Lambert Model SFC-24 Supercritical Fluid Chromatography Pump

Overview

The Lambert Model SFC-24 is a precision-engineered high-pressure pump specifically designed for supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) applications. Unlike conventional HPLC pumps optimized for liquid mobile phases, the SFC-24 operates across a dynamic pressure–temperature–density regime where carbon dioxide serves as the primary supercritical solvent. Its architecture incorporates a dual-mode control system—capable of maintaining either constant flow rate (±0.1% RSD over 1–10 mL/min) or constant system backpressure (up to 400 bar)—enabling robust method transfer between analytical and preparative SFC workflows. The pump’s core hydraulic design features stainless-steel wetted parts, sapphire-plunger seals, and low-pulsation dual-piston reciprocating mechanics to ensure long-term stability under high-density CO₂ conditions. Integrated Peltier thermoelectric cooling maintains column inlet temperature within ±0.5 °C across ambient to 60 °C, minimizing density fluctuations in the supercritical phase and enhancing retention time reproducibility.

Key Features

• Dual operational modes: programmable constant-flow or constant-pressure control, selectable via front-panel interface or remote command
• Peltier-based active thermal management system with closed-loop feedback, eliminating need for external chillers or glycol baths
• RS-232 serial interface compliant with ANSI/TIA/EIA-232-F standards for integration into legacy SFC workstations and LIMS environments
• Real-time digital pressure transducer with 0.5% full-scale accuracy and user-configurable alarm thresholds
• Remote start/stop functionality via TTL-level input or isolated dry-contact relay, supporting automated fraction collection and multi-pump synchronization
• Modular drive electronics with galvanic isolation, EMI-shielded housing, and conformal-coated PCBs for operation in regulated laboratory environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SFC-24 supports mobile phases composed of supercritical CO₂ with co-solvents such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and acetonitrile (up to 40% v/v). Its fluid path is compatible with common SFC stationary phases including silica, diol, amino, and chiral selectors (e.g., amylose- and cellulose-derived columns). The pump meets mechanical safety requirements outlined in IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment and is engineered to support GLP-compliant workflows. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 certified, its RS-232 logging capability enables audit-trail generation when paired with validated third-party data acquisition software adhering to FDA guidance on electronic records.

Software & Data Management

The SFC-24 does not include embedded graphical software but provides ASCII-based command-response protocol documentation (SCPI subset) for seamless integration with commercial chromatography data systems (CDS), including Thermo Chromeleon, Waters Empower, and Agilent OpenLab CDS. All pressure setpoints, flow targets, and status flags are accessible via query commands (e.g., “:STAT:PRESS?”, “:FLOW:SET 3.5”). Time-stamped operational logs—including pressure deviation events, thermal error codes, and actuation cycles—can be streamed continuously to external databases. For laboratories requiring electronic signature and change-control functionality, the pump’s deterministic behavior and deterministic response latency (<100 ms) facilitate validation under Annex 11 and GAMP 5 frameworks.

Applications

The SFC-24 is routinely deployed in enantiomeric separation of pharmaceutical intermediates (e.g., NSAIDs, β-blockers, and kinase inhibitors), purification of natural product extracts (e.g., cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids), and rapid method scouting for chiral screening protocols. Its precise density control enables gradient elution using CO₂ compressibility modulation—eliminating the need for complex solvent mixing hardware. In QC labs, it supports USP and Ph. Eur. 2.2.46-compliant SFC methods for residual solvent analysis and polymorph characterization. Academic users leverage its open communication architecture for custom algorithm development in real-time density feedback control and adaptive pressure programming.

FAQ

Is the SFC-24 compatible with CO₂ recirculation systems?
Yes—the pump’s check valve design and low-dead-volume manifold support integration with external CO₂ reclamation modules operating at subcritical condensation temperatures.
Can the SFC-24 be used for preparative-scale SFC?
It is rated for analytical-to-semipreparative flow ranges (0.1–10 mL/min); for >10 mL/min applications, consult Lambert’s SFC-48 dual-pump configuration.
Does the Peltier cooling system require deionized water or refrigerant service?
No—thermal dissipation occurs passively via aluminum heatsinks and forced-air convection; no consumables or external coolant loops are required.
What calibration documentation is provided?
Each unit ships with NIST-traceable pressure calibration certificate (valid for 12 months) and factory flow verification report at three points (1, 5, and 10 mL/min) using gravimetric standard.
Is firmware upgrade capability supported?
Yes—field-upgradable via RS-232 using Lambert-provided .hex files and documented bootloader procedure; version history and release notes are available through authorized distributor portals.