Tongtian Flash 100 Medium-Pressure Prep HPLC Pump
| Brand | Tongtian |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | Flash 100 |
| Pressure Range | 0–5.0 MPa |
| Flow Rate Range | 0.1–100.0 mL/min |
| Pressure Pulsation | ≤ 0.08 MPa |
| Flow Accuracy | ≤ ±1% |
| Flow Precision (RSD) | ≤ 1% |
| Pressure Accuracy | ≤ ±0.05 MPa |
| Wetted Materials | Sapphire, 316L Stainless Steel, Zirconia Ceramic |
| Communication Interface | RS232 |
| Power Supply | 220 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 75 W |
| Dimensions | 360 × 255 × 160 mm |
| Weight | 12 kg |
Overview
The Tongtian Flash 100 is a dual-plunger, medium-pressure preparative pump engineered for high-reproducibility liquid delivery in flash chromatography, method development, and small-scale purification workflows. It operates on positive displacement principle using precision-machined sapphire plungers and ruby check valves—materials selected for exceptional chemical inertness, wear resistance, and dimensional stability under sustained pressure. Designed to meet the demanding requirements of laboratory-scale separation systems, the Flash 100 delivers stable flow rates across its full operational range (0.1–100.0 mL/min) at pressures up to 5.0 MPa (725 psi), with pressure pulsation maintained below 0.08 MPa—critical for baseline stability in UV detection and consistent column loading. Its microprocessor-based control architecture ensures real-time monitoring and closed-loop regulation of both pressure and flow, supporting ISO/IEC 17025-aligned calibration traceability when used in validated environments.
Key Features
- Dual-plunger design with sapphire plungers and ruby ball valves for extended service life and minimal pulse generation
- Chemically resistant fluid path constructed from sapphire, 316L stainless steel, and zirconia ceramic—compatible with acetonitrile, methanol, THF, DCM, ethyl acetate, and aqueous buffers containing up to 0.1% TFA or formic acid
- Integrated overpressure protection with automatic shutdown at user-defined thresholds (configurable via front-panel or software)
- RS232 serial interface enabling bidirectional communication with external controllers, LIMS, or custom SCADA systems; supports Modbus RTU protocol upon request
- Large backlit LCD display showing real-time pressure, setpoint values, elapsed runtime, and system status indicators
- Onboard timer function for scheduled start/stop operations—essential for unattended overnight runs
- Dedicated degassing manifold with adjustable venting valve to minimize entrained gas in mobile phases prior to column entry
- Factory-calibrated flow and pressure sensors with NIST-traceable documentation available upon request
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Flash 100 is compatible with a broad spectrum of organic solvents, acidic/basic aqueous solutions, and viscous mixtures commonly encountered in synthetic chemistry and natural product isolation. Its wetted materials comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards and exhibit no measurable leachables per ASTM D4292 when exposed to common HPLC-grade solvents. While not certified for GMP manufacturing use out-of-the-box, the pump meets functional prerequisites for GLP-compliant laboratories—including audit-ready parameter logging, electronic signature support via optional software modules, and full 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when deployed with validated PC-based control platforms. It conforms to IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-3 (emission) electromagnetic compatibility standards.
Software & Data Management
The Flash 100 supports native command-line control via ASCII-based RS232 protocol, allowing integration into LabVIEW, Python (pySerial), or MATLAB automation frameworks. Optional Tongtian PumpControl Suite provides graphical configuration of flow/pressure ramps, gradient profiles, and event-triggered actions (e.g., pressure-triggered pause). All operational parameters—including timestamped pressure/flow readings, error logs, and calibration history—are exportable in CSV format for QC record retention. Audit trail functionality records operator ID, parameter changes, and system events with immutable timestamps—satisfying data integrity requirements under ALCOA+ principles.
Applications
- Flash chromatography purification of reaction mixtures (1–100 g scale)
- Method scouting and gradient optimization prior to analytical or preparative HPLC transfer
- Continuous solvent delivery in inline extraction or reaction quenching setups
- Mobile phase supply for multi-column switching systems and automated fraction collectors
- Feedstock delivery in benchtop continuous-flow reactors requiring precise stoichiometric control
- Calibration standard delivery in gravimetric or volumetric flow verification protocols
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended viscosity limit for operation?
The Flash 100 is rated for fluids up to 10 cP at 25°C; higher viscosities require reduced flow rates and elevated temperature control to maintain accuracy.
Can the pump be integrated into a PLC-controlled process line?
Yes—custom firmware variants support 4–20 mA analog input/output and discrete I/O signals for direct PLC interfacing; contact engineering support for pinout specifications and protocol mapping.
Is remote firmware update capability available?
Firmware updates are performed locally via RS232 using Tongtian’s certified utility; remote update is not supported for security and validation integrity reasons.
Does the pump include built-in flow calibration functionality?
Yes—the onboard calibration mode allows users to perform two-point flow verification using a certified graduated cylinder and stopwatch, with results stored in non-volatile memory.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for optimal performance?
Plunger seals should be inspected every 500 hours of operation; sapphire plungers typically exceed 5,000 hours before replacement. Full preventive maintenance—including valve cleaning and sensor verification—is advised annually or after 2,000 operating hours, whichever occurs first.
