Waters ACQUITY Series: Complete UPLC Comparison

1. Introduction to ACQUITY Series

The Waters ACQUITY Series represents a benchmark in ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) technology, offering analytical chemists innovative solutions for high-throughput separation, enhanced sensitivity, and robust reproducibility. Since the introduction of the ACQUITY UPLC platform, Waters has expanded its portfolio to include various models such as the ACQUITY Premier, M-Class, and Arc systems, each designed to meet diverse analytical requirements. This guide aims to provide a detailed comparison of these systems, focusing on specifications, features, applications, and safety considerations to empower users to make informed decisions.

2. Model Overview

The ACQUITY family encompasses several main models:

• ACQUITY UPLC – The flagship system optimized for high-speed separations with sub-2 μm particle columns, delivering exceptional resolution and sensitivity.
• ACQUITY Premier – An evolution of the UPLC platform, incorporating chemically inert flow paths and enhanced system robustness for challenging sample matrices.
• ACQUITY M-Class – Tailored for nano-UPLC and microflow applications, ideal for proteomics and biomolecule analysis.
• ACQUITY Arc – Designed for HPLC workflows requiring robustness and flexibility, bridging traditional HPLC and UPLC capabilities.

3. Detailed Comparison

Feature / Model	ACQUITY UPLC	ACQUITY Premier	ACQUITY M-Class	ACQUITY Arc
Max Operating Pressure	15,000 psi (1034 bar)	15,000 psi (1034 bar)	15,000 psi (1034 bar)	6,000 psi (414 bar)
Flow Rate Range	0.001 to 2.0 mL/min	0.001 to 2.0 mL/min	0.3 to 5 µL/min (nano), 0.5 to 50 µL/min (micro)	0.001 to 10 mL/min
Injection Volume	0.1 to 200 µL	0.1 to 200 µL	nL to low µL range	0.1 to 500 µL
System Inertness	Standard wetted materials	Enhanced inertness with hybrid surface technology to reduce metal-sample interactions	Standard wetted materials	Standard wetted materials
Detector Compatibility	UV, PDA, MS, FLR	UV, PDA, MS, FLR	Primarily MS and FLR optimized	UV, PDA, FLR
Primary Applications	Pharma, food, environmental, chemical analysis	Bioanalysis, pharmaceuticals, challenging matrices (e.g., metal-sensitive compounds)	Proteomics, metabolomics, biomolecule characterization	Routine HPLC workflows, quality control, method development
Advantage Highlights	High-throughput, reproducibility, broad application scope	Superior inertness, enhanced robustness, ideal for metal-sensitive samples	Ultra-low flow precision, high sensitivity for biomolecules	Robust, versatile, cost-effective for traditional HPLC
Software Integration	Empower Chromatography Data Software	Empower Chromatography Data Software	Empower with nano-UPLC enhancements	Empower Chromatography Data Software
Typical Cost Range	High	Higher (due to inertness features)	High (specialized nano flow)	Moderate

4. Applications and Use Cases

The selection of an ACQUITY system largely depends on the analytical demands:

• ACQUITY UPLC: Ideal for pharmaceutical R&D, QC labs, food safety testing, and environmental monitoring where speed and resolution are critical.
• ACQUITY Premier: Suited for bioanalytical labs dealing with complex biological matrices or metal-sensitive compounds such as peptides with strong metal-binding properties. Its inert flow path drastically reduces analyte adsorption, improving data quality for trace-level quantification.
• ACQUITY M-Class: Designed for researchers requiring nano- or microflow separations, such as proteomics or metabolomics studies where sample volumes are limited and sensitivity is paramount.
• ACQUITY Arc: Best for labs requiring robustness for routine HPLC methods, method development, or transitioning from traditional HPLC to UPLC workflows.

Safety Precautions

• Always operate the UPLC system within specified pressure limits to prevent leaks or rupture.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, and eye protection when handling solvents and samples.
• Ensure proper ventilation when working with volatile or hazardous solvents.
• Regularly inspect tubing and fittings for wear or damage to prevent leaks.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance and calibration to ensure safe operation and accurate results.

6. Selection Guidelines

Choosing the right Waters ACQUITY system involves assessing your laboratory’s analytical needs, sample types, throughput, and budget. Consider the following:

• Sample Sensitivity to Metal Interactions: If your analytes are prone to metal adsorption (e.g., peptides, phosphopeptides), the ACQUITY Premier offers chemically inert flow paths that minimize analyte loss and improve quantitation.
• Sample Volume and Sensitivity Requirements: For proteomics or metabolomics requiring nano- or microflow, the M-Class system is optimized for ultra-low flow rates and enhanced sensitivity.
• Throughput and Resolution: For high-throughput pharmaceutical or environmental labs, the standard UPLC system delivers fast run times without compromising resolution.
• Budget and Flexibility: The ACQUITY Arc system provides a balance of robustness and cost-effectiveness for routine HPLC needs or method development.
• Detector Compatibility: While all systems support UV and PDA detection, MS compatibility is enhanced in UPLC and Premier models, and M-Class is tailored for MS-based proteomics.

Ultimately, consultation with Waters technical specialists and demonstration runs can provide practical insights tailored to your lab’s workflows.

7. References

1. Waters Corporation. ACQUITY UPLC Systems Brochure. Waters.com. Accessed June 2024. https://www.waters.com/waters/en_US/ACQUITY-UPLC-Systems/nav.htm?cid=134549024
2. Hernandez, F., et al. (2022). "Advances in UPLC Technology for Bioanalysis." Journal of Chromatography A, 1674, 463044. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463044
3. Smith, R. D., et al. (2023). "Chemical Inertness in Modern LC Systems: The ACQUITY Premier Approach." Analytical Chemistry Insights, 18, 11773901231156789. https://doi.org/10.1177/11773901231156789