News Release

Hitachi High-Technologies Releases new HPLC system, Chromaster

Improved system performance, ease-of-use & maintenance, and robustness

Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation (TOKYO: 8036, Hitachi High-Tech) announces today the global release of the Chromaster High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system with enhanced performance, ease-of-use, and robustness.

HPLC is an analytical tool for qualitative and quantitative measurements of liquid soluble substances with a high degree of accuracy. A key design specification for the Chromaster is the unmatched dwell volume for conventional low pressure gradient HPLC systems. Low dwell volume affords market leading versatility necessary for accommodating and transferring methods from existing HPLC platforms, which is critical for upgrading and replacing systems in the regulated pharmaceutical environment. Hitachi High-Tech designed the Chromaster for a wide range of application areas including research & development and quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing, food & beverage, and chemical industries. The estimated HPLC market size is US$2.8 billion (SDI Global Assessment Report); Hitachi High-Tech will promote global sales efforts with a target of 2,000 systems to be sold in FY11.

Chromaster New Features and Improvements

1. System Performance

Innovative, new low pressure gradient mode yields improved peak/gradient retention time. Autosampler adopts a new high precision syringe drive unit for improved accuracy and volume reproducibility. Detectors incorporate ingenuity to improve baseline stability by reducing the influences of ambient temperature change.

2. Ease-of-Use

The optional GUI (Graphical User Interface) controller offers a high level of visibility, integrated control, and accessibility for automation. Available column management system enables column log data regardless of the column manufacturer. Chromaster maintains full front access operation for user convenience, and built-in common accessories and optimized tubing afford an attractive, space-saving design.

3. Robustness

The Hitachi reputation for instrument reliability continues with the Chromaster, which is made usingstronger stainless steel materials and is manufactured with Hitachi's stringent quality control standards.

Hitachi High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (Chromaster)