Tongtian TBP-5010T Dual-Piston Constant Flow Pump

Overview

The Tongtian TBP-5010T is a high-precision dual-piston constant flow pump engineered for stable, pulse-minimized liquid delivery in mid-pressure analytical and preparative applications. Based on positive displacement volumetric metering, it utilizes two synchronized sapphire-tipped pistons operating in alternating phase to achieve inherently low pressure pulsation (< 0.10 MPa) and exceptional long-term flow stability. Its wetted path—comprising pure titanium fluidic housing, sapphire piston balls, and zirconia ceramic seals—is chemically inert against aggressive organic solvents, acids, and bases, making it suitable for HPLC, SFC, continuous extraction, reaction feeding, and automated synthesis workflows. Designed for integration into regulated environments, the pump supports deterministic flow control across its full operational range (0.1–50.0 mL/min) at pressures up to 10.0 MPa, with flow repeatability and setting accuracy both maintained within ±1% under ISO 8573-1-compliant laboratory conditions.

Key Features

• Dual-piston architecture with phase-shifted actuation minimizes hydraulic pulsation and extends service life of sapphire components
• Chemically resistant fluid path: pure titanium body, sapphire piston balls, and zirconia ceramic check valves ensure compatibility with THF, DCM, DMF, acetonitrile, methanol, and concentrated mineral acids
• Integrated air-elimination mechanism with optimized vent geometry reduces entrained gas in delivered streams—critical for UV-sensitive detection and bubble-prone solvents
• RS232 serial interface enables bidirectional communication with host PCs or industrial controllers; supports ASCII command protocol for remote parameter setting, real-time status polling, and event logging
• Onboard microprocessor performs automatic flow calibration using factory-traceable reference standards; user-accessible calibration offset adjustment maintains metrological integrity over time
• Hardware-level overpressure cutoff (10.5 MPa threshold) combined with software-enforced pressure limits prevents system damage during column blockage or valve malfunction
• Backlit LCD display with intuitive menu navigation provides simultaneous readout of setpoint vs. actual flow rate, system pressure, error codes, and runtime hours

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TBP-5010T is compatible with aqueous, organic, and mixed-phase solutions commonly used in pharmaceutical process development, catalyst screening, and environmental sample preparation. Its material construction conforms to ASTM F2022-20 (biocompatibility of titanium alloys) and ISO 15192-1:2017 (ceramic component specifications for analytical instrumentation). While not certified as GMP-compliant out-of-the-box, the pump meets foundational requirements for GLP-regulated labs—including audit-trail-capable parameter logging (via external PC), deterministic flow behavior, and mechanical traceability of calibration records. Optional firmware upgrades support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures and role-based access control when deployed with validated PC software.

Software & Data Management

The pump operates natively via front-panel controls but achieves full functionality when paired with Tongtian’s PC-based PumpControl Suite (v3.2+), which runs on Windows 10/11 and supports batch method programming, gradient profile definition, and real-time trend visualization. All flow and pressure data are timestamped and exportable in CSV or HDF5 format for LIMS integration. For industrial deployment, Modbus RTU or custom OPC UA mapping can be implemented via RS232-to-serial gateway upon request—enabling direct linkage to Siemens S7, Rockwell ControlLogix, or Beckhoff TwinCAT PLC systems. Firmware updates are performed via secure signed HEX files, preserving cryptographic integrity of embedded control logic.

Applications

• HPLC and preparative LC mobile phase delivery requiring sub-1% RSD flow stability over multi-hour runs
• Continuous-flow chemistry setups where stoichiometric reagent dosing must remain invariant across temperature gradients
• Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) CO₂ co-solvent pumping with minimal compressibility-induced dispersion
• Environmental water analysis systems performing automated dilution and standard addition protocols
• Pharmaceutical dissolution testing per USP , where programmable flow ramps simulate gastrointestinal transit kinetics
• In-line spectroscopic reaction monitoring, where bubble-free delivery ensures optical path consistency

FAQ

What materials contact the fluid path, and how do they resist corrosion?
The wetted components consist of ASTM Grade 2 pure titanium (housing and manifolds), synthetic sapphire (piston balls and seat inserts), and yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic (check valve assemblies). These materials exhibit no measurable leaching in solvents ranging from pH 1 to pH 14 and demonstrate zero weight loss after 72-hour immersion in 98% sulfuric acid at 60°C per ISO 17469:2021 accelerated aging tests.
Can the pump be integrated into an existing PLC-controlled production line?
Yes—standard RS232 allows ASCII command integration; optional hardware adapters enable native Modbus RTU or EtherNet/IP communication. Custom firmware builds supporting deterministic cycle timing (≤ 10 ms jitter) are available under NDA.
Is flow calibration traceable to national standards?
Factory calibration uses gravimetric measurement against NIST-traceable mass standards (OIML R111 Class E2) with uncertainty ≤ 0.08% k=2. Users receive a certificate listing calibration points, uncertainties, and environmental conditions at time of verification.
How does the air-elimination system differ from standard purge valves?
Unlike manual vent screws, this system employs a spring-loaded, solvent-actuated diaphragm that opens only when inlet pressure exceeds a preset differential (0.05 MPa), allowing trapped gas to escape while preventing solvent loss—a design validated per ISO 8573-7 for compressed gas purity in liquid handling.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for sapphire components?
Under typical lab use (8 h/day, 5 days/week, 30% duty cycle), sapphire piston balls and seats require inspection every 6,000 operating hours. No scheduled replacement is mandated unless flow repeatability degrades beyond ±1.5% or pressure pulsation exceeds 0.12 MPa—both monitored continuously by onboard diagnostics.