ACQUITY UPLC Refractive Index (RI) Detector

ACQUITY UPLC Refractive Index Detector

Universal detection for your non-UV analytes

Universal detection for your non-UV analytes

Improving resolution and throughput for your isocratic applications, such as advanced polymer chromatography (APC), food QC applications, pharmaceutical USP methods, and industrial process monitoring, is a priority.

The ACQUITY UPLC Refractive Index (RI) Detector offers unparalleled performance for the isocratic UHPLC/UPLC analysis of analytes without a UV chromophore. Its low-dispersion fluidics are designed to match the performance needed for narrow UPLC peaks while still delivering stable baseline performance, low noise, and a wide, linear dynamic range.

ACQUITY UPLC Refractive Index Detector ACQUITY UPLC Refractive Index Detector

Specifications

Refractive index range

1.00 to 1.75

Measurement range

7.0 x 10-9 RIU to 5.0 x 10-4 RIU

Linear dynamic range

≤5.0% over ±5.0 x 10-4 RIU

Noise

≤±1.5 x 10-9 RIU (2 points/s, 1 s filter time constant 0.5 mL/min, 100% H2O)

Drift

≤2.0 x 10-7 RIU/h (2 points/s, 1 s filter time constant, 0.5 mL/min, 100% H2O)

Sampling rates

1 to 80 points/s

Filter time constant

0.0 to 5.0 s (Independently optimized)

Compatible flow rate range

0.05 to 2.00 mL/min

RIU full scale settings

1 to 500 x 10-6 RIU

Flow cell design

Fused quartz

Light source

LED 870 nm

Flow cell volume

1.3 μL

Internal fluidic volume

<15 μL

Wetted materials

316 stainless-steel, fluoroelastomer, fluoropolymer, Natural PPS, fused silica, and PEEK (for non-APC systems)

Pressure limit

≤145 psi Flow Cell Options

Physical specifications

Width: 34.3 cm (13.5 inches)

Height: 20.8 cm (8.2 inches)

Depth: 61.0 cm (24.0 inches)

Overview

  • Carry out universal detection of analytes without a UV chromophore that are separated by isocratic analysis
  • Benefit from complete compatibility with a wide range of challenging solvents
  • Achieve low-dispersion characteristics for the narrow peaks produced by ACQUITY UPLC PLUS series and ACQUITY APC systems
  • Obtain low baseline drift due to a thermally isolated optics bench and highly efficient temperature equilibration of the incoming eluent

Recommended Use: For achieving unparalleled performance of isocratic UPLC or APC analysis of samples without a UV chromophore.

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Get faster answers for your quality control applications

Laboratories around the world have deployed UPLC technology to improve data quality and throughput by reducing analysis run times and increasing chromatographic resolution, making integration and quantification easier and more reliable. With the ACQUITY UPLC Refractive Index Detector, these same benefits can now be realized for samples with analytes that require RI detection due to the absence of a UV-chromophore.

Low dispersion detection – a key component for APC

The ACQUITY APC System defines a new category of chromatographic polymer analysis that gives you more information about your polymers, faster than ever before. Combining low-dispersion system fluidics with rigid, small particle columns of a wide range of pore sizes, the system defines the ultimate in polymer peak resolution, particularly for low molecular weight oligomers.

Simplify method transfer and uplevel your HPLC/RI methods

The benefits of transferring your existing HPLC methods to UPLC/UHPLC have been demonstrated time and time again, across multiple application types. Now, HPLC methods that require refractive index detection can also be seamlessly transferred to UPLC. Intuitive tools, including the ACQUITY UPLC Columns Calculator and the Reversed-Phase Column Selectivity Chart, are available to help you select the right UPLC stationary phase and scale your existing HPLC/RI methods to your UPLC/RI system efficiently and easily.

Innovative technology for the chromatographic laboratory

The ACQUITY UPLC RI Detector’s innovative flow cell design addresses challenges of technical and environmental hurdles found when running an RI analysis. Coupled with a high energy LED, which delivers exceptional energy transmittance through the flow cell, the detector delivers maximum sensitivity while maintaining excellent peak shape. The integrated solvent valves provide automatic reference cell purging capabilities to maintain optimal baseline performance and solvent recycling, efficiently reducing costly solvent consumption. 

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The ACQUITY UPLC Refractive Index Detector is a high-tech tool in chemistry that spots and measures substances in samples. It works by tracking changes in how light bends as the sample moves through it.

This detector is super sensitive and can pick up tiny amounts of substances, making it great for many different types of tests. Its precision ensures accurate identification and measurement of substances in complex samples.

It"s especially useful when substances don"t show up well under UV light or are present in very small amounts. It works alongside other detection methods like UV-Vis and mass spectrometry, adding more detail to analyses.

Used by researchers, scientists, and analysts in various industries like pharmaceuticals and environmental testing, this detector"s advanced tech and accuracy help gather top-notch data for analysis. It"s a crucial part of modern lab setups, ensuring reliable results.

FAQs About ACQUITY UPLC Refractive Index (RI) Detector

1. How does a refractive index detector work in UPLC applications?
A refractive index (RI) detector measures changes in the refractive index of a sample compared to a reference flow cell containing the mobile phase. As the sample passes through the detector, any change in refractive index results in a signal proportional to the concentration of analytes.
This detection method does not rely on absorbance or fluorescence, making it ideal for compounds that lack chromophores. In UPLC applications, RI detectors are used to analyze non-UV-active compounds, such as sugars, polymers, and lipids. However, RI detection requires isocratic elution, temperature stability, and careful handling to avoid baseline drift.

2. What types of compounds are best analyzed with an RI detector?
The ACQUITY UPLC RI Detector is ideal for compounds that do not absorb UV or fluoresce. These include carbohydrates, alcohols, organic acids, polymers, and lipids. It is particularly well-suited for the analysis of sugars and sugar alcohols, which are commonly found in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications. The RI detector is also valuable for detecting compounds with low or no UV activity in polymer analysis or quality control environments. Its non-specific detection capability ensures versatility for a wide range of applications, especially when other detectors are unsuitable.

3. What are the sensitivity and detection limits of this RI detector?
The sensitivity and detection limits of the ACQUITY UPLC RI Detector depend on factors such as the analyte, mobile phase, and operational conditions. Generally, RI detectors are less sensitive than UV or fluorescence detectors, with detection limits typically in the microgram per milliliter (µg/mL) range. Its design ensures stability and repeatability, which are essential for accurate quantification.

4. What mobile phases are compatible with the RI detector?
The ACQUITY UPLC RI Detector is compatible with a wide range of mobile phases, including aqueous, organic, and mixed-phase systems. Commonly used mobile phases include water, acetonitrile, methanol, and buffered solutions. However, care must be taken to ensure that the mobile phase is free of refractive index-changing impurities and has a consistent composition to avoid baseline noise or drift. Highly volatile solvents should be avoided, as they can lead to evaporation and destabilization of the detector"s signal.

How does a refractive index detector work?

A refractive index detector (RID) in chromatography detects changes in the refractive index of a mobile phase as it carries sample molecules through a detector cell. Light passing through the mobile phase is altered by sample components, generating an electrical signal proportional to the refractive index changes. This signal is processed to create chromatograms, representing analyte concentrations over time. RIDs are crucial in liquid chromatography, especially for non-UV-absorbing compounds like sugars and polymers. They complement other detection methods, providing comprehensive analysis of complex mixtures.