Using ISET in Empower Environment - Technical Note

Importance of the Topic

High-performance liquid chromatography instruments from different vendors often require specific method development and hardware configurations. Agilent's Intelligent System Emulation Technology (ISET) addresses this challenge by enabling seamless method transfer and retention time matching across Agilent, Waters and Shimadzu platforms within the Waters Empower environment. This capability streamlines workflow, reduces revalidation efforts and enhances operational flexibility in analytical laboratories.

Objectives and Study Overview

This technical guide details the configuration and practical use of the Agilent ISET module (G2197AA) with Waters Empower software. Key objectives include:

• Defining hardware and software prerequisites for ISET integration.
• Describing installation and preconfiguration in Empower using the ICF support package and PreConfiguration Utility.
• Demonstrating method migration, trial management and method resolution processes.

Methodology and Instrumentation

ISET operation relies on a USB dongle connected to Agilent LC pumps (e.g. 1260 and 1290 series) and firmware versions meeting minimum requirements. Waters Empower must include the Agilent Instrument Control Framework support package (v2.2 or higher). Configuration steps involve:

• Installing the ISET dongle and activating the trial or full license.
• Using Empower’s Agilent PreConfiguration Utility to detect modules and assign IP addresses.
• Loading and editing LC methods in Empower to enable ISET, select the emulated vendor, and choose pump and sampler models.

Main Results and Discussion

The guide demonstrates that once ISET is activated and properly configured, method execution on non-Agilent systems yields equivalent retention times and resolution without manual method adjustments. During the 700-hour trial, ISET-enabled methods include an Enable ISET parameter that disappears after deactivation, triggering a controlled method resolution process. Manual resolution ensures continued method alignment when the trial period ends or the dongle is removed.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid method migration: single-click switching between vendor instruments.
• Reduced revalidation time: consistent performance across platforms avoids extensive method redevelopment.
• Flexibility in laboratory workflows: shared methods between Agilent, Waters and Shimadzu systems.
• Compliance assurance: Empower audit trails document automatic and manual resolution steps for regulatory needs.

Future Trends and Applications

As laboratories adopt multi-vendor instrument portfolios, ISET-like emulation tools are likely to expand in capability. Potential developments include:

• Deeper integration with cloud-based LIMS and AI-driven method optimization.
• Support for additional chromatographic modules such as 2D-LC and UHPLC systems.
• Enhanced real-time diagnostics and adaptive parameter tuning based on instrument performance metrics.
• Broader compatibility with emerging mass spectrometry interfaces for streamlined quantitative analysis.

Conclusion

The Agilent ISET integration with Waters Empower offers a robust solution for method portability and consistency across vendor platforms. By following standardized configuration steps and employing Empower’s PreConfiguration Utility, analysts can leverage ISET to optimize resource use, accelerate method adoption and maintain compliance. Proper management of trial periods and method resolutions ensures uninterrupted operation and data integrity.

References

• Agilent Technologies (2019). InfinityLab LC with ISET User Manual (G7120-90310).
• Agilent Technologies. Application Notes on Intelligent System Emulation.
• Eurolab (2018). Emulation Technology for Multi-Vendor LC Systems, June 2018, page 25.