Advice on an Akta FPLC purchase - (Apr/01/2015 )

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We're in the market for an fplc, and I'm looking at a used Akta unit. The configuration is P-920, UPC-900 with conductivity and UV detector (254 and 280 nm), INV-907 injector, M-925 mixer, FV-903 flow diverter, Frac-900 fraction collector and CU-950 comunication box, with Unicom 5.31 software.

I'm wondering what features I'll wish I had installed in six months, and whether I really need service on the instrument.

-phage434-

we have an older akta purifier (with older software than you're looking at).

we have a separate pH/conductivity monitor (pH/c-900) and UV monitor (uv-900). the uv monitor can display and record 3 wavelengths. we also have the frac-900 but don't use it. we replaced it with the frac-950 which is more versatile.

you might want the box-900. it's a tray for the mobile phase bottles with a drawer for storage of tools, nuts, ferrules, loops, tubing pieces and other small parts. very convenient.

-mdfenko-

Thanks. Exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for. What's your sense on service contracts?

-phage434-

we had a service contract until we stopped using the machine.

i think it's necessary because even though some of the maintenance is easy enough to do (changing pH probes, replacing tubing, replacing in-line frits), some is a lot more difficult or complicated (replacing light source in the uv monitor, pump seals).

the pm alone may be worth the contract. but it is expensive.

-mdfenko-

So, what did you replace it with, and should I be getting that instead?

-phage434-

Dear phage434,
Personal advice is, don't get the older model akta fplc now If you are going to use it for long term. GE had phased it out and the service parts is heard will be fully discontinued on 2017, this is what had been communicated in my region.

They had replaced their product line with akta start (very beginner entry level, cost around 10k USD end user selling price, maximum flow rate 5ml/min peristaltic pump) , akta pure, flow rate maximum 25 or 150ml/min (lab scale, replacing akta purifier and akta fplc) or akta avant (Pre-pilot scale, replacing akta explorer)series, with same flow rate with akta pure.

Depending on the expected usage(preparative or analytical scale), different configuration will be suitable for different users. Personally I would get configuration to install column selection valve, where I can install up to 5 or 6 columns with a column bypass line, which will be easier when trying to optimize column selection using the method queue (queue up different method in one shot, just press run and will run the column screening for you). On top, I might install additional valve so that I can hook up with more inlet buffers, but yet that depends on the nature of your work and what exactly you are purifying. And if you are expecting your purification step to be fully automated into two steps purification, you will need extra valve to perform the flow back. Finally, you would look into the flow rate. Higher flow rate (150ml/min) enables to use the axichrome automated column packing(with column valve installed to enable such function), while lower flow rate systems (25ml/min, except akta start) gives you high screening and optimization precision. I would for sure get a superloop for variable sample loading sizes.

Just my two cents for now.

-Adrian K-

phage434 on Thu Apr 2 19:57:52 2015 said:

So, what did you replace it with, and should I be getting that instead?

we didn't replace it. we used it in a core lab to scout separation conditions and it did a great job but ultimately fell into disuse.

-mdfenko-

Mdfenko,
perhaps you can donate your system to phage434
:)

-Adrian K-

i would love to, it only takes up bench space.

but, i work for the state and they frown on giving away expensive (and not so expensive) equipment. they would rather put it into decaying storage.

-mdfenko-

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