Waters has bagged the Pittcon Silver Award for the most innovative product Acquity QDa Detector used extensively in the area of analytical chemistry and applied spectroscopy.

"This marks the fourth time in the last ten years that we have been recognized for a new technology reinforcing our innovation leadership role, said Art Caputo, president, Waters Corporation.

Previously, the Pittcon recognized Acquity UltraPerformance LC (UPLC) in 2004, the Synapt High Definition MS (HDMS) in 2007 and Acquity UltraPerformance Convergence Chromatography (UPC2) in 2012.

The Acquity QDa Detector is the first mass detector to bring high-quality, mass spectral data to chromatographic separations. Designed as a synergistic component of a chromatographic system, the product is compatible with other purification systems.

Further, the company stated that the Acquity QDa Detector adds a whole new dimension to separation science and it is the most progressive leap forward in chromatography detection since the first photodiode detectors were introduced decades ago. It is a small, easy-to-use and affordable mass detector that brings high-quality mass spectral information to chromatographic separations. Mass spectral information greatly enhances chemical compound identification, something that is very important to laboratories doing method development, sample profiling, chemical synthesis and purification. It provides mass spectral information at the push of a button.

In addition, the product complements optical detection, such as the PDA detector, by confirming the identity of compounds with mass spectral information. Additionally, the Acquity QDa Detector extends the limits of sample detection for a chromatographic separation by quantifying compounds having no UV response or that are present at levels not detectable and quantifiable by optical detection. By simplifying laboratory workflows, the detector enhances the value of every analysis and increases productivity by eliminating the need to run additional assays or turn to time-consuming alternative techniques in order to establish with certainty the levels and identity of specific sample compounds, stated the company.