Agilent LC & CE Drivers 3.10

Importance of the Topic

Liquid chromatography (LC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) drivers are pivotal for modern analytical laboratories. They bridge complex hardware modules and data systems, enabling advanced workflows such as preparative purification, mass-based fraction collection and high-throughput sampling. Reliable instrument control drivers minimize downtime, enhance data quality and support regulated environments in research, quality assurance and process development.

Objectives and Overview

The Agilent LC & CE Drivers 3.10 release aims to expand hardware compatibility, introduce new workflow features and strengthen system integration. Key objectives include:

• Enabling mass-based fraction collection (MBFC) with Single Quadrupole mass detectors.
• Adding support for the 1290 Infinity III Hybrid Multisampler with feed-injection mode.
• Implementing a "block for service" function driven by the InfinityLab Assist Hub.
• Maintaining broad compatibility across Windows operating systems and multiple chromatographic data systems.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The release note summarizes functional enhancements and compatibility validations rather than experimental protocols. Major instrumentation supported in version 3.10 includes:

• Agilent 1260 and 1290 Infinity II MBFC Purification Systems integrated with Pro iQ and Pro iQ Plus mass detectors (modules G6160A/B, G6170A).
• Agilent 1290 Infinity III Hybrid Multisampler (module G7137B) featuring classic flow-through and feed-injection modes.
• InfinityLab Assist Hub (module G7180A) controlling the new "block for service" toggle.
• Supported data systems: OpenLab CDS 2.6–2.8 (with Feature Pack 02), ChemStation Edition C.01.10/LTS 01.11 and MassHunter Acquisition 11.x–12.x.
• Operating systems: Windows Server 2016/2019/2022, Windows 10/11 (64-bit).

Main Results and Discussion

Version 3.10 delivers three principal advances:

• Mass-Based Fraction Collection Workflow
  • Users can configure MBFC methods directly in OpenLab CDS, with real-time status monitoring and MS-specific parameters.
  • Both manual and automated fraction collection are supported via dedicated MS and LC driver modules.
• Hybrid Multisampler Enhancement
  • The G7137B supports traditional and feed-injection modes, improving peak shapes and sensitivity for challenging solvents.
• Service Interruption Protection
  • The "block for service" feature in the Assist Hub suspends driver operations during maintenance, preventing conflicts and ensuring safe servicing.

Extensive compatibility testing confirms stable operation across supported operating systems, data systems and localized driver interfaces (English, Chinese, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese).

Benefits and Practical Applications

Analysts and laboratory managers gain:

• Improved purification accuracy through mass-triggered fraction collection.
• Enhanced throughput and reproducibility with advanced injection modes.
• Reduced downtime via automated service blocking and immediate recovery of operations.
• Flexibility to integrate new hardware without altering existing workflows.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Ongoing development is expected to focus on:

• Deeper integration with cloud-based data systems and laboratory informatics platforms.
• Adaptive, AI-driven method optimization for dynamic fraction collection and sample loading.
• Expanded support for hybrid techniques (e.g., 2D-LC, SFC-LC coupling) and novel detectors.
• Enhanced remote monitoring and predictive maintenance via instrument telemetry.

Conclusion

Agilent LC & CE Drivers 3.10 extend instrument control capabilities with mass-based fraction collection, advanced multisampling and service-aware operation. Broad compatibility and streamlined installation ensure laboratories can adopt new modules with minimal disruption. This release strengthens the foundation for future automation and integration in chromatographic workflows.

Reference

No external literature references were provided in the source document.