Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatograph Nexera Method Scouting

Method scouting is a process where different mobile phases and column stationary phases are evaluated to determine the best set of separation conditions for a particular sample. Manual solvent preparation, column switching, and method programming are time-consuming steps, so the Nexera method scouting system was developed to streamline the entire process for more efficient method development. The system is based around 2 LC-30AD pumps, each with a quaternary valve, which allows the analyst to run binary gradients with 16 different solvent pairs. A high-pressure column selection valve holds from 1 to 6 columns, resulting in up to 96 unique separation conditions per sample. The Nexera Method Scouting Solution software has intuitive, user-friendly screens to set the pump and column valve positions, gradient program steps, and it automatically builds the sequence table in seconds.