FAQs

What is the Axcend Focus LC?

The Axcend Focus LC is an integrated and fully-featured binary gradient UHPLC system – Injection valve, mobile phases, pumps, column (with optional column heater), UV detector and waste container – all housed within a compact and portable form factor operating on the principle of capillary HPLC. It can be used in many standard fixed applications or deployed as a portable unit thanks to an onboard rechargeable battery. 

Where can I use the Focus LC?

Virtually anywhere! In the laboratory, the Focus LC can be easily operated on any lab bench, but also in interesting places like within a fume hood or a glove box, or with online reaction monitoring performed in conjunction with the Axcend InFocus Sampler. It can be carried into a lecture hall to serve as an integrated part of a chemistry lecture, or it can be carried out into the field to do sampling of plant material that is actively growing. The possibilities are, quite literally, endless!

How is capillary HPLC different from the analytical HPLC that I’m used to?

Capillary HPLC relies on HPLC columns of a smaller inner diameter (ID). Whereas analytical-scale HPLC columns have IDs up to 4.6mm and can flow solvent at 2 mL/min, typical columns for the Focus LC are 0.1 – 0.3mm ID, and operate at flow rates of 1-10 µL/min. Capillary LC is not new and is known to provide for better sensitivity and resolution for all applications due to the focusing effects of reduced dimensions.  Modern improvements to column packing, fitting technology, and chromatographic practice has made capillary LC more accessible than ever!

Where are the pumps?

The Focus LC contains two high-pressure syringe-style pumps housed inside the instrument. Unlike traditional HPLCs, the Focus LC only pumps solvents during sample analysis cycles, significantly reducing solvent usage and waste production.

Where can I purchase capillary HPLC columns?

You may not have noticed, but most commercial column manufactures sell capillary scale HPLC columns in the same phases as their analytical counterparts. Axcend sells cartridges that contain both a detector and a permanent column installed (the Axcend Fixed Column Cartridge; FCC). However, having an Axcend Heated Column Cartridge (HCC) and compatible connection kit opens you up to using nearly any commercially-available capillary column that is ≤ 15cm in length.

How much less solvent does the Focus LC use?

Unlike traditional HPLCs which can produce as much half a liter of mobile phase in an 8 hour day at standard flow rates, the Focus LC may use as little as 50 uL. In fact, the Focus LC uses only 15mL vials for each Mobile Phase A and Mobile Phase B. With flow rates up to 1000-fold less than usual (i.e. 1µL/min compared to 1 mL/min), a typical user will consume a fraction of the solvents annually compared to typical LC systems. The Focus LC is truly a step forward in sustainability!

How do the Axcend cartridges work?

At the core of Focus LC is cartridge technology.  We have miniaturized and combined bulky, energy-hogging column and detector modules into a single cartridge for tool-free exchange of chemistries.  The Axcend Fixed Column Cartridge (FCC) contains a permanently affixed capillary column and integrated flow cell for many ambient temperature routine and field-based applications. The Heated Column Cartridge (HCC) provides column heating and is compatible with a wide range of commercially available columns that are user-exchangeable. Both modules use discrete, fixed wavelength UV detectors.

What types of detectors can I use with the Focus LC?

While the cartridges contain onboard detectors for discrete UV wavelengths, the Focus LC can also be connected to the Axcend FocusArray (diode array detector) or virtually any external detector or Mass Spectrometer capable of working at capillary flowrates.

What software controls the Focus LC?

With the purchase of a Focus LC, you will receive a copy of Axcend Drive, our easy-to-use Focus LC control software, at no additional charge. This provides basic instrument operation and data processing capabilities. For those who prefer a fully-featured CDS or require higher levels of data integrity, the Focus LC can also be controlled by Agilent OpenLab CDS and DataApex Clarity CDS.  

What are the pressure limitations of the Focus LC?

The Focus LC can operate up to 10,000psi (689 bar), making it a true ultra-high performance liquid chromatograph.  

Does the Focus LC require more maintenance than my traditional HPLC?

The Focus LC actually requires less maintenance. The syringe pumps do not contain check-valves, and our fluidic system has fewer wear parts than traditional instruments, meaning there is much less maintenance required!  

How much does it cost?

The Focus LC price point is in line with those of traditional HPLCs, despite the many advantages that it provides. What’s more, the amount that you will save on solvent purchase and waste disposal offers a comparatively quicker return on investment.

What services does Axcend provide to help me be successful?

Axcend offers product installation services (onsite or remote) and optional Installation/Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ) services. Axcend also offers several types of support contracts, including full on-site service, to a budget-conscious option where services and repairs are performed at our Service Center in Lehi, Utah.  Imagine simply mailing in your instrument for repair-no 4 hour minimum, no three week wait for a technician to come on-site.  Finally,  Axcend also provides remote and phone support free of charge to all customers.

Does Axcend offer other compact products in this product line?

• Axcend AutoFocus™ is a fully featured autosampler, with support for standard LC vials and well plates, and offers a cooling option.
• The Axcend FocusArray™ Full Spectrum detector allows spectral analysis and multi-wavelength operation for applications such as impurity analysis.
• Axcend InFocus™ is an automated sampling and filtration instrument, intended for in-line and at-line analysis. Its flexible design allows for variable configurations to suit sampling with flow chemistry systems, reaction and dissolution vessels, and other devices used in applications such as kettle cleaning validation.