ISCO SFC-24 Supercritical Fluid Pump

Overview

The ISCO SFC-24 Supercritical Fluid Pump is a precision-engineered, high-pressure delivery system designed specifically for supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and other demanding analytical and preparative applications requiring stable, pulseless, and chemically inert fluid transport. Operating on positive displacement principle with dual-piston architecture and active solvent compressibility compensation, the SFC-24 delivers exceptional pressure stability and flow reproducibility under dynamic supercritical conditions—particularly critical when using CO₂ as the primary mobile phase near its critical point (31.1 °C, 73.8 bar). Its robust mechanical design accommodates rapid pressure ramping and sustained operation at up to 10,000 psi (689 bar), enabling method development across wide density gradients essential for selective solvation in chiral separations, natural product isolation, and polymer processing.

Key Features

• Integrated Peltier-based cooling system: Fully self-contained, solid-state thermal management eliminates dependency on external chillers, refrigerants, or Freon; maintains consistent pump head temperature for improved viscosity compensation and long-term seal integrity.
• Aluminum pump head with optimized thermal conductivity: Enhances heat dissipation from compression chambers, minimizing thermal expansion-induced flow drift during extended runs.
• Stainless steel fluid path (excluding pump head): Ensures chemical compatibility with CO₂, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and common co-solvents—fully compliant with ASTM D7097 and ISO 14127 guidelines for high-pressure fluid handling systems.
• Real-time pressure monitoring via built-in electronic transducer: Enables closed-loop pressure regulation with ±2% full-scale accuracy and sub-second response time for constant-pressure mode operation.
• Dual-control interface architecture: Front-panel keypad with LED status display for local operation; RS-232 serial port supports bidirectional communication for remote parameter setting, real-time diagnostics, and event logging per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
• Programmable analog and frequency inputs: Accepts 0–10 V DC or 0–10 kHz signals for seamless integration into automated SFC workstations or PLC-controlled extraction skids.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SFC-24 is validated for use with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂), subcritical water, and polar/nonpolar modifiers including acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, and ethyl acetate. Its stainless steel wetted components meet USP Class VI biocompatibility standards, while the absence of elastomeric seals in the primary flow path eliminates leaching concerns in pharmaceutical-grade purification workflows. The system conforms to IEC 61000-6-2 (electromagnetic immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emission) standards. For regulated environments, audit-trail-enabled software integration supports GLP/GMP documentation requirements—including user access control, versioned method storage, and timestamped operational logs.

Software & Data Management

While the SFC-24 operates autonomously via front-panel controls, it is fully compatible with ISCO’s optional Chromatography Control Software (CCS v4.x), which provides method scripting, real-time pressure/flow trending, and CSV export for LIMS integration. All RS-232 commands adhere to ASCII-based SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) syntax, facilitating custom LabVIEW, Python, or MATLAB automation scripts. Pressure and flow data are timestamped at 10 Hz resolution and can be streamed continuously for process validation studies. Firmware updates preserve backward compatibility and include cryptographic signature verification to satisfy cybersecurity provisions outlined in NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5.

Applications

• Chiral separation of pharmaceutical intermediates using SFC-MS coupling
• Decaffeination and lipid fractionation in food science research
• Extraction of thermolabile phytochemicals (e.g., cannabinoids, curcuminoids) without oxidative degradation
• Impurity profiling of synthetic polymers via supercritical fluid rheometry
• Green chemistry method development replacing hazardous organic solvents in QC laboratories
• On-line reaction monitoring in supercritical continuous-flow reactors

FAQ

What is the minimum programmable flow rate, and how is low-flow accuracy maintained?
The SFC-24 achieves 0.01 mL/min with micro-stepping motor control and real-time compressibility correction based on measured inlet pressure and fluid temperature—critical for maintaining stoichiometric ratios in microreactor applications.
Does the Peltier cooling system require routine maintenance or consumables?
No. The solid-state thermoelectric module has no moving parts, refrigerant charge, or scheduled service intervals; only periodic inspection of heatsink fins for dust accumulation is recommended.
Can the SFC-24 be operated in constant-flow mode while monitoring pressure as a secondary variable?
Yes. The pump supports independent selection of flow-setpoint or pressure-setpoint modes; in flow mode, pressure is continuously reported but not regulated—enabling diagnostic pressure profiling during method scouting.
Is the RS-232 interface optically isolated?
Yes. Galvanic isolation protects connected host systems from ground-loop interference in multi-instrument laboratory networks.
What safety certifications does the SFC-24 carry for installation in EU laboratories?
It bears CE marking per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, with conformity assessment performed by TÜV Rheinland (Certificate No. R 50265285 0001).