Performance Characteristics of the Agilent 1260 Infinity II Preparative Binary Pump

Significance of the Topic

The reliable control of flow and solvent composition is critical for preparative liquid chromatography workflows. The Agilent 1260 Infinity II Preparative Binary Pump addresses these needs by offering a broad flow range, high pressure capability, and reproducible mixing to ensure consistent purification results and efficient laboratory operations.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This study aimed to characterize the performance of the 1260 Infinity II Preparative Binary Pump in terms of flow precision, gradient composition accuracy, and composition precision across its operational range from one to fifty milliliters per minute. Key performance metrics were assessed under isocratic and gradient conditions to validate the pump design for semipreparative and preparative applications.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Pump module: Agilent 1260 Infinity II Preparative Binary Pump G7161A
• Autosampler: Agilent 1260 Infinity II Preparative Autosampler G7157A
• Detector: Agilent 1260 Infinity II Diode Array Detector WR G7115A with preparative flow cell
• Fraction collector: Agilent 1260 Infinity II Preparative Valve-Based Fraction Collector G7166A
• Columns: various ZORBAX SB-C18 and porous shell columns from 4.6 to 30 mm id
• Solvents: LC grade acetonitrile, methanol, DMSO and ultrapure water

Samples included caffeine, standard calibration mixes and a complex test mixture of eighteen compounds. Flow precision tests used ten replicate injections under isocratic conditions. Gradient accuracy involved a 17 step program with acetone tracer to measure composition deviations. Composition precision was evaluated with multiple runs of a five component test mix and the complex sample at varied flow rates.

Main Results and Discussion

Flow precision trials at one, twenty and forty two milliliters per minute showed retention time relative standard deviations below 0.14 per cent, demonstrating stable volumetric delivery. Gradient composition accuracy was better than 0.4 per cent across the full flow range, even for one per cent step changes. Composition precision tests yielded retention time RSDs below 0.06 per cent at low flow and maintained high reproducibility at higher flow rates. A challenging eighteen compound separation at one milliliter per minute confirmed robust performance in complex gradient runs.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The binary pump design with dual piston drives and automated seal wash extends maintenance intervals and minimizes pressure spikes during column switching. High accuracy and precision across one to fifty milliliters per minute support a range of semipreparative to preparative separations. Laboratories can achieve predictable purification outcomes and streamline QA QC workflows.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in low dispersion mixing kits and column technologies will further enhance gradient accuracy at lower flow rates. Integration with automated purification software enables fully unattended fraction collection and method transfer between analytical and preparative LC systems. Emerging applications in biopharmaceutical purification and continuous processing will benefit from this pump architecture.

Conclusion

The Agilent 1260 Infinity II Preparative Binary Pump delivers outstanding flow stability, gradient formation accuracy and composition precision across a wide flow range. Its robust automation features and high pressure capability make it a versatile core component for modern preparative chromatography.

Reference

• Agilent InfinityLab LC Series Preparative Binary Pump User Manual Agilent Technologies publication number G7161-90000 Rev B