Official KNAUER AZURA Series Specification Compendium (U)HPLC

Importance of the topic

High-performance and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography systems are central to modern analytical chemistry, enabling precise separation, quantification and characterization of complex mixtures in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, food analysis and research laboratories. Reliable solvent delivery, efficient degassing, sensitive detection and robust sample handling are critical to achieving high throughput, data quality and reproducibility.

Objectives and Scope

This compendium summarizes the technical specifications and performance characteristics of the KNAUER AZURA series modules, including pumps, detectors, autosamplers, column thermostats, valve drives and control software. The goal is to provide an accessible overview for chromatographers, QA/QC specialists and research scientists evaluating modular liquid chromatography solutions.

Used Instrumentation

• AZURA P 6.1L dual-serial piston HPLC pump (binary and quaternary gradient versions, integrated 4-channel degasser)
• AZURA P 8.1L UHPLC pump (high-pressure gradient and low-pressure quaternary gradient)
• AZURA Detector DAD 2.1L and DAD 6.1L diode array detectors
• AZURA Detector UVD 2.1L single-wavelength UV detector
• AZURA Autosampler AS 6.1L (108-vial capacity, programmable injection modes)
• AZURA Column Thermostat CT 2.1 (Peltier-controlled, 5–85 °C)
• AZURA Valve Unifier VU 4.1 (multi-port valve drive)
• ClarityChrom chromatography software version 8.7 (device control and data processing)

Methodology

The AZURA series employs electronically controlled dual serial piston pumps for flow rates from 0.001 to 10 ml/min (or up to 5 ml/min in UHPLC), with automatic pulsation and solvent compressibility compensation. Integrated Teflon AF membrane degassers maintain dissolved oxygen below 0.5 ppm. Detector modules combine deuterium and halogen lamps with diode arrays or single-wavelength optics. The autosampler uses programmable full‐loop, partial‐loop and pressure-assisted aspiration modes with active needle washing. Column temperature control is achieved via Peltier elements with fan-assisted air circulation. All modules communicate over LAN, analog and digital interfaces under ClarityChrom software control.

Main Features and Discussion

• Flow Precision and Accuracy: ±0.04 % RSD and ±0.25 % accuracy at 1 ml/min ensure reproducible gradient formation.
• Gradient Flexibility: Binary to quaternary mixing in 0.1 % increments supports complex separations.
• Pressure Capability: Up to 12500 psi (870 bar) for analytical HPLC and 1240 bar for UHPLC applications.
• Detection Range: DAD modules cover 190–700 nm (DAD 2.1L) or 190–1000 nm (DAD 6.1L) with digital bandwidth down to 1 nm.
• Autosampler Performance: Injection precision <0.5 % RSD, carryover <0.0015 %, cycle times down to 7 s.
• Temperature Control: Column ovens sustain ±0.1 °C stability across 5–85 °C range.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The modular AZURA platform offers tailored configurations that adapt to routine quality control, method development and high-throughput research. Enhanced pump stability and low dead volume improve peak shape and resolution. Sensitive diode array detection and flexible autosampling facilitate profiling of pharmaceuticals, biomolecules and environmental contaminants. LAN and event-driven control enable integration into laboratory information management systems and automated workflows.

Future Trends and Applications

Advancements in microfluidics, lower dispersion flow cells and AI-driven chromatographic optimization are poised to further increase throughput and method robustness. Integration with cloud-based data analytics, inline mass spectrometry interfaces and sustainable solvent management solutions will expand the utility of modular UHPLC systems in drug discovery, metabolomics and process analytics.

Conclusion

The KNAUER AZURA series delivers a comprehensive suite of HPLC/UHPLC modules designed for precision, flexibility and ease of integration. Its combination of high-pressure pumps, sensitive detectors, programmable autosamplers and advanced software control addresses the evolving demands of modern analytical laboratories.