Waters Launches Fraction Collector IV for Labs
The new system offers 50% greater collection capacity and supports flow rates up to 300 mL/min for drug discovery workflows.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Chemistry
Waters Corporation launched the Fraction Collector IV, a platform designed for drug discovery and early development laboratories. The system supports flow rates of up to 300 mL/min and provides 50% greater fraction collection capacity than the Fraction Collector III.
Why it matters
The upgrade targets laboratories that need to collect and separate compounds at higher throughput during early-stage drug development. Its integration with multiple chromatography systems and software platforms is intended to fit into existing laboratory workflows.
The Fraction Collector IV supports flow rates of up to 300 mL/min and accommodates microplates, vials, tubes, and preparative funnels. Its performance figures are manufacturer-reported, and no independent validation was included in the source data.
The players
Waters Corporation
Waters Corporation is a American manufacturer of analytical instruments, liquid chromatography systems, and mass spectrometry equipment used in pharmaceutical and life science laboratories.
The details
The system integrates with ACQUITY UPLC, Arc HPLC, LC Prep 150, LC Prep AutoPurification, and Modular Systems, and is controlled through Empower CDS, MassLynx Software, and ChromScope Software. Collection can be managed in time-based or peak-based modes, and a diverter valve directs unwanted peaks and excess solvent to waste.
Timeline
Launch announced November 6, 2026.
First customer shipments are expected soon.
The Tech Race
The Fraction Collector IV is an upgrade within Waters' own product line, extending the capacity gains of the Fraction Collector III. It positions the company's preparative chromatography offering for higher-throughput drug discovery work.
Laboratories running preparative separations can collect more fractions per run with the Fraction Collector IV's 50% capacity increase. Researchers using compatible Waters chromatography systems may find it easier to automate compound collection in early drug development.
The takeaway
Labs evaluating preparative chromatography equipment should compare throughput and software compatibility when assessing upgrades like the Fraction Collector IV.
What happens next
First customer shipments of the Fraction Collector IV are expected soon, with availability described as global.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore the latest Chemistry developments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Manufacturingchemist.
