reachdevices.com

What It Is

REACH Devices is a U.S.-based manufacturer of analytical instruments, focused on developing, producing, and selling chromatography detectors for flash chromatography and protein purification. Its core product lines include the RD Series laboratory monitors and the RDI Series process development detectors, primarily used to monitor key parameters such as UV absorbance, refractive index (RI), conductivity, and pH.

Core Dimension Analysis

• Functionality and Use Cases: The products cover separation and purification needs ranging from low flow rates (<3 mL/min) to process-scale high flow rates of up to 10 L/min. Its breakthrough solid-state UV light source design delivers a detection range of 0.001–800 AU, far exceeding the traditional 3 AU limit, while having no moving parts and offering high stability. In addition, the devices support programmable solenoid valve control, enabling automatic fraction collection based on signal thresholds or time.
• Integration and Ecosystem: The devices offer strong hardware integration capabilities. They can connect with third-party fraction collectors, such as ISCO Foxy R1/R2, via electrical pulses or contact closure, and mark fraction changes on the screen. However, because the RI detector does not temperature-control the flow cell, its sensitivity is lower than that of dedicated HPLC RI detectors.
• Open Source and API: As closed-source commercial hardware, the products do not provide software-level APIs or SDKs. Automation mainly depends on the device’s built-in programmable logic and physical interfaces.

Pricing

REACH Devices uses a one-time hardware purchase model. Entry-level lab models, such as the RD2: 280, start at $6,565, while the top-end full-parameter model, RD5I: 250-280-RI-C-pH, costs around $10,576. Accessories such as solenoid valves cost $324–$567 each, and flow splitters cost $1,082, placing the products in the mid-to-high-end research equipment price range.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Extremely wide UV detection dynamic range; no-moving-parts design reduces maintenance costs; flexible modular configuration with support for multi-parameter combinations; built-in automated fraction collection logic.
• Cons: RI detection sensitivity is limited due to lack of temperature control; integration with third-party equipment depends on specific cables, creating a compatibility barrier; relatively high entry price.

Who It’s For

REACH Devices is mainly aimed at organic chemists, biopharmaceutical R&D personnel, and laboratory technicians. It is especially well suited to research and industrial scenarios that require handling high-concentration analytes, performing preparative-scale separation and purification, and conducting process development.

Access in China

Unknown. As a U.S.-based hardware manufacturer, its official website may be directly accessible, but equipment procurement, payment, and after-sales support require consideration of international logistics and compliance issues.