Common questions about CAD detectors, LIMS, preparative HPLC, used instruments and rental
A CAD is a universal mass detector for HPLC. Column effluent is nebulized into an aerosol; after the solvent evaporates, the remaining particles are charged and the charge is measured. Because the response does not rely on UV absorption, a CAD can detect non-volatile compounds that have no chromophore — such as sugars, lipids, phospholipids, alkaloids and pharmaceutical excipients.
UV detectors only respond to compounds with a chromophore. ELSD and CAD are both universal detectors for non-volatile compounds, but the CAD generally offers higher sensitivity, a wider dynamic range (about four orders of magnitude) and better repeatability (RSD can be ≤1%). UV and CAD are often used together to cover both UV-absorbing and non-UV-absorbing components.
Yes. The Lingfeng SparkFlux2000 is a domestically developed CAD with key specifications including repeatability RSD ≤1%, about four orders of dynamic range, gas consumption ≤3 L/min, and adjustable ionization voltage 0 to +3 kV. It connects to mainstream HPLC systems from Agilent, Shimadzu, Waters and others. CAD technology is listed as an optional detector in the 2020 Chinese Pharmacopoeia.
We offer two: the international StarLIMS, suited to large pharmaceutical enterprises, and the China-developed JQ SyncLIMS, a B/S-architecture system integrating LIMS, ELN, SDMS and mobile access with strong cost-effectiveness. Both support data-integrity requirements and suit CMA/CNAS laboratories. The right choice depends on your scale, budget and compliance needs.
For instruments in daily long-term use, buying is usually more economical. For short-term projects, capacity peaks, method development, or while waiting for a new instrument to arrive, renting (monthly or per-project) is more flexible and lowers upfront cost. Refurbished used instruments with warranty are another budget-friendly route for long-term use.
Yes. Used HPLC, GC and MS systems from major imported brands are professionally refurbished, performance-verified and delivered with warranty and after-sales support — a cost-effective option for budget-conscious laboratories.
Our team has 15+ years of imported-instrument experience and provides installation and commissioning, method development, application training and after-sales maintenance, helping laboratories get productive quickly.
Talk to our specialists about product selection, methods or service.