Are there any users of Hitachi Amino acid analysers wishing to exchange info etc

We use an L8800a? Is this the same model as yours?

Some time ago we needed to replace a Beckman 6300 Analyzer. I was encouraged to attend PittCon and made some discoveries. I found many different ways to analyze our protein hydrolysates, but only two manufacturers still did post-col ninhydrin derivatization, Hitachi and Knauer. Everyone else seems to go towards pre-col derivatization (see EZ:faast, PicoTag, etc.). Since I was restrained by company policy to only purchase a post-col instrument, I had to choose from these two.

It looked like Hitachi's 8800 was simply an update with replumbing of the Beckman, and the Knauer A100 had modern tubing, an original design, and a smaller unit size. We went with the new upgrade, the A200.

We have had some problems getting the instrument validated due to it's newness, but I have heard there are many people complaining about the 8800 as well. I'd like to hear more about the 8800 if we need to purchase one of those.

There is also another option which is from Biochrom (Cambridge UK) and which is a proven successor to the Beckman units.
This is worth a look as it will resolve many of the issues you face
www.biochrom.co.uk will give you the information as a starting point
Regards

We have and Hitachi L-8500 and are very happy about it, I know of another lab that has recently (a year or two ago) replaced their Beckman 6300 by an L-8800 and they seem quite happy. The Biochrom possibility seems to work as well, at least for hydrolysates

It would be interesting to compare data and views on the operation of the systems. There is also some new information on faster analysis about to be released from Biochrom
Please let me know if you would like details

I will be happy to point out some of the benefits of the Hitachi L-8800 Amino Acid Analyzer. Beckman users tend to be very comfortable with our system because it is similar in many ways, yet there are numerous improvements as well. I have never experienced any problems validating the instrument, and the results always compare nicely with those of the Beckman.

1. Hitachi has been making amino acid analyzers for over 35 years. The L-8800 is a proven, dedicated system for high-thoughput analysis of amino acids from a wide range of samples including clinical, food and pharmaceutical. The recently introduced L-8800A model is the same as the L-8800 except for a longer column oven and slightly redesigned reaction unit. (I usually still simply refer to it as the L-8800.)

2. The L-8800 uses a two-part ninhydrin system with no refrigeration required. The two separate bottles are mixed online during analysis utilizing a second pump, and this mixture is introduced immediately after the separation column to derivatize the separated amino acids. There is no manual mixing, no waiting period and no filter to replace. A shelf life of one year is guaranteed. The chance for precipitation of the catalyst is greatly reduced to provide excellent reproducibility over time. Thus, the need for recalibration is greatly reduced.

3. The L-8800 can produce true linear gradients for easy method development and exceptional gradient accuracy.

4. All hardware components are manufacured directly by Hitachi for optimum integration and minimal dead volume. All components are contained in a single enclosed cabinet. The computer and monitor can be placed on top of the unit so that very little lab space is used.

5. Front-panel access to all routine maintenance parts allows for easy maintenance and buffer/reagent replacement.

6. Columns utilizing 3 um resin are designed for high resolution and high column efficiency.

7. The patented reaction column utilizes a 3 um particle to retain excellent resolution during the reaction process. It resides in a reaction oven.

8. After a series of injections is complete, the entire flow path, including the separation and reaction columns, is automatically washed. The pumps, lamp and ovens are also turned off.

9. UPS backup allows the system to perform the same wash as above and execute its normal shutdown procedure should a power outage occur. The ninhydrin is automatically flushed from the system, and the system is ready for further analysis once power is resumed. (I did not have a single service call when the northeast US experienced the widespread power outage last year.)

10. One software package, EZChrom Elite, is used for full hardware control and data processing while allowing for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, if needed.

11. Buffers are manufactured in the US. All inventory is warehoused in the US. All product management, application assistance and serivce is based in the US. Did I mention that everything is in the US?

12. Service is provided directly by Hitachi service engineers.

I would be happy to discuss the Hitachi Amino Acid Analyzer further and provide references for anyone interested. Thanks for your time.

Steve Watts
AAA Product Specialist
Hitachi High Technologies America
steve.watts@hitachi-hta.com
www.hitachi-hta.com/lshome