Hanbon SFC-Lab20 Semi-Preparative Supercritical Fluid Chromatograph
| Brand | Hanbon |
|---|---|
| Origin | Jiangsu, China |
| Manufacturer Type | OEM Manufacturer |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | SFC-Lab20 |
| Instrument Type | Semi-Preparative |
| Detector Type | UV-Vis (190–700 nm) |
| Maximum System Pressure | 25 MPa |
| CO₂ Pump Flow Rate | 4–20 mL/min |
| Co-solvent Pump Flow Rate | ≤10 mL/min |
| Column Oven Temperature Range | Ambient to 70 °C |
| Back Pressure Regulator Range | 0–25 MPa |
| Compatible Column Dimensions | 4.6 × 250 mm (analytical development), 10 × 250 mm (semi-prep separation) |
| Data System | GreenChrom Chromatography Workstation |
Overview
The Hanbon SFC-Lab20 is a semi-preparative supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) system engineered for high-efficiency chiral and structural isomer separations under supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) mobile phase conditions. Operating on the fundamental principles of supercritical fluid thermodynamics and differential solute–stationary phase interactions, the SFC-Lab20 leverages the tunable density, low viscosity, and high diffusivity of scCO₂ to achieve rapid mass transfer and superior resolution—particularly for small-to-medium polarity compounds that exhibit poor retention or peak broadening in reversed-phase HPLC. Unlike gas chromatography (GC), SFC accommodates thermally labile and non-volatile analytes; unlike liquid chromatography (LC), it delivers significantly faster elution (typically 3–5× faster than conventional HPLC) without compromising resolution. The system integrates six core modules: CO₂ and co-solvent delivery pumps, an autosampler with precise loop injection, a thermostatically controlled column compartment, a dual-lamp UV-Vis detector (deuterium + tungsten), a dynamic back-pressure regulator (BPR), and an automated fraction collector. Its design conforms to the operational requirements of method development, purity assessment, and milligram-scale isolation in pharmaceutical R&D, natural product purification, and fine chemical synthesis.
Key Features
- Robust dual-pump architecture: Independent high-pressure CO₂ pump (0–20 mL/min) and co-solvent pump (0–10 mL/min), both capable of gradient composition control with <±0.5% flow accuracy
- Full-range back-pressure regulation from 0 to 25 MPa, enabling precise tuning of scCO₂ density and thus selectivity across diverse compound classes
- Thermostatically stabilized column oven (ambient to 70 °C) with ±0.2 °C temperature uniformity, critical for reproducible retention time control
- UV-Vis detector featuring dual light sources (D₂ lamp for 190–400 nm, W lamp for 400–700 nm) and real-time spectral acquisition at up to 100 Hz sampling rate
- Modular column compatibility: Supports both analytical-scale columns (4.6 × 250 mm) for scouting and method optimization, and semi-preparative columns (10 × 250 mm) for mg-level isolations
- GreenChrom chromatography workstation with ICH-compliant audit trail, electronic signatures, and customizable reporting templates aligned with GLP/GMP documentation practices
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SFC-Lab20 demonstrates broad applicability across compound classes including chiral pharmaceuticals (e.g., β-blockers, NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors), synthetic intermediates, lipids, terpenoids, and moderately polar peptides. Its performance has been validated per ASTM D7098 (Standard Practice for Supercritical Fluid Chromatography) and ISO 17025:2017 (General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories). The system supports compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 through GreenChrom’s role-based access control, secure electronic records, and immutable audit trails. All pressure-rated components meet ASME B31.3 process piping standards, and the CO₂ delivery manifold incorporates redundant safety interlocks—including overpressure shutoff, leak detection sensors, and emergency venting pathways—to ensure operator and environmental safety during extended unattended operation.
Software & Data Management
GreenChrom software provides integrated instrument control, real-time chromatogram visualization, peak integration with baseline correction algorithms, and method transfer tools between analytical and semi-preparative configurations. It supports multi-dimensional data export (CSV, CDF, PDF) and direct interfacing with LIMS platforms via ASTM E1384-compliant XML schema. For regulated environments, the software includes full 21 CFR Part 11 functionality: user authentication, electronic signature capture, change history logging, and automatic backup of raw data and processing parameters. Batch processing workflows allow concurrent analysis of multiple injections with configurable pass/fail criteria based on retention time windows, peak area thresholds, and resolution metrics—enabling automated quality gatekeeping in QC laboratories.
Applications
- Chiral method development and validation for enantiomeric excess determination (ee%) in API synthesis
- Rapid purification of racemic mixtures prior to biological testing or crystallization studies
- Isolation of natural product analogues from complex botanical extracts without derivatization
- Separation of geometric isomers (e.g., cis/trans fatty acids, retinoids) where HPLC shows co-elution
- Stability-indicating assays for oxidative or hydrolytic degradation products in formulation development
- Supporting green chemistry initiatives by replacing chlorinated solvents (e.g., CH₂Cl₂, CHCl₃) with recyclable CO₂-based mobile phases
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable operating pressure for the SFC-Lab20?
The system is rated for continuous operation up to 25 MPa, with all fluidic components certified to ASME Section VIII Div. 1 pressure vessel standards.
Can the SFC-Lab20 be used for fully automated preparative runs?
Yes—it supports unattended operation with programmable fraction collection triggered by UV threshold, time window, or peak apex detection, and includes event-driven solvent switching for multi-step elution protocols.
Does the system support CO₂ recycling?
The base SFC-Lab20 configuration does not include an integrated CO₂ recycler; however, it features standardized exhaust port interfaces compatible with third-party recovery units (e.g., SFC-SEP series optional add-ons).
Is method transfer from analytical to semi-preparative scale supported?
GreenChrom includes scaling wizards that apply linear velocity and mass load normalization rules per USP guidelines, facilitating robust translation from 4.6 mm to 10 mm ID columns.
What regulatory documentation is provided with the instrument?
Each unit ships with Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) reports, IQ/OQ protocol templates, calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards, and a full set of CE-marked technical files compliant with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
