PURELAB Quest® System Review: 3-in-1 Water Purification for Modern Labs

Laboratories across the world depend on high-quality water for a wide range of applications, from rinsing glassware to supporting high-precision analytical procedures.

The PURELAB Quest® System is a compact, all-in-one water purification solution designed specifically for modern labs that require ultrapure (Type I), pure (Type II), and general-grade (Type III) water from a single unit.

In this comprehensive review, we will explore its features, benefits, specifications, and why it is increasingly becoming a go-to system for laboratories of all sizes.

What is the PURELAB Quest® System?

The PURELAB Quest® System is a 3-in-1 lab water purification unit developed by ELGA Lab Water. It provides three grades of water essential for different lab applications in a compact and affordable design. 

ELGA water purification system, compact design, stainless steel and teal front panel, digital display on top

This system is designed for daily lab usage and supports functions ranging from buffer preparation to sensitive molecular biology applications.

Key Features

Three Water Grades in One System

  • Type I: Ultrapure water for critical experiments such as HPLC and molecular biology
  • Type II: Pure water for buffer preparation, media preparation, and general lab use
  • Type III: RO-permeate water for glassware rinsing and water baths.

Space-Saving Design

The system is compact, measuring just 232 mm in width. It can be placed on a bench or wall-mounted to save valuable lab space.

Smart Monitoring and Alerts

Built-in monitoring tracks water quality, consumable life, and system status. Notifications ensure that replacements and maintenance are handled proactively.

Energy Efficiency

The PURELAB Quest® operates at low power consumption levels, making it ideal for energy-conscious labs.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

The system offers a user-friendly interface, easy-to-change cartridges, and automatic sanitization, reducing manual workload and downtime.

Applications of the PURELAB Quest® System

Analytical Chemistry

Provides ultrapure water for methods like HPLC, ion chromatography, and spectroscopy.

Molecular Biology

Ensures RNase/DNase-free water for sensitive applications including PCR, cloning, and sequencing.

Four images showing lab equipment and activities:  HPLC machine for chemical analysis. PCC instrument for particle size testing. Lab trays with liquid samples for testing. Hand pouring purified water into a beaker with test tubes nearby

Cell Culture and Media Preparation

Delivers consistent, high-purity water for preparing culture media and buffer solutions.

General Lab Use

Type II and Type III water are perfect for routine washing, autoclaving, and feeding water baths.

Technical Specifications

Specification Type I Water Type II Water Type III Water
Resistivity 18.2 MΩ.cm >1 MΩ.cm <20 µS/cm
Total Organic Carbon (TOC) <5 ppb (UV) / <30 ppb <50 ppb <200 ppb
Bacterial Count (TVC) <0.1 cfu/ml <100 cfu/ml <1000 cfu/ml
Endotoxin <0.001 EU/ml (UV only) N/A N/A
Flow Rate Up to 1.2 L/min Up to 1.2 L/min Up to 10 L/hr

Benefits for Laboratory Environments

  • Increased Efficiency: One unit meets all water grade requirements.
  • Cost-Effective: Reduces the need to purchase and maintain separate systems.
  • Enhanced Lab Safety: Onboard monitoring and alerts reduce the risk of contamination.

Modern laboratory with scientists working in the background and a central ELGA PURELAB Quest water purification unit. Icons around the unit represent features like consistent purity, various contaminants removal, safety, and reliability of purified water for lab use.

  • Reliable Output: Consistent water quality ensures accurate and reproducible results.
  • Minimal Footprint: Ideal for labs with limited bench space.

Maintenance and Consumables

Maintaining the PURELAB Quest® is simple, with consumables designed for easy replacement. The system features:

  • UV Lamp (12-month lifespan)
  • Vent Filter (12-month lifespan)
  • DI Cartridge Pack (6-month lifespan)
  • RO Membrane (24-month lifespan)
  • Annual sanitization kit

Automatic alerts guide users when parts need replacing, minimizing downtime and error.

Who Should Use This System?

The PURELAB Quest® is suited for:

  • Academic research labs
  • Pharmaceutical and biotech industries
  • Quality control and analytical testing labs
  • Clinical and diagnostic facilities
  • Food and beverage labs.

Conclusion

The PURELAB Quest® System is an excellent water purification solution for laboratories, providing three types of water from a single unit. It saves both cost and space while delivering reliable performance. Its smart monitoring system and low maintenance make it easy to use.

Whether setting up a new lab or upgrading an existing one, the PURELAB Quest® is a long-term investment in quality and convenience.

FAQs

1. What makes the PURELAB Quest® different from other lab water purification systems?
The PURELAB Quest® provides Type I, II, and III water from a single compact unit. It saves space, reduces operational costs, and simplifies lab workflows by eliminating the need for multiple purification units.

2. Can the PURELAB Quest® System support sensitive applications like PCR or HPLC?
Yes, the system produces ultrapure Type I water with 18.2 MΩ·cm resistivity and low TOC levels, making it suitable for high-sensitivity procedures such as PCR, HPLC, and molecular biology experiments.

3. How often do I need to replace consumables in the PURELAB Quest® System?
The PURELAB Quest® delivers three water types in one compact unit, supports sensitive applications with ultrapure water, and has consumables that need replacing every 6 to 24 months with automatic maintenance alerts.

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