Tongtian Flash 200 Dual-Piston Medium-Pressure HPLC-Compatible Solvent Delivery Pump
| Brand | Tongtian |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | Flash 200 |
| Pressure Range | 0–5.0 MPa |
| Flow Rate Range | 0.1–200.0 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 |
| 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 200 is a dual-piston, medium-pressure solvent delivery pump engineered for high-reproducibility liquid handling in preparative and analytical fast chromatography systems. It operates on the principle of positive displacement via precision-machined sapphire pistons and ruby check valves, ensuring minimal flow deviation across its full operating range (0.1–200.0 mL/min) and pressure envelope (0–5.0 MPa). Unlike low-pressure gradient systems, the Flash 200 delivers stable, pulse-dampened flow without reliance on external mixing chambers—its dual-piston architecture inherently suppresses pressure transients (≤ 0.08 MPa), reducing baseline noise and improving retention time stability in time-sensitive separations. Designed for compatibility with common HPLC and flash chromatography workflows, it meets functional requirements aligned with ISO 9001-manufactured instrumentation standards and supports method transfer from analytical to semi-preparative scale.
Key Features
- Dual-piston architecture with sapphire-coated pistons and ruby ball-check valves for extended service life and chemical inertness
- Wetted path constructed from chemically resistant materials: sapphire, 316L stainless steel, and zirconia ceramic—validated for compatibility with acetonitrile, methanol, THF, dichloromethane, and dilute mineral acids/bases
- Integrated overpressure protection circuitry and automatic flow calibration routine to maintain traceable performance under variable backpressure conditions
- Real-time digital display of setpoint and actual pressure/flow values; graphical pressure trend visualization on built-in LCD
- RS232 serial interface compliant with standard SCPI command syntax for remote control via third-party software or custom LabVIEW/Python scripts
- Programmable timer function enabling unattended operation with start/stop scheduling and auto-shutdown
- Optimized degassing manifold design minimizing dissolved gas entrainment—critical for low-UV absorbance mobile phases and viscous solvent blends
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Flash 200 accommodates a broad spectrum of liquid-phase applications requiring precise, corrosion-resistant fluid metering. Its wetted materials are certified for continuous exposure to organic solvents (e.g., chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters, ketones), aqueous buffers (pH 2–12), and mildly aggressive reagents used in fine chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical purification. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–validated out-of-the-box, the pump’s audit-trail-capable firmware (via optional logging module) supports GLP/GMP-aligned documentation when integrated into validated chromatographic systems. It conforms to IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) standards, and its mechanical design complies with ISO 13850 for emergency stop functionality when interfaced with external PLCs.
Software & Data Management
The Flash 200 communicates via ASCII-based RS232 protocol using standardized command sets (e.g., “FLOW=10.0”, “PRESSURE?”, “START”). No proprietary driver installation is required—standard terminal emulators or Python’s pySerial library enable full parameter control and real-time data streaming. Optional firmware upgrades support Modbus RTU over RS485 for integration into industrial SCADA environments. All operational parameters—including pressure history, flow setpoints, runtime duration, and error logs—are timestamped and exportable as CSV files. When deployed in regulated laboratories, users may configure external data acquisition systems to record pump status at ≥1 Hz intervals, satisfying raw data integrity requirements per ALCOA+ principles.
Applications
- Flash chromatography systems for natural product isolation, synthetic intermediate purification, and peptide cleavage workflows
- Mobile phase delivery in preparative HPLC systems operating below 5 MPa, including chiral separations and parallel purification platforms
- Continuous reagent dosing in flow chemistry reactors where stoichiometric accuracy and pulse-free delivery are critical
- Calibration and validation of inline UV/Vis detectors and conductivity sensors in process analytical technology (PAT) setups
- Automated solvent exchange protocols in sample preparation workstations for environmental and food safety testing
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable backpressure for continuous operation?
The Flash 200 is rated for sustained operation up to 5.0 MPa (725 psi); pressure relief activation occurs at 5.5 MPa to prevent mechanical overload.
Can the pump handle viscous solvents like DMSO or glycerol/water mixtures?
Yes—when operated below 50 mL/min and pre-degassed, it reliably delivers solvents with viscosities up to 25 cP; flow accuracy degrades above 35 cP without temperature-controlled housing.
Is firmware update capability available remotely?
Firmware updates require local connection via RS232 and Tongtian-provided utility software; no over-the-air (OTA) update path is supported.
Does the pump meet explosion-proof requirements for hazardous area installation?
No—the Flash 200 carries CE marking for general laboratory use only and lacks ATEX or IECEx certification for Zone 1/2 deployment.
How frequently should the sapphire piston seals be replaced under typical usage?
Under normal operation with compatible solvents and filtered mobile phases, sapphire-on-zirconia sealing surfaces typically exceed 10,000 hours of service life before measurable wear affects flow precision.
