Shimadzu GC Driver for Waters Empower (Brevis™ GC-2050)

Importance of the Topic

Integrating Shimadzu gas chromatographs with Waters Empower software addresses growing demands for streamlined workflows, improved data management and enhanced automation in analytical laboratories. This capability supports routine and advanced applications by eliminating manual intervention, reducing potential errors and maximizing instrument uptime.

Objectives and Overview

The primary aim of this application note is to describe the Shimadzu GC Driver for Waters Empower, which enables direct control of various Shimadzu GC models—most notably the compact Brevis™ GC-2050 and the Nexis™ GC-2030—via the Waters Empower platform. Key objectives include demonstrating footprint reduction, simplifying maintenance tasks, enabling eco-friendly operation and showcasing digital support functions powered by IoT and AI.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Driver integration was validated by configuring GC-2050 and GC-2030 systems within Empower, executing standard operating procedures and evaluating advanced functions such as Easy sTop maintenance and Eco Idling. Performance was assessed by monitoring system readiness, energy consumption and ease of automation under routine analysis schedules.

Instrumentation

• Shimadzu Brevis™ GC-2050: Compact design (350 mm footprint) with AOC™-30i autoinjector and dual capillary column capacity.
• Shimadzu Nexis™ GC-2030: Standard GC platform (553 mm width) supporting dual columns and AOC/HS-20 switching.
• Supported injectors: AOC-30i, AOC-20i (Plus), AOC-20s (U), HS-20 (NX), HS-10 headspace samplers.
• Detectors: FID, FPD, ECD, TCD, FTD, BID, STCD, PTCD and AB board modules (model-dependent).
• Advanced flow and temperature control: Backflush, detector splitting/switching, auxiliary temperature and flow controllers (APC, AMC options).
• Control environment: Waters Empower on a dedicated data-acquisition server (e.g., LAC/E32™). Up to four Shimadzu GCs may be managed per server.

Main Results and Discussion

Implementation of the Shimadzu GC Driver in Empower achieved seamless remote control of Brevis GC-2050 and Nexis GC-2030 systems. The Brevis GC-2050 demonstrated a 35 % reduction in bench space compared to the Nexis GC-2030, while maintaining full two-column capacity and headspace/autoinjector compatibility. The Easy sTop function significantly streamlined daily maintenance by automatically lowering inlet temperatures and facilitating liner changes via Empower or front-panel controls. Eco Idling intelligently adjusted operating states based on analysis schedules, cutting power and gas usage during idle periods without impacting throughput.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Laboratory space optimization: Compact GC-2050 footprint frees benchtop real estate for other instruments.
• Reduced downtime: One-click Easy sTop maintenance reduces service time and consumable costs.
• Energy savings: Automatic Eco Idling lowers utility consumption during non-analysis periods.
• Improved data consistency: Digital support functions (M2M, IoT, AI) enable self-diagnosis and expert-level operation, independent of user skill.
• Enhanced automation: Centralized control via Empower streamlines multi-instrument workflows for QA/QC and research labs.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Further development of AI-driven diagnostics and predictive maintenance is expected to enhance instrument uptime and reliability. Integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and cloud-based analytics will enable real-time performance monitoring and remote troubleshooting. Expansion of eco-friendly modes and support for additional Shimadzu GC models will broaden adoption in pharmaceutical, environmental and petrochemical sectors.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu GC Driver for Waters Empower provides a robust solution for fully integrated control of Shimadzu GC systems within the Empower environment. Key advantages include significant space savings with the Brevis GC-2050, simplified maintenance workflows via Easy sTop, and energy-efficient operation through Eco Idling. Together with digital support technologies, this integration enhances laboratory productivity, data quality and operational sustainability.