Shimadzu Corporation has announced the release of its i-Series of integrated HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatograph) systems. The new series improves productivity and promotes an advanced laboratory environment with operation capabilities from the built-in touch panel and a smart device, thereby enabling a PC-free laboratory.
The i-Series consists of the Nexera-i, which supports ultra-high speed analysis, and the Prominence-i, which supports conventional to high-speed analysis. These integrated HPLC systems propose a completely new operating environment and realise a PC-free laboratory by enabling control of the instrument from a smart device, such as a smartphone, and via a newly developed Interactive Communication Mode (ICM). In addition to improved performance and higher reliability, the i-Series offers an intuitive operating environment that allows anyone to analyse samples easily.
Furthermore, full automation, from startup to shutdown after analysis, and a direct access function that allows multiple operators to set samples at any time, provide for a more efficient workflow. Lastly, analysis methods created with existing HPLC systems, including non-Shimadzu systems, can be easily migrated to the i-Series. The i-Series is ideal for a variety of analysis workflows, including R&D, quality control and safety testing, in such fields as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, foods and environmental.
The laboratory in which instruments are installed and the office in which operators perform day-to-day operations are usually far apart from each other. Consequently, analysts spend a great deal of time moving between both locations. The i-Series aims to improve the efficiency of the customer's workflow by realising a PC-free environment that allows operators to control instruments and to check system status and chromatograms from anywhere. Moreover, the i-Series reflects customer requirements for improved performance, usability, and automation. Compared with modular systems, an integrated system is best for routine analytical operations. The i-Series of integrated HPLCs combines leading-edge functionality and performance with intuitive design in a compact body in order to support applications from routine analysis to R&D.
The i-Series systems incorporate 7-inch colour LCD touch panels. The graphical user interface, with a design similar to that of the i-Series flow lines, allows even inexperienced operators to intuitively control the system. It displays system operational status and the chromatogram in real time. The LabSolutions workstation user interface also employs the same design as the i-Series' touch panel, providing intuitive operations regardless of experience level. Moreover, the i-Series employs a system check function that confirms consumables used as well as a navigation function that guides the replacement of parts in order to save maintenance costs.
