Thermo Scientific Vanquish Flex High Performance Liquid Chromatography System

The Thermo Scientific Vanquish Flex analytical system is a universal chromatography platform supporting both classical high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC). The equipment is designed for use in laboratories developing analytical methods, performing screening studies, and quantifying components in complex matrices. The pump section is a binary version of the Vanquish Binary Pump Flex, controlled by SmartFlow technology. This algorithm automatically adjusts the flow rate based on changes in the compressibility of the mixed solvents and the column backpressure. The system generates pressures up to 1000 bar and provides mobile phase flow rate control from 0.001 to 8 milliliters per minute. The gradient delay volume is 110 microliters in the standard configuration and can be reduced to 10 microliters using an optional low-dispersion mixer. X2 Dual Cam technology is used for binary gradients of any concentration (0 to 100 percent), ensuring mixing accuracy across the entire operating range. The Vanquish Flex sampling module is available in two versions: Split Sampler FT (flow-through) and Split Sampler HT (high-throughput). Both versions support injection volumes from 0.01 to 100 microliters and are expandable to 1000 microliters. Sample carryover is maintained at less than 0.0004 percent, achieved through multi-stage washing with up to six different solvents. The standard autosampler capacity is 216 1.5 milliliter vials. By connecting the external Vanquish Charger robotic module, capacity can be expanded to 8,832 positions (23 plates for 96 or 384 samples). Samples are cooled with air at a temperature range of 4 to 40 degrees Celsius. The Column Compartment H thermostat (standard or binary) provides heating in the range of 5 to 120 degrees Celsius (5 to 100 degrees for the binary version) with an accuracy of ±0.5 degrees and a stability of ±0.05 degrees. Passive and active inlet preheaters are provided, ensuring that the eluent temperature matches the method specification and eliminating thermal gradients across the column cross-section. The binary thermostat configuration allows two columns to be connected in series with independent temperature control for each. Chromatographic columns are connected using tool-less Viper fittings with zero dead volume. The detector lineup includes the Vanquish DAD HL (High Light) and DAD FL (Fast Light) diode array detectors, a VWD variable wave detector, an FLD fluorescence detector, a CAD charge detector, and an RI refractometer. The DAD HL operates in the 190–1000 nm wavelength range with a data acquisition rate of up to 250 Hz, delivering a light output of over 2.5 watts per steradian. Noise at 254 nm is less than ±3 microabsorption units (μAU), enabling reliable detection of trace-level impurities. The DAD FL is designed for high-speed data acquisition (up to 250 Hz) while maintaining an optimal signal-to-noise ratio over a wide range of mobile phase flow rates. Chromeleon CDS software fully integrates the management of all system modules, chromatographic data collection and processing, and documentation of procedures in accordance with regulatory requirements. The eWorkflow feature allows the creation of standardized analytical method templates with predefined equipment parameters, processing settings, and reporting templates.