PURELAB® Flex: delivering essential ultra pure water for analytical techniques

Importance of the Topic

High-purity water is a fundamental reagent in modern analytical chemistry. It eliminates ionic and organic contaminants that could interfere with trace-level measurements in techniques such as atomic absorption spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography and voltammetry. Ensuring consistently ultrapure water quality is essential for reliable results in both educational and research laboratories.

Study Objectives and Overview

This case study examines the implementation of an ELGA PURELAB Flex water purification system at Olsberg Vocational College in Germany. The college, serving 2 500 students and offering specialized training for biological-technical and chemical-technical assistants, integrates advanced analytical instrumentation into its curriculum. The objective was to provide students and instructors with a robust, space-efficient source of ultrapure water matching the standards of private and public research institutions.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The water purification setup comprises two main components:

• PURELAB Option-R pre-treatment unit to remove major ionic and particulate impurities
• PURELAB Flex dispenser delivering up to 2 L/min of 18.2 MΩ·cm ultrapure water with a built-in 0.2 µm point-of-use filter

Ultrapure water from this system feeds a range of analytical instruments used in the curriculum, including:

• Spectrophotometry
• Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)
• Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
• Gas chromatography and GC-MS
• Voltammetric analysis

Main Results and Discussion

Since installation, the PURELAB Flex system has operated reliably, providing uninterrupted access to ultrapure water for multiple simultaneous users. Key outcomes include:

• Stable conductivity and low total organic carbon levels, ensuring minimal background interference in trace analyses
• Rapid start-up and intuitive user interface, reducing training time for students
• Compact footprint, freeing up valuable bench space in the teaching laboratory

The system’s consistent performance has eliminated water-related errors and maintenance issues, allowing instructors to focus on method training rather than troubleshooting supply quality.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The integration of PURELAB Flex has yielded several advantages:

• Enhanced confidence in analytical data by removing water as a variable source of contamination
• Hands-on experience for students with industry-standard water purification technology
• Improved lab workflow due to high flow rate and on-demand dispensing
• Reduced downtime and maintenance through automated self-diagnostics and remote monitoring capability

Future Trends and Opportunities

As analytical demands evolve, laboratories will require even lower detection limits and greater operational efficiency. Future developments may include:

• Integration of real-time quality sensors for continuous monitoring of organic and ionic impurities
• Compact modular designs to support decentralized or mobile laboratories
• Advanced remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance via cloud connectivity
• Combination with green technologies to reduce water and energy consumption

Conclusion

The ELGA PURELAB Flex system has proven to be a reliable, user-friendly solution for delivering ultrapure water in an educational setting. Its performance meets the stringent requirements of advanced analytical techniques, enhances pedagogical outcomes and prepares students for professional laboratory environments.