Santai SepaBean Machine U100 Preparative Liquid Chromatography System
| Brand | Santai |
|---|---|
| Origin | Jiangsu, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Regional Category | Domestic |
| Model | SepaBean Machine U100 – Entry-Level |
| Price Range | USD 7,000–14,000 (FOB) |
| Application Level | Laboratory |
| Instrument Type | Medium-Low Pressure Preparative LC |
| Flow Rate Range | 1–100 mL/min |
| Flow Accuracy | ≤1% |
| Flow Precision | ≤2% |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 100 psi (6.9 bar) |
| Wavelength Range | 200–400 nm / 200–800 nm (DAD option) |
| Wavelength Accuracy | ±1 nm |
| Wavelength Repeatability | ±0.5 nm |
| Baseline Noise | 50 mAU |
| Data Acquisition Frequency | 5 Hz |
| Gradient Configuration | Binary, Dual-Solvent |
| Detection Modes | Single-Wavelength, Dual-Wavelength, Full-Spectrum Scanning |
| Flow Cell Pathlength | 0.3 mm (standard), 2.4 mm (optional) |
| Collection Modes | Full Fraction, Threshold-Based, Full-Spectrum Triggered, Waste |
| Collection Vessels | Standard: 13/15/18/25 mm test tubes |
| Optional | 250 mL / 500 mL French square bottles or custom containers |
| Safety Features | Solvent level monitoring, leak detection, overpressure protection, emergency stop, power-loss recovery |
| Integrated Air Pump Module | Yes |
| Control Interface | Wireless mobile device (iOS/Android) |
| Software Encryption | AES-128/AES-256 |
| Compliance | CE Marked |
Overview
The Santai SepaBean Machine U100 is a medium-low pressure preparative liquid chromatography (PLC) system engineered for routine laboratory-scale purification tasks in synthetic organic chemistry, natural product isolation, pharmaceutical process development, and petrochemical research. It operates on the fundamental principle of differential partitioning of analytes between a stationary phase (typically silica or reversed-phase C18 columns) and a mobile phase (organic/aqueous solvent gradients), enabling scalable separation of complex mixtures into high-purity fractions. Designed for operational simplicity without compromising analytical integrity, the U100 integrates dual-wavelength diode array detection (DAD), real-time gradient control, and intelligent fraction collection—all within a compact, benchtop architecture rated to 100 psi (6.9 bar). Its flow delivery system maintains ≤1% accuracy and ≤2% repeatability across the 1–100 mL/min range, ensuring reproducible method transfer from analytical scouting to gram-scale purification.
Key Features
- Intuitive 4.3-inch color touchscreen interface with real-time display of pressure, flow rate, UV absorbance, gradient profile, and fraction collection status.
- Dual-range DAD detector (200–400 nm standard; optional 200–800 nm extension) supporting simultaneous dual-wavelength monitoring, full-spectrum scanning (1 nm resolution), and automated optimal wavelength selection based on spectral profiles.
- Integrated air pump module for post-run column and tubing purging—reducing solvent carryover and minimizing cross-contamination between runs.
- Smart fraction collector with auto-recognized tube rack (13/15/18/25 mm diameters); supports threshold-triggered, full-spectrum-triggered, and time-based collection protocols.
- Wireless remote operation via iOS/Android application—enabling instrument monitoring, method initiation, parameter adjustment, and alarm acknowledgment from anywhere within local network coverage.
- Multi-user account management with role-based permissions (e.g., operator, supervisor, administrator), AES-128/AES-256 encrypted data storage, and audit-trail-capable session logging compliant with GLP-aligned documentation practices.
- Comprehensive safety architecture including solvent level sensors, leak detection circuitry, real-time pressure monitoring, hardware emergency stop button, and automatic shutdown/recovery on power interruption.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SepaBean Machine U100 accommodates standard preparative columns (ID 10–40 mm) and supports both manual slurry packing and pre-packed cartridge formats. It is compatible with common solvents (hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, acetonitrile, water, TFA, formic acid) and tolerates moderate levels of particulate matter when used with inline filtration (0.45 µm recommended). The system meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (LVD Directive 2014/35/EU). While not validated for GMP production environments, its software architecture—including user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable method/data logs—aligns with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness for regulated lab workflows. All hardware components comply with RoHS 2011/65/EU restrictions on hazardous substances.
Software & Data Management
The proprietary SepaBean Control Suite provides a unified platform for method building, execution, and post-run analysis. Key capabilities include TLC image import and automated Rf value extraction for rapid method translation; intelligent gradient conversion algorithms that adapt analytical HPLC methods to preparative conditions based on sample load and column dimensions; and dynamic flow/column sizing recommendations derived from input mass and polarity estimates. Raw chromatograms and spectral data are stored in vendor-neutral .csv and .jdx formats. The system supports scheduled backups to network drives or cloud repositories (via configured SFTP endpoints), and all exported reports include embedded metadata (operator ID, timestamp, instrument serial number, method version) to satisfy traceability requirements in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.
Applications
- Purification of reaction mixtures following Suzuki, Heck, or amidation couplings—enabling rapid isolation of target compounds prior to NMR or MS characterization.
- Isolation of bioactive constituents from plant extracts, marine organisms, or fermentation broths using step-gradient or linear elution strategies.
- Desalting and buffer exchange of peptides and small proteins prior to lyophilization or further enzymatic processing.
- Removal of catalyst residues (e.g., Pd, Ru) from API intermediates under mild conditions (<100 psi).
- Scale-up support for early-stage drug discovery: bridging analytical HPLC screening (≤4.6 mm ID) to 10–20 g batch purification (20–30 mm ID columns) with consistent retention behavior.
FAQ
What is the maximum column internal diameter supported by the U100?
The system is optimized for columns with internal diameters ranging from 10 mm to 40 mm. For optimal backpressure control and flow homogeneity, use columns rated for ≤100 psi operating pressure.
Can the DAD detector be calibrated in-house?
Yes—wavelength calibration is performed using holmium oxide or didymium filters per ASTM E275 and USP ; photometric linearity verification follows NIST-traceable standards at 254 nm and 365 nm.
Is method validation documentation available for regulatory submissions?
While the U100 is not supplied with IQ/OQ/PQ packages, Santai provides technical specifications, factory test reports, and software design documentation upon request to support client-led validation efforts in accordance with ICH Q2(R2) guidelines.
Does the system support third-party column switching valves?
No—the U100 uses a fixed two-solvent, single-column configuration. Column switching requires external manifold integration and is not natively supported.
What file formats can be exported for chromatogram review?
Chromatographic data exports as .csv (peak table, time-intensity matrix) and .jdx (JCAMP-DX spectral files); method parameters save as encrypted .sbm files readable only within the SepaBean Control Suite.
