ELGA PURELAB Quest

Importance of the Topic

Water quality underpins analytical accuracy and reliability across biochemical, chromatographic and general laboratory applications. Differentiating between ultrapure, pure and reverse osmosis water grades ensures optimal performance in techniques ranging from HPLC to media preparation.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document evaluates the technical specifications and performance characteristics of the PURELAB Quest UV and PURELAB Quest systems by ELGA. It aims to demonstrate their capability to deliver Type I, II and III water from tap feed, assess their operational reliability and highlight environmental and space-saving advantages.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The systems employ a multistage purification process combining reverse osmosis, ion exchange and UV oxidation. Key components include:

• 185/254 nm UV lamp for organic removal
• Purification pack with RO membranes and exchange resins
• Recirculation pump to reduce biofilm formation
• Resistivity, TOC and temperature sensors for continuous monitoring
• Optional point-of-use filters (LC134, LC145, LC197) for enhanced bacteria and endotoxin control
• USB port and AQUAVISTA IoT platform for data capture and diagnostics

Main Results and Discussion

Performance benchmarks show:

• Type I water: 18.2 MΩ·cm resistivity, <5 ppb TOC, <0.1 cfu/ml bacteria, <0.001 EU/ml endotoxin; flow up to 1.2 l/min
• Type II water: >1 MΩ·cm, <50 ppb TOC, <100 cfu/ml; recommended daily volume up to 10 l
• Type III water: <20 µS/cm conductivity, 10 l/hr production, <200 ppb TOC, >96% ionic rejection

The compact 232 mm wide design supports bench or wall mounting and has been tested over 150,000 dispense cycles. Construction from >85% reclaimed materials underscores environmental sustainability.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

The integrated system simplifies laboratory workflows by providing:

• Ultrapure water for HPLC, MS, atomic spectroscopy and molecular biology
• Pure water for media and buffer preparation
• RO permeate for glassware washing, autoclaving and hydroponics
• Space optimisation through a slim-profile footprint
• Reduced downtime via preprogrammed sanitisation and remote monitoring

Future Trends and Possibilities

Advances in IoT connectivity and data analytics will enable predictive maintenance and real-time quality assurance. Integration with laboratory information management systems and robotics is expected to further streamline workflows and support sustainable laboratory practices.

Conclusion

The PURELAB Quest series delivers versatile, high-quality water purification in a compact, environmentally conscious package. Its robust monitoring, ease of use and broad application range make it a valuable asset for modern laboratories.

Reference

• ELGA LabWater. PURELAB Quest UV Technical Specification, VWS (UK) Ltd, 2020.