Waters Liquid Handling: Robots, Autosamplers, Software

From sample prep to chromatographic injection and fraction recovery, Waters Liquid Handling brings precision, repeatability, and traceability to the steps that most influence data quality. You’ll standardize pipetting and injection, expand unattended capacity, and capture complete audit trails—while integrating cleanly with ACQUITY/Alliance systems and Empower or MassLynx control.

What Is Waters Automated Liquid Handling?

Liquid handling here spans automated or semi-automated movement and dosing of liquids before, during, and after LC/UPLC analysis. In practice, it combines Andrew+ robotic pipetting with OneLab protocol design, Sample Manager (SM-FTN) injection, high-capacity Sample Organizer storage, and automated fraction collection for purification workflows.

In scope:

• Robotic pipetting & workflow software: Andrew+ robot coordinated by OneLab to execute validated protocols with full traceability.

• Autosamplers / Sample Managers: flow-through-needle (FTN) injection with ACQUITY UPLC families.

• Sample capacity modules: Sample Organizer to stage plates/vials under controlled temperature.

• Fraction collection: Waters Fraction Collector III for peak-based, automated collection.

Where It Fits: Sample Prep, Injection & Fraction Collection

Liquid handling touches three hand-offs in your method. Clarifying what happens at each point helps you pick the right device mix and avoid bottlenecks as throughput rises or matrices become more challenging.

• Pre-LC sample prep: Andrew+ automates serial dilutions, standard prep, transfers, and method-specific manipulations; OneLab converts protocol steps into executable actions and logs them.

• At-LC injection: ACQUITY Sample Manager (SM-FTN) delivers reproducible injections using a flow-through needle architecture widely used across H-/I-Class systems.

• Staging capacity: Sample Organizer adds high-density storage—up to 19 plates or 480 2-mL vials—with 4–40 °C control to protect sensitive samples.

• Post-LC recovery: Fraction Collector III triggers on UV/other detector signals to collect peaks while diverting waste, improving recovery and purity in prep LC.

Product Categories: Pipetting Robots, HPLC/UPLC Autosamplers & Fraction Collectors

Each category solves a distinct problem. Think in terms of the errors you’re eliminating—manual pipetting variability, carryover risks at injection, or missed fractions during purification—to decide what belongs in your stack.

• Robotic Pipetting (Andrew+)—Walk-up automation that uses standard electronic pipettes and modular Domino accessories; evolves with Device+ connected tools for heating, shaking, etc. OneLab provides versioned methods and execution logs.

• Workflow Software (OneLab)—Browser-based protocol design and execution; describes the “science” of the procedure and auto-translates it into robot/device commands, minimizing custom coding.

• Autosamplers / Sample Managers (SM-FTN)—Flow-through needle injection for ACQUITY platforms; broad compatibility with vial/plate formats and extension loops to match volume demands.

• Sample Organizer—Transfers plates/vials to the Sample Manager on demand; any position can be accessed at any time; 4–40 °C environmental control.

• Fraction Collectors (WFC III)—Automated, peak-based collection with diverter valve and local or remote control through Empower or MassLynx.

Selection Guide: Choose the Right Liquid Handling Setup

Use these criteria to build a configuration that fits today and scales tomorrow. Start with throughput and formats, then refine by chemistry and environmental controls.

• Throughput & capacity: samples per day, deck real estate, and organizer slots required.

• Formats: 96/384-well plates, 2–4 mL vials, deep-well plates—ensure device-level support.

• Volumes & viscosity: pipetting/injection ranges and extension loops for larger loads.

• Temperature control: whether prep/injection/staging needs 4–40 °C stability. 

• Detection & triggering: UV-based peak collection vs. time/volume windows in purification.

• Software & traceability: OneLab method versioning and device logs; Empower/MassLynx control where applicable.

Featured Models & Key Specs (Andrew+, OneLab, SM-FTN, Sample Organizer, Fraction Collector III)

Below is a shortlist to compare core capabilities. Part numbers are shown where Waters publishes them; for software or integrated modules, a discrete SKU may not apply.

Compatibility & Integration with ACQUITY/Alliance and OneLab

You get the most from liquid handling when hardware and software behave as a single system. The notes below highlight typical connections without locking you into a single configuration.

• Instrument families: Modules integrate with ACQUITY UPLC (H-/I-Class, Premier) and Alliance systems; consult current site-prep/user guides for model-specific details.

• Software linkage: OneLab orchestrates prep and connected devices; Empower or MassLynx can control chromatographic modules and fraction collection. 

• Environment & facilities: For Sample Organizer models 186015020/186015021, follow clearance, temperature, and pneumatic/house-air guidance in Waters documentation.

FAQs: Liquid Handling Robots, Autosamplers, Fraction Collectors

1. What’s the difference between a pipetting robot and a Sample Manager?
Andrew+ automates pre-LC liquid handling (dilutions, transfers, prep steps) under OneLab control. The Sample Manager performs the chromatographic injection—often using a flow-through needle in ACQUITY UPLC systems.

2. Can the Sample Organizer hold both plates and vials?
Yes. It supports up to 19 standard plates or 480 2-mL vials (with appropriate holders) and maintains 4–40 °C to protect stability during long queues.

3. Does the Fraction Collector work with Empower?
Yes. WFC III supports local keypad control and remote operation via Empower or MassLynx, enabling peak-based triggering tied to detector signals.

4. Are there published part numbers I should reference?
Waters publishes part numbers for many modules and kits. Examples include Andrew+ Robot 176005081, Sample Organizer 186015020/186015021, and Fraction Collector III 186001878. Service and accessory SKUs exist for SM-FTN components and loops.

Contact Iright for a Quote—Trusted Supplier for Waters Liquid Handling

Ready to configure a system for your plate/vial format, temperature needs, and target throughput? Contact Iright for a tailored quote. Our team can align Andrew+, OneLab, SM-FTN injection, Sample Organizer capacity, and WFC III collection to your method—backed by dependable sourcing and responsive support.