Key Benefits
- Pulse-free ceramic syringe pump — superior baseline stability and sensitivity versus piston pumps; no check valves to maintain or replace
- Programmable temperature gradient — unique capability that shortens amino acid run times and resolves co-elutions — not available on any competing system
- Quick-change reactor cartridges — swap between applications in minutes without replumbing; dwell volumes from 0.1 to 3.0 mL
- Compatible with any HPLC — connects via USB and relay to any existing HPLC system regardless of manufacturer
Overview
The Onyx PCX is Pickering Laboratories' flagship post-column derivatisation instrument, succeeding the Pinnacle PCX. It is engineered for laboratories requiring high sensitivity and reproducibility across a broad range of analytes — from amino acids and mycotoxins to pesticides, antibiotics, and paralytic shellfish toxins. The system integrates Pickering's chemistry, columns, methods, and instrumentation into a complete, factory-tested solution compatible with any HPLC system.
At the core of the Onyx PCX is a pulse-free ceramic syringe pump, eliminating the check valves that cause baseline noise and maintenance issues in traditional piston pumps. Quick-change reactor cartridges allow rapid switching between applications without replumbing, and the circulating air column oven provides a programmable temperature gradient — a unique capability that shortens amino acid run times and resolves co-elutions that would otherwise require separate analytical runs.
All fluidics are accessible from the front panel and the instrument connects to any HPLC via USB and relay. PCX Control Software (Windows) provides method creation, sequence scheduling, instrument logging, and integration with platforms such as Agilent OpenLab. Single-pump and dual-pump configurations are available across a range of application-specific catalogue numbers.
Key Features
- Pulse-free ceramic syringe pump — no check valves, no baseline noise
- Flow rate range: 50–1,500 µL/min; maximum pressure 500 psi
- Quick-change reactor cartridges (0.1–3.0 mL dwell volume, knitted and standard coils)
- Programmable column temperature gradient (ambient+5°C to 75°C)
- Reactor coil oven: ambient+5°C to 130°C, ±0.5°C stability
- Automated piston wash and programmable flush cycles
- Single-pump and dual-pump configurations available
- Inert flow path prevents metal contamination of sensitive analytes
- Front-panel fluidics with removable reagent trays and secondary containment
- PCX Control Software: method creation, sequence scheduling, Agilent OpenLab integration
- USB and relay connection to any HPLC system
- Colour LCD display (800 × 480 px) with real-time status
- 1-year warranty; Elite Service Plans available
Typical Applications
- Amino acids — OPA (primary) and TRIONE Ninhydrin (secondary/proline) in food, feed, pharmaceutical, and clinical matrices
- Mycotoxins — Aflatoxins, Fumonisins, Trichothecenes
- Carbamate pesticides and Glyphosate herbicides
- Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PST/PSP)
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics and Polyether antibiotics
- Biogenic Amines, B Vitamins, Chromium VI
- Formaldehyde, Bromate, Sulfonamides
- Custom applications (single- and dual-pump configurations available)
Specifications
| Pump type | Pulse-free ceramic syringe (single barrel) |
|---|---|
| Flow rate range | 50–1,500 µL/min |
| Max pump pressure | 500 psi (35 bar) |
| Reactor temp range | Ambient+5°C to 130°C (±0.5°C stability) |
| Column heater range | Ambient+5°C to 75°C (programmable gradient) |
| Dwell volume options | 0.1–3.0 mL (knitted and standard coils) |
| Configurations | Single-pump and dual-pump |
| Dimensions | 56.9 × 30.5 × 48.6 cm (H × W × D) |
| Weight | 23 kg (single pump) / 27 kg (dual pump) |
| Power | 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 200 W max |
| Interface | USB + relay; PCX Control Software (Windows) |
| Detector compatibility | Fluorescence (FLD), UV-Vis, any post-column detector |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Onyx PCX different from other post-column derivatisation systems?
The Onyx PCX uses a pulse-free ceramic syringe pump (eliminating check valve maintenance) and offers a programmable column temperature gradient — a unique capability that shortens amino acid run times and resolves co-elutions. No competing system offers both of these features.
Is the Onyx PCX compatible with my existing HPLC?
Yes. The Onyx PCX connects to any HPLC system from any manufacturer via USB and relay connections. It does not require a specific brand of HPLC.
Can I switch between different applications (e.g. amino acids to mycotoxins)?
Yes. Quick-change reactor cartridges allow switching between applications in minutes without replumbing. Pickering supplies application-specific cartridges with dwell volumes from 0.1 to 3.0 mL.
What reagents and columns are available for the Onyx PCX?
Pickering supplies a full range of derivatisation reagents and application-specific columns designed and tested together with the instrument, including OPA, TRIONE Ninhydrin, Thiofluor for mycotoxins, Vanillin and DMAB for carbamates, and many others.
What are the routine maintenance requirements?
Daily: check for leaks. Weekly: replace flush and piston wash reservoirs. Every 3 months: replace 10 µm reagent frits. Every 12 months: replace valve and pump seals. Every 24 months: change tubing.
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