Cole-Parmer 74931-01 High-Pressure Precision Piston Pump
| Brand | Cole-Parmer |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | 74931-01 |
| Flow Rate Range | 0.01–10 mL/min |
| Maximum Pressure | 6000 psi (413.7 bar) |
| Accuracy | ±0.2% |
| Repeatability | ±0.2% |
| Wetted Materials | 316 stainless steel valve bodies & outlet tubing, synthetic red/blue valve internals, fluorocarbon diaphragm for pulse damper |
| Fluid Temperature Limit | 100 °C |
| Power Supply | 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Control Interfaces | RS-232, micro-USB, analog remote input standard |
| Pulse Damping | Integrated compact pulse damper |
| Duty Cycle | Continuous operation |
| Self-Priming | No |
Overview
The Cole-Parmer 74931-01 is a high-precision, high-pressure piston pump engineered for demanding analytical and preparative fluid handling applications where volumetric accuracy, pressure stability, and chemical compatibility are critical. Unlike peristaltic or diaphragm-based systems, this pump operates on a positive displacement principle using a digitally controlled stepper motor-driven single-piston architecture. Its design enables precise metering across an extended low-flow range (0.01–10 mL/min) while sustaining continuous backpressure up to 6000 psi (413.7 bar)—a specification aligned with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), and high-pressure synthesis workflows. The pump’s mechanical integrity derives from its all-metal 316 stainless steel wetted path—including valve bodies and outlet tubing—combined with chemically resistant synthetic valve internals and a fluorocarbon pulse damper diaphragm, ensuring long-term reliability in aggressive solvent environments.
Key Features
- Digital stepper motor control delivers exceptional low-flow precision (<0.01 mL/min resolution) and minimizes flow variability across operating conditions.
- Integrated compact pulse damper significantly attenuates pulsation amplitude without compromising footprint—critical for baseline stability in UV/Vis detection and mass spectrometry coupling.
- Self-cleaning piston mechanism leverages each stroke to flush residual fluid from the piston seal interface, reducing carryover and extending maintenance intervals.
- Interactive front-panel keypad supports intuitive programming of flow profiles, start/stop sequences, and pressure limits without external software dependency.
- Real-time monitoring via built-in pressure and leak sensors provides immediate fault indication—enabling proactive system diagnostics and compliance with GLP/GMP operational logging requirements.
- Standard dual communication interfaces (RS-232 and micro-USB) support integration into automated lab platforms; analog remote control input (0–5 V or 4–20 mA) allows seamless synchronization with PLCs or legacy instrumentation.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 74931-01 accommodates a broad spectrum of solvents including acetonitrile, methanol, THF, dichloromethane, and aqueous buffers—compatible with pH 1–14 when used within temperature limits (≤100 °C). Its 316 stainless steel and fluorocarbon construction meets ASTM F2137-20 standards for elastomer compatibility in high-pressure fluid systems. While not certified as intrinsically safe, the pump complies with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical equipment safety. Its deterministic flow behavior and traceable calibration support adherence to USP , ISO 13843:2021 (liquid chromatography system suitability), and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with audit-trail-enabled control software.
Software & Data Management
The pump operates autonomously via onboard firmware but integrates natively with Cole-Parmer’s PumpControl Suite (v3.2+), a Windows-based application enabling method storage, real-time flow/pressure trending, and export of timestamped CSV logs. All parameter changes—including flow rate, pressure setpoints, and dwell times—are recorded with user ID and system timestamp, satisfying ALCOA+ data integrity principles. Remote command protocols follow ASCII-based SCPI-like syntax over RS-232 or USB CDC ACM, facilitating custom scripting in Python, LabVIEW, or MATLAB for closed-loop process control.
Applications
- HPLC and UHPLC gradient and isocratic elution systems requiring sub-mL/min precision at >4000 psi.
- Automated sample injection and fraction collection in preparative chromatography.
- High-pressure reaction monitoring in flow chemistry reactors (e.g., photochemical, hydrogenation).
- Calibration fluid delivery for pressure transducer validation and dead-weight tester traceability.
- Controlled reagent dosing in electrochemical cells and microfluidic assay platforms.
FAQ
Does the 74931-01 support gradient mixing?
No—this is a single-channel isocratic pump. Gradient functionality requires external low-dead-volume mixing modules or multi-pump synchronization via master-slave analog control.
What is the minimum programmable increment for flow rate?
The pump accepts flow commands in 0.001 mL/min increments, with verified repeatability of ±0.2% RSD over 24-hour continuous operation.
Can it be operated in reverse (backflush) mode?
No—mechanical design prohibits reverse piston motion; directional flow is fixed by check valve orientation.
Is the pulse damper replaceable as a field-serviceable component?
Yes—the fluorocarbon diaphragm assembly is a documented consumable (Cat. No. 74931-21) with standardized torque specifications for recalibration post-replacement.
How is calibration traceability maintained?
Cole-Parmer provides NIST-traceable factory calibration certificates (optionally available with purchase); users may perform in-house verification using gravimetric methods per ISO 8655-3.
