Pickering Laboratories Vector PCX Post-column Derivatization Instrument

VECTOR PCX DERIVATIZATION INSTRUMENT

The Vector PCX instrument is the newest addition to the Pickering family of post-column derivatization systems. Introduced a year after the Pinnacle PCX launch, the new Vector PCX serves as another postcolumn choice ideal for application-specific methods.

Vector PCX provides the selectivity and sensitivity required for most standard post-column applications while being reliable and easy to use. The Vector PCX simply connects to any standard HPLC system with a column oven.

Designed as a step-up for our previous model PCX5200, the Vector PCX has several improvements and innovations:

• Inert pumps

• PEEK Liquid manifolds

• Integrated gas manifold

• Reduced bench space profile

The Vector PCX provides the selectivity and sensitivity required for most standard post-column applications while being reliable and easy to use. Ideal for application-specific methods.

• Simple controls interface (no computer required)

• Easy access and monitoring of fluidics

Matched with Pickering's Chromatographic Grade˙ reagents, eluants and columns, the Vector PCX instrument is a solid choice for laboratories standard post-column needs.

PCX5200 SPECIFICATIONS

VECTOR PCX SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: (h x w x d): 43 x 21.6 x
41.2 cm (17 x 8.75 x 16 inches)

• Weight: 11.5 kg (25.3 lb.)

• Electrical: 100 - 120V, 50/60 Hz 1.7 A,
   200 W or 200-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.8 A,
   200W Mains voltage ± 10% of nominal
   Installation (overvoltage) category II,
   pollution degree 2

REAGENT PUMPS

• Independently adjustable, low-pulsation

• Adjustable from 0.05 to 2.00 mL/minute
against back- pressures of up to 2000 psi

• Flow Accuracy 3% for flowrates of
0.33 ml/min and above, 0.01 ml/min
for flowrates below 0.33 ml/min

• Flow Precision 0.5% RSD

• Sapphire pistons

• Liquid ends; including check valve
housing PEEK

• PEEK Bypass/purge valves for each
pump located on front of instrument panel

• Automatic Piston wash

FLOW PATH

• Independent pressure transducer
for each pump 210 bar (0-3000 psi)

• Diamond-packed restrictors, match
to flow rate and viscosity of reagents

• PEEK Bypass/purge valves

• Replaceable reagent filter

• PEEK mixing manifold

REACTOR

• Heater reactor controls at ±0.4° C for
   temperatures from 10° C above ambient
   to 130° C. Range of reactor dwell
   volumes, depending upon application

• Reaction coil withstands up to 42 bar
(600 psi) inlet pressure at 130° C

• LCD display of actual temperature or s
et point

• Thermal safety switch limits temperature
to 150°C

GAS PRESSURE MANIFOLD AND REGULATOR

• Regulator maintains 0.3 bar (3-5 psi) on
reagent reservoirs with 3-5 bar
(45-75 psi) source pressure

• Pressure-relief valve opens at 0.7
bar (10 psi)

• Manifold has two 1/4-28
tubing connections

• Gas line with anti siphon valve

PRESSURIZED REAGENT RESERVOIR

• One liter capacity (2 and 5 L
reservoirs available)

• Maintained under inert gas pressure to
inhibit oxidation of OPA or other oxygen-
sensitive reagents

• Valve built into reservoir cap permits
sparging during reagent preparation

• Reagent reservoirs fitted with 3.1 mm
   OD oxygen-impermeable Saran tubing
   for oxygen-sensitive reagents and/or
   with 3.1 mm OD FEP tubing.

• Check-values on the gas lines prevents
back-flow of the reagent into the manifold
in case of pressure drop.

SAFEGUARDS TO PREVENT:

• Post-column Reagent Backflow

A pressure switch installed between LC (eluant) pump and sample injector turns off power to reagent pumps and reactor when the eluant pump pressure drops to 35 bar (500 psi), ensuring that reagent will not flow upstream and damage the analytical column. Low eluant pressure can result from power failure, eluant pump malfunction, automatic or intentional shut-down, or an empty reservoir. The Vector PCX will not restart automatically.

• Post-column system over-pressure

A relief valve pre-calibrated to open at 35 bar (500 psi) prevents rupture of the post-column reactor tubing in the event of downstream blockage, and reduces the possibility that all or part of the reagent flow will be diverted to the column

• Detector noise, precipitation

Back-pressure regulator applies 7 bar (100 psi) to the detector noise and precipitation due to solvent out-gassing or boiling adjustable (2-10 bar)

PCX5200 CATALOG INFORMATION

VECTOR PCX CATALOG INFORMATION

CATALOG NO.	APPLICATION	REAGENT PUMP	REACTOR VOLUME	VOLTAGE
1154-4051 1154-4052	Carbamate Pesticides, Glyphosate Herbicide, Streptomycin, (OPA detection)	Dual	0.5 mL	120 V 240 V
1154-4001 1154-4002	Streptomycin	Dual	0.5 mL	120 V 240 V
1154-4061 1154-4062	Paralytic Shellfish Toxins – Oshima Method	Dual	2.0 mL	120 V 240 V
1154-4071 1154-4072	Trichothecene Mycotoxins	Dual	Knitted 1.2 and 1.6 mL	120 V 240 V
1154-4081 1154-4082	Polyether Antibiotics	Inert PEEK Dual	1.4 mL	120 V 240 V

Note: Please contact Pickering for assistance in configuring a custom Vector PCX that will meet your specific analysis needs. All configurations include gas manifold, accessories, spares, reservoir(s), power cord and operation manual.

CONNECTION TUBING KITS

CATALOG NO.	DESCRIPTION
1100-0450	Tubing Kit to connect Vector PCX & Pinnacle PCX to HPLC
1100-0460	Dead-head Plumbing Kit for Pinnacle PCX to HPLC

Note: Dead-head circuits reduce the possibility of corrosion and minimize unswept volume, resulting in more precise gradient control. Dead-head kits include tee, plug, tubes, fittings and flow schematic.