Agilent Instrument Control Framework and Agilent 1290 Infinity Quaternary LC with Waters Empower

Significance of the Topic

The integration of chromatography systems with third-party data acquisition software accelerates laboratory workflows, minimizes user training, and ensures consistent data management across departments. By enabling seamless control of Agilent liquid chromatography (LC) instruments via Waters Empower 3 using the Agilent Instrument Control Framework (ICF), laboratories can leverage advanced features and maintain cross-platform compatibility without compromising performance.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates the configuration and performance evaluation of the Agilent 1290 Infinity Quaternary LC operated under Waters Empower 3 with Agilent ICF. The main goals were to validate instrument control, method setup, data acquisition, and processing capabilities, and to assess chromatographic precision under integrated software control.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Chromatographic conditions were established using an Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C18 column (4.6 × 50 mm, 2.7 µm) with a water/acetonitrile gradient (15 % to 95 % B over 8 min) at 1 mL/min, 30 °C column temperature, and 3 µL injection volume. Detection was performed by a diode array detector (245/10 nm, reference 360/100 nm, 20 Hz). Data processing and reporting used Waters Empower 3 build 3471 alongside Agilent ICF version A.01.05 SP11.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 1290 Infinity Quaternary Pump (G4202A)
• Agilent 1290 Infinity Autosampler (G4226A)
• Agilent 1290 Infinity Thermostat (G1330B)
• Agilent 1290 Infinity Thermostatted Column Compartment (G1316C)
• Agilent 1290 Infinity Diode Array Detector (G4212A)

Results and Discussion

The system was configured via DHCP in Empower, then appeared in the acquisition interface for method setup and system equilibration. Overlay of five consecutive runs showed consistent chromatographic profiles. Retention time precision across nine ketone standards was better than 0.055 % RSD, while peak area precision was below 0.31 % RSD. Empower’s Compare tool and reporting routines facilitated rapid evaluation of precision metrics. The integrated control allowed use of advanced functions such as external needle wash, pump priming and purging, module on/off switching, and online method adjustments.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Unified control of Agilent LC hardware through Waters Empower interface
• Reduced training effort by leveraging a single software platform
• Full access to advanced instrument features (needle wash, priming, module status)
• Enhanced data consistency and streamlined cross-laboratory workflows
• Robust precision supporting QA/QC and method validation requirements

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Ongoing developments may include tighter integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), cloud-based data storage and analytics, and AI-driven method optimization. Enhanced interoperability will further simplify multi-vendor instrument networks and support automated decision-making in high-throughput environments.

Conclusion

The combination of Agilent ICF with Waters Empower 3 enables comprehensive control and high-performance operation of the Agilent 1290 Infinity Quaternary LC. This integration delivers precise, reproducible chromatography while simplifying software training and data management.

References

1. A. Gratzfeld-Huesgen. Agilent Instrument Control Framework (ICF) Update A.01.05. Waters Corporation, publication number 716003867, Rev A, 2013.
2. A. G. Huesgen. Operation of the Agilent 1260 Infinity LC Under Waters Empower Software Using Instrument Control Framework (ICF) - Instrument set up and performance. Agilent Technologies Application Note, publication number 5990-9092EN, 2011.