BUCHI Sepiatec SFC-50 Preparative Supercritical Fluid Chromatography System
| Brand | BUCHI |
|---|---|
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Manufacturer | BUCHI AG |
| Instrument Type | Preparative SFC System |
| Model | SFC-50 |
| Flow Rate Range | 1–50 mL/min (including up to 40% modifier) |
| Maximum Pressure | 400 bar |
| Detector Options | DAD, ELSD, Mass Spectrometer (MS) |
| Column Capacity | Up to 10 columns (2 mounted simultaneously) |
| Column Dimensions | ID 4–16 mm, max. length 250 mm |
| Column Oven Temperature Range | Ambient to 70 °C |
| UV Wavelength Range (DAD) | 190–720 nm |
| Power Supply | 230 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz |
| Operating Environment | 15–25 °C, 45–75% RH |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 560 × 600 × 880 mm |
Overview
The BUCHI Sepiatec SFC-50 is a fully integrated preparative supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) system engineered for high-resolution chiral and achiral separations at gram-scale throughput. It leverages carbon dioxide (CO₂) as the primary mobile phase—modified in real time with organic solvents—to deliver rapid, selective, and environmentally sustainable purification of thermally labile, polar, or low-to-medium molecular weight compounds. Unlike traditional liquid chromatography (LC), SFC operates under supercritical conditions where CO₂ exhibits both gas-like diffusivity and liquid-like solvating power, enabling faster mass transfer, lower backpressure, and reduced solvent consumption. The SFC-50 is designed for method development, analytical-to-preparative scale-up, and routine purification workflows in pharmaceutical R&D, natural product isolation, and fine chemical synthesis laboratories.
Key Features
- Two independent high-pressure pumps: A stainless-steel CO₂ pump and a separate modifier pump, each rated to 400 bar, enabling precise control over CO₂ density and modifier composition without pre-mixing.
- Real-time binary linear or step-gradient elution capability, supporting method optimization across wide polarity ranges.
- Integrated DAD detector with 190–720 nm spectral coverage and simultaneous 8-channel wavelength monitoring—ideal for peak purity assessment and fraction-triggered collection.
- Auto-ranging UV signal amplification ensures consistent baseline stability and peak visibility during gradient runs without manual gain adjustment.
- Modular detector compatibility: Optional evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) for non-UV-absorbing analytes and mass spectrometry (MS) coupling for structural confirmation and impurity profiling.
- Column management system accommodating up to 10 columns (2 active); supports standard preparative columns (ID 4–16 mm, L ≤ 250 mm) with programmable column oven (ambient to 70 °C).
- Robust mechanical architecture with CE-compliant electrical safety, ISO 14644-1 Class 8 cleanroom-compatible footprint, and vibration-damped optical bench for detector stability.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SFC-50 demonstrates broad applicability across small-molecule APIs, chiral intermediates, peptides, lipids, and plant-derived secondary metabolites. Its low-temperature operation preserves thermally sensitive compounds, while CO₂’s low toxicity and facile removal post-purification align with ICH Q5C and green chemistry principles (ACS GCI Pharmaceutical Roundtable metrics). The system supports compliance with regulatory frameworks including USP , EP 2.2.46, and ASTM D7504 for SFC method validation. Data acquisition and audit trail functionality meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when operated with BUCHI’s optional compliance-ready software package (e.g., LabX SFC Edition), including electronic signatures, user access levels, and immutable method/version history.
Software & Data Management
Controlled via BUCHI’s LabX SFC software, the system provides intuitive method building, real-time pressure/flow/temperature monitoring, and automated fraction collection based on UV threshold, time window, or peak apex logic. All raw data—including chromatograms, spectra, pressure profiles, and system logs—are stored in vendor-neutral .cdf format compliant with ASTM E1946 and accessible via third-party CDS platforms. Software modules support GLP/GMP workflows with full audit trail generation, instrument qualification templates (IQ/OQ), and electronic batch record integration. Remote diagnostics and firmware updates are supported through secure HTTPS-based cloud connectivity (optional).
Applications
- Chiral resolution of racemates in early-stage API development, including separation of enantiomers for pharmacokinetic and toxicological evaluation.
- High-throughput purification of synthetic libraries (e.g., Suzuki couplings, amide bond formations) with sub-gram to multi-gram recovery per run.
- Isolation of bioactive constituents from complex matrices (e.g., essential oils, botanical extracts) without thermal degradation.
- Complementary orthogonal purification to reversed-phase HPLC—particularly for compounds exhibiting poor retention or peak tailing in aqueous media.
- Method scouting and transfer from analytical SFC (e.g., using 4.6 mm ID columns) to preparative scale (10–16 mm ID), leveraging built-in scalability algorithms.
FAQ
What types of columns are compatible with the SFC-50?
Standard stainless-steel or PEEK-sleeved preparative columns with internal diameters of 4–16 mm and lengths up to 250 mm. Common stationary phases include polysaccharide-based chiral selectors (e.g., Chiralpak AD-H, AS-H), silica, and hybrid C18 materials.
Can the SFC-50 be used for analytical method development?
Yes—the system supports analytical-scale separations using 4–4.6 mm ID columns; method parameters (flow, pressure, temperature, gradient) are directly scalable to preparative conditions.
Is CO₂ recycling supported?
The SFC-50 does not include an integrated CO₂ recycler; however, it is compatible with third-party CO₂ recovery systems via standard 1/4″ VCR fittings and pressure-rated tubing.
How is fraction collection triggered?
Collection can be initiated by UV absorbance threshold, retention time window, peak apex detection, or external TTL signal—configurable per method with customizable vial mapping and volume tracking.
What validation documentation is provided?
BUCHI supplies factory calibration certificates for all critical subsystems (pumps, detectors, oven), IQ/OQ protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17025, and traceable NIST-traceable pressure transducer certification.
