Agilent InfinityLab LC Series Multiwash Upgrade Kit - Installation Note

Importance of the Topic

Modern liquid chromatography requires minimal sample carryover to preserve data integrity and reproducibility. The Agilent InfinityLab Multiwash upgrade kit addresses this by introducing automated needle wash and backflush capabilities that significantly reduce contamination between injections.

Objectives and Overview

This installation note aims to guide users through upgrading an Agilent InfinityLab LC Series Multisampler with the Multiwash kit (G4757A). Key objectives include:

• Enable an integrated needle wash protocol using up to three solvents
• Introduce backflushing of the needle seat and rotor seal
• Achieve carryover levels below 9 ppm

Methodology and Instrumentation

The upgrade process comprises mechanical installation and software configuration:

• Remove the existing hydraulic box and install the Multiwash hydraulic box
• Connect capillaries and tubing according to the specified port assignments
• Prime the system with wash solvents and perform pressure tests
• Configure the Multiwash option via OpenLab CDS or the Instant Pilot control module

Instrumentation

The Multiwash kit includes key components:

• Drain Management Kit (G4267-68708)
• Flush head, 500 µL (G4267-60049)
• Capillary, 0.17 mm × 250 mm (5500-1167)
• Bottle Head Assembly ×2 (G4220-60007)
• Multiwash Hydraulic Box (G4267-60008)
• Sampler Tubing Kit (G4267-60081)

The upgrade is compatible with Infinity II/III series modules and requires specific firmware and software versions for OpenLab CDS and Lab Advisor.

Main Results and Discussion

Following installation and configuration:

• Automated needle washing and backflush routines lower carryover to less than 9 ppm
• Users can select wash durations and solvents via the software interface
• The system supports start conditioning to ensure the flow path is filled with the next sample’s mobile phase

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Multiwash upgrade delivers:

• Enhanced analytical accuracy through reduced cross-contamination
• Improved method robustness for trace-level analyses
• Time savings via automated cleaning cycles
• Broad applicability in QA/QC, pharmaceutical, environmental, and food testing laboratories

Future Trends and Potential Applications

As chromatographic demands evolve, the following developments are anticipated:

• Integration of additional solvent lines for specialized cleaning protocols
• Advanced diagnostics and real-time monitoring of wash efficiency
• Further miniaturization and multiplexing for high-throughput analysis
• Compatibility with emerging sample preparation and injection techniques

Conclusion

The Agilent InfinityLab Multiwash upgrade kit delivers a comprehensive solution to minimize carryover in LC analyses. By combining mechanical enhancements and flexible software controls, laboratories can achieve greater data quality and operational efficiency.

References

No external references were provided in the original document.