Tongtian TBP-5002F Dual-Piston Constant Flow Pump

Overview

The Tongtian TBP-5002F is a dual-piston constant flow pump engineered for high-precision, continuous liquid delivery in mid-pressure chromatographic and process-critical laboratory applications. It operates on positive displacement principle using two synchronized sapphire-tipped pistons driven by a microprocessor-controlled stepper motor system. This architecture minimizes pressure pulsation—critical for baseline stability in HPLC, preparative chromatography, and reaction monitoring—while ensuring consistent volumetric displacement across the full flow range (0.1–50.0 mL/min) and pressure range (up to 2.0 MPa). Unlike single-piston designs, the dual-piston configuration achieves near-continuous flow by overlapping suction and discharge strokes, reducing flow interruption to <0.5% of cycle time. The pump’s hydraulic path is constructed entirely from chemically inert materials—including sapphire balls, PTFE fluidic tubing, and zirconia ceramic pump heads—making it uniquely suited for aggressive solvents such as hydrofluoric acid, bromine, anhydrous HF, and concentrated halogenated organics where stainless steel or PEEK would degrade.

Key Features

• Dual-piston architecture with phase-shifted actuation ensures low-pressure pulsation (≤ 0.10 MPa), enhancing detector signal stability and column longevity
• Chemically resistant wetted path: sapphire check valves, PTFE fluidic lines, and zirconia ceramic pump head provide exceptional compatibility with strong acids, oxidizers, and halogenated solvents
• Microprocessor-based control with real-time flow calibration and auto-compensation for viscosity and backpressure variations
• Integrated overpressure protection circuitry triggers immediate shutdown if system pressure exceeds user-defined threshold (configurable up to 2.0 MPa)
• Large-backlit LCD display with intuitive menu navigation supports local parameter setting, real-time status monitoring, and error diagnostics
• Dedicated air-bleed valve and self-priming design significantly reduce bubble entrapment during solvent exchange or startup
• RS232 serial interface enables bidirectional communication with host PCs or industrial controllers for remote operation, script-driven method sequencing, and audit-trail logging

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TBP-5002F is validated for use with aqueous, organic, and highly corrosive mobile phases common in analytical and preparative separations. Its PTFE/zirconia/sapphire fluidic path meets ASTM D471 requirements for elastomer resistance and complies with ISO 8503-2 surface roughness standards for corrosion-resistant wetted components. While not certified to IEC 61000-6-2/6-3 for EMC or UL/CSA safety standards out-of-the-box, the unit adheres to general laboratory equipment safety principles per IEC 61010-1:2010 Ed.3, including reinforced insulation, thermal cutoffs, and grounded chassis construction. For regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical QC labs), optional firmware upgrades support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures and audit trails when integrated with compliant LIMS or CDS platforms.

Software & Data Management

The pump supports ASCII-based command protocols over RS232, enabling integration with third-party software including LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python (pySerial), and commercial chromatography data systems. A native Windows configuration utility allows users to define multi-step flow/pressure profiles, store up to 10 programmable methods in non-volatile memory, and perform in-situ flow calibration using gravimetric or timed-volume verification. All parameter changes—including flow rate, pressure limit, and purge duration—are timestamped and logged internally. When connected to a networked PC, logs can be exported as CSV files for GLP/GMP documentation. Optional OEM firmware supports Modbus RTU protocol for PLC interfacing (custom order required).

Applications

• Preparative and analytical HPLC systems requiring stable flow under variable backpressure conditions
• Continuous-flow synthesis reactors handling HF, Br₂, ClSO₃H, or other corrosive reagents
• Environmental sample extraction workflows involving aggressive eluents for PFAS or heavy metal analysis
• Pharmaceutical dissolution testing per USP where inert fluid paths prevent leachables contamination
• Coal liquefaction and petrochemical catalyst evaluation under elevated temperature/pressure conditions
• Food safety testing labs performing pesticide residue analysis with acetonitrile/water/formic acid gradients

FAQ

What solvents are compatible with the TBP-5002F’s PTFE fluidic path?
PTFE provides broad compatibility with strong acids (HF, HNO₃, H₂SO₄), halogens (Br₂, Cl₂), oxidizers (H₂O₂, NaOCl), and most organic solvents—including THF, DMF, DMSO, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. It is not recommended for molten alkali metals or fluorine gas.
Can the pump be integrated into a GMP-regulated environment?
Yes—when paired with validated software and documented change control procedures, its RS232 logging capability and method memory support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance. Full validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ templates) is available upon request.
Is flow calibration traceable to NIST standards?
Calibration is performed gravimetrically using Class A volumetric glassware and certified analytical balances; NIST-traceable reference standards may be applied during customer-specific qualification.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for sapphire components?
Sapphire check valves and pistons typically exceed 10,000 hours of operation under normal lab conditions; inspection is advised every 6 months or after 2,000 operating hours in aggressive solvent service.
Does the pump support analog input/output for external control?
Standard configuration includes only RS232; 0–10 V or 4–20 mA analog I/O is available via custom firmware and hardware module (lead time: 8 weeks).