniaturization of chromatographic components. The trend toward method portability via emulation and cloud-based workflow management will expand the value proposition of such integrated LC/MS systems.

Conclusion

The Agilent 1260 Infinity II Prime LC paired with the LC/MSD iQ offers a cohesive, high-performance chromatography solution delivering significant operational savings, higher analytical throughput, and reduced capital expenditure. These enhancements provide laboratories with a strong return on investment while maintaining robust data quality and method consistency.