Jiapeng BSZ-16 Automatic Fraction Collector

Overview

The Jiapeng BSZ-16 Automatic Fraction Collector is a precision-engineered time-triggered liquid-phase fractionation device designed for integration into medium- and low-pressure chromatography systems used in biochemical purification, natural product isolation, and pharmaceutical process development. It operates on the principle of programmable timed eluent segmentation—dividing continuous column effluent into discrete, temporally defined fractions without flow interruption or manual intervention. Unlike pressure- or UV-triggered collectors, the BSZ-16 relies on highly stable microcontroller timing (±0.1% accuracy over full range) to initiate tube switching at user-defined intervals—from 1 second to 24 hours—enabling reproducible fractionation across repeated runs. Its architecture prioritizes operational continuity and data integrity: non-volatile memory retains all configuration parameters—including start/stop tube indices, timing intervals, and tray orientation—for over a decade following power loss, eliminating reconfiguration overhead in regulated lab environments.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-controlled timing engine with 1-second resolution and ±0.1% long-term stability, calibrated against internal quartz oscillator
• 16-position circular tube tray with engraved numeric identifiers (01–16), enabling unambiguous tube mapping and minimizing handling errors during downstream analysis
• Ergonomic 35° front-panel tilt and six-digit high-luminance LED display ensure legibility under standard laboratory lighting and reduce operator fatigue during extended collection cycles
• Chemically inert Keebio solenoid shut-off valve (standard configuration) rated for compatibility with common HPLC and flash chromatography solvents (e.g., methanol, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, DCM); optional ABS tray variants available for enhanced organic solvent resistance
• RS-232 serial interface (COM port) enables hardware-level synchronization with peristaltic or syringe pumps, supporting external trigger initiation and real-time status feedback
• Robust injection-molded ABS housing—UL 94 HB flame-rated, CE-marked for EMC and LVD compliance—designed for durability in shared core facilities and GMP-adjacent cleanroom-adjacent labs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BSZ-16 accommodates standard 16 × 100 mL test tubes (outer diameter ≤30 mm), including borosilicate glass and polypropylene variants. Its sealed valve system prevents cross-contamination between fractions and minimizes aerosol generation during tube exchange. While not classified as a medical device or IVD instrument, the collector’s design aligns with foundational requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (clause 6.4.3 on equipment suitability) and supports adherence to GLP principles (OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice) through deterministic timing behavior and persistent parameter storage. When deployed alongside validated chromatography systems, it contributes to traceable, auditable fractionation records required for regulatory submissions under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when paired with compliant data acquisition software).

Software & Data Management

The BSZ-16 operates as a standalone hardware controller and does not include embedded firmware-based data export or cloud connectivity. However, its RS-232 interface allows integration with third-party chromatography data systems (CDS) or custom LabVIEW/Python scripts for automated run logging. All user-defined parameters—including active tube index, elapsed time, remaining interval, and last-switch timestamp—are retained in non-volatile EEPROM and accessible via front-panel display. No proprietary drivers or OS-specific software are required; communication follows standard ASCII command protocols (e.g., “T001” to set timer to 1 s). This architecture ensures compatibility with legacy and modern lab informatics platforms while preserving full control over data sovereignty and cybersecurity boundaries.

Applications

• Preparative HPLC and flash chromatography fractionation for compound library generation in medicinal chemistry
• Size-exclusion or ion-exchange chromatography of proteins and nucleic acids, where temporal resolution correlates with molecular weight distribution
• Gradient elution method development, enabling parallel fraction analysis by MS, NMR, or bioassay without flow disruption
• Process analytical technology (PAT) workflows in pilot-scale biopurification, where consistent time-based segmentation supports batch comparability studies
• Educational laboratories requiring robust, maintenance-light instrumentation for undergraduate chromatography training modules

FAQ

Does the BSZ-16 support volume-based or UV-triggered collection?
No. The BSZ-16 is exclusively time-programmable. For detector-triggered collection, integration with an external UV-Vis or conductivity detector via relay output is required.
Can the tube tray be replaced with a 30- or 40-position variant?
No. The BSZ-16 mechanical drive and firmware are calibrated specifically for the 16-tube circular tray. Jiapeng offers separate models (BSZ-30, BSZ-40) for higher-capacity configurations.
Is the unit compatible with 24 V DC power supplies for mobile or field use?
No. It requires AC 220 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz input only. An external UPS is recommended for uninterrupted operation during grid fluctuations.
What solvent resistance certifications apply to the valve and tubing?
The Keebio solenoid valve meets ISO 8536-4 specifications for elastomer compatibility with Class B solvents; full chemical resistance data sheets are available upon request.
How is calibration verified during routine operation?
Timing accuracy is factory-verified using a calibrated frequency counter; users may perform functional verification by measuring actual collection interval with a stopwatch over ≥100 cycles.