Used Sciex ExionLC™ Series UHPLC

The SCIEX ExionLC™ Series represents a family of high-performance ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) systems engineered specifically for modern analytical laboratories. Designed with a modular architecture, these systems bridge the gap between conventional HPLC and advanced UHPLC, offering unparalleled flexibility for applications ranging from routine quality control to complex research and development. A key strength of the ExionLC Series is its seamless integration with SCIEX mass spectrometers, making it a preferred front-end LC system for LC-MS workflows in pharmaceuticals, biopharma, life sciences, and environmental testing.

System Models and Technical Capabilities

The ExionLC portfolio is stratified to meet varying performance and budgetary needs, with the ExionLC AC​ and ExionLC AD​ being the most prominent models.

• ExionLC AC: Positioned as an affordable and robust workhorse, the AC model offers hybrid HPLC/UHPLC capabilities. It operates at a maximum pressure of approximately 9,580 psi (660 bar) and delivers a flow rate range of 0.0001 to 3.0 mL/min (extendable to 5.0 mL/min under specific conditions). It is ideal for laboratories requiring reliable, high-throughput routine analysis with minimal downtime.

• ExionLC AD: This flagship model delivers full UHPLC performance for the most demanding analytical challenges. It features a pressure ceiling of 1,300 bar (18,850 psi), enabling the use of sub-2μm particle columns for superior resolution and speed. Its extended flow rate range (up to 10.0 mL/min) and ultra-low gradient delay volume (<120 μL) ensure exceptional method transferability and peak fidelity.

Core Performance Features

The ExionLC Series is defined by several critical engineering advancements that ensure data integrity and operational efficiency.

• Ultra-Low Carryover and High-Precision Autosampler: A hallmark of the series is its exceptionally low sample carryover, a critical factor for sensitive LC-MS analysis. The ExionLC AD achieves carryover levels below 0.0015% (15 ppm) through an innovative flow-through needle design and multiple rinse port options. The autosampler offers rapid injection cycle times (<14 seconds) and high injection volume precision (RSD ≤0.25%), supporting both high-throughput screening and precise quantitative work.

• Advanced Solvent Delivery and Temperature Control: The binary pump systems provide exceptional flow accuracy (RSD <0.06%) and precise gradient formation. The column oven supports a wide temperature range (e.g., -10°C to 150°C depending on model), facilitating method development and the analysis of thermally labile compounds. The ExionLC AD’s heated block oven design ensures excellent temperature uniformity across the column.

• Modularity and Scalability: True to its design philosophy, the ExionLC platform is highly configurable. Users can expand sample capacity using rack changers (supporting up to 12 trays), integrate various optical detectors (UV-Vis, PDA), or implement column switching valves. This modularity allows laboratories to start with a basic configuration and scale up as needs evolve, protecting long-term investment.

Application Domains

The robustness and sensitivity of the ExionLC Series make it suitable for a wide spectrum of industries.

• Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Analysis: It is extensively used for drug discovery, impurity profiling, pharmacokinetic studies (PK), and quality control of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies and peptides.

• Life Sciences Research: In proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics, the system’s high resolution and compatibility with micro-flow columns enable deep profiling of complex biological samples.

• Applied Markets: For food safety (pesticide residue analysis), environmental monitoring (water and soil contaminants), and forensic toxicology, the ExionLC AC and AD provide the reliability and sensitivity required for regulatory compliance and high-volume testing.

In summary, the SCIEX ExionLC™ UHPLC Series delivers a future-proof analytical platform characterized by high pressure tolerance, ultra-low carryover, and seamless MS integration. Its modular design empowers laboratories to optimize their LC workflows for maximum productivity and data quality across diverse scientific disciplines.