Laballiance Flash 150 Binary Gradient Pump
| Brand | Laballiance |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | Flash 150 |
| Flow Rate Range | 5.0–150 mL/min per pump head |
| Maximum Pressure | 0–200 psi |
| Flow Accuracy | ±3% (at 10–150 mL/min, with solvent correction enabled) |
| Flow Precision | High repeatability across low-viscosity solvents (e.g., hexane, dichloromethane) |
| Pump Type | Dual-head positive displacement plunger pump with ceramic plungers and HPLC-grade seals |
| Wetted Materials | 316 stainless steel throughout fluid path |
| Power Input | Universal 90–260 VAC, 50–60 Hz |
| Dimensions | 18 × 31 × 19 cm (W × D × H) |
| Weight | 9.1 kg (20 lbs) |
| Control Interfaces | Front-panel digital keypad, RS-232 serial port |
| Software Compatibility | CSChrom chromatography software |
| Optional Controller | SCU-470 dual-pump standalone controller for isocratic/gradient operation |
| Solvent Correction | Built-in front-panel flow calibration function for density/viscosity compensation |
| Check Valves | Stainless-steel outlet check valves to prevent backflow during pump refill cycles |
Overview
The Laballiance Flash 150 Binary Gradient Pump is a high-throughput, dual-head positive displacement plunger pump engineered for rapid flash chromatography and preparative-scale liquid chromatography applications. Unlike peristaltic, diaphragm, or gear-driven pumps, the Flash 150 employs HPLC-grade mechanical architecture—featuring dual independent ceramic plungers, precision-machined 316 stainless-steel fluid paths, and chemically resistant HPLC-spec sealing systems—to deliver stable, pulse-free flow under variable load conditions. Its design prioritizes robustness in non-analytical, high-flow environments where solvent compatibility, long-term seal integrity, and reproducible delivery across diverse mobile phases (including low-viscosity hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents) are critical. The pump operates on a true binary gradient principle: two synchronized yet independently controllable pump heads enable precise solvent blending without mixing chambers or proportioning valves, minimizing dwell volume and ensuring rapid gradient response—essential for method scalability from analytical screening to gram-scale purification.
Key Features
- Dual independent plunger pump heads with ceramic plungers and HPLC-certified elastomeric seals for extended service life and minimal maintenance
- Wide flow range: 5.0–150 mL/min per head, supporting both isocratic delivery up to 300 mL/min (dual-head sum) and gradient operation up to 150 mL/min total
- Solvent-specific flow calibration via front-panel correction keys—empirically compensates for density and viscosity differences across common eluents (e.g., hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, dichloromethane)
- Full stainless-steel wetted path (316 SS), including inlet/outlet manifolds, check valves, and plunger housings—ensuring compatibility with aggressive organic solvents and preventing corrosion-induced particulate generation
- Integrated stainless-steel outlet check valves to eliminate backflow during suction stroke refills—critical for maintaining column bed integrity and avoiding air entrapment
- Universal AC input (90–260 VAC, 50–60 Hz) enabling global deployment without voltage converters or frequency adapters
- RS-232 serial interface for direct integration into automated purification platforms or legacy control systems
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Flash 150 is validated for use with standard flash chromatography solvents—including aliphatic hydrocarbons (hexane, petroleum ether), chlorinated solvents (DCM, chloroform), esters (ethyl acetate), alcohols (methanol, ethanol), and acetonitrile—provided system pressure remains within the 0–200 psi operational limit. All fluid-contact materials comply with USP Class VI and ISO 10993-5 biocompatibility standards for extractables testing. While not certified for GMP manufacturing environments, the pump’s mechanical design, traceable calibration procedures (via CSChrom audit logs), and deterministic flow behavior support GLP-compliant method development and process documentation. It meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326-1) and low-voltage safety (EN 61010-1), and its RS-232 interface supports basic 21 CFR Part 11–aligned data capture when used with compliant chromatography software.
Software & Data Management
The Flash 150 is natively supported by CSChrom—a Windows-based chromatography control suite offering full remote configuration of flow rate, gradient profile, run time, and solvent correction factors. CSChrom provides timestamped event logging, method versioning, and exportable CSV reports for flow accuracy verification and regulatory documentation. When paired with the optional SCU-470 standalone controller, the pump operates autonomously with preloaded methods stored in non-volatile memory—ideal for benchtop purification workflows requiring minimal PC dependency. All parameter changes (including flow calibration offsets) are recorded in real time; no configuration data is retained in volatile RAM upon power loss. Firmware updates are performed via RS-232 using signed binaries distributed directly by Laballiance technical support.
Applications
- Rapid method scouting and gradient optimization in flash chromatography for natural product isolation and synthetic intermediate purification
- Scalable transfer from analytical HPLC to preparative flash systems (e.g., 12–40 g silica columns) with consistent retention time predictability
- Multi-solvent solvent recycling loops in continuous purification setups where flow stability across changing solvent densities is required
- Automated parallel purification platforms integrating UV detection, fraction collection, and pump synchronization
- Teaching laboratories requiring durable, serviceable instrumentation for hands-on chromatography training at flow rates beyond standard analytical HPLC capabilities
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended operating pressure for the Flash 150?
The absolute maximum system pressure is 200 psi (13.8 bar). Exceeding this limit may compromise seal integrity and void warranty coverage.
Is flow accuracy guaranteed across all solvents without calibration?
No. Flow accuracy of ±3% is specified only when solvent-specific correction factors are applied via the front-panel calibration function—particularly essential for low-density solvents such as hexane or diethyl ether.
Can the Flash 150 be used with aqueous buffers?
It is not recommended for prolonged use with aqueous or high-salt mobile phases due to potential corrosion of stainless-steel components and accelerated seal degradation; it is optimized for organic solvent-based flash chromatography.
Does the pump include built-in gradient mixing hardware?
No. The Flash 150 is a binary pump—not a mixer. Gradient formation occurs externally via post-pump T-mixing or inline static mixers; dwell volume must be minimized through proper plumbing design.
Is firmware upgrade capability available in the field?
Yes. Firmware updates are delivered as signed binary files and installed via RS-232 using Laballiance-provided utilities—no hardware modification required.
