SSI Series III High-Pressure Solvent Delivery Pump
| Brand | SSI |
|---|---|
| Model | Series III |
| Flow Range Options | 0.001–5 mL/min, 0.01–10 mL/min, 0.1–40 mL/min |
| Maximum Pressure | 6000 psi (stainless steel head), 5000 psi (PEEK head), 1500 psi (low-pressure configuration) |
| Flow Accuracy | ±2% |
| Flow Precision | ≤0.2% RSD |
| Pressure Monitoring | Integrated pressure sensor with LED display |
| Pulse Damping | Miniature diaphragm-type damper |
| Priming Mechanism | Internal high-speed cam-driven suction |
| Drive System | Stepper motor with digital logic control |
| User Interface | Five-function keypad (flow setpoint, pressure limits, start/stop, quick flush, mode selection) |
| Self-Cleaning Capability | On-line pump head flushing |
| Remote Control | Frequency input, analog voltage input, RS-232 serial communication |
| Wetted Materials | PEEK or 316L stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 140 H × 254 W × 432 D mm |
| Weight | 11 kg |
| Power Supply | 115 V / 230 V AC, 50 / 60 Hz |
| Compliance | Designed for GLP/GMP-aligned workflows |
Overview
The SSI Series III High-Pressure Solvent Delivery Pump is an engineered solution for precision liquid handling in analytical and preparative chromatography, chemical synthesis, and process development environments. Based on the proven architecture of the Series II platform, the Series III introduces enhanced mechanical and electronic refinements—including a high-speed cam-driven priming mechanism and a compact diaphragm-type pulse damper—to minimize baseline noise and flow pulsation. Its operation relies on closed-loop stepper motor control synchronized with digital logic circuitry, enabling stable, repeatable delivery across its full flow range. The integrated pressure transducer provides real-time monitoring directly on the front-panel LED display, allowing users to maintain operational awareness without external instrumentation. Designed for continuous duty, the pump delivers consistent flow profiles critical for column longevity and retention time reproducibility—particularly in gradient elution applications where pressure stability and timing fidelity are essential.
Key Features
- Real-time pressure monitoring via built-in piezoresistive sensor with dual-limit alarm functionality (high/low pressure thresholds programmable via front panel)
- On-line self-cleaning capability: automated pump head flush sequence initiated at user command to prevent solvent residue buildup and crystallization
- Modular pump head design with rapid field-replaceable components—reducing maintenance downtime and total cost of ownership
- Low-pulsation fluid path achieved through optimized cam profile and miniature diaphragm damper (typical pulsation <0.5% peak-to-peak at rated flow)
- Five-key intuitive interface supporting direct entry of flow rate, pressure limits, start/stop commands, and system diagnostics
- Dual-material wetted path options: chemically resistant PEEK for aggressive organic solvents and biological buffers, or 316L stainless steel for high-pressure inert applications
- RS-232 serial interface and analog/digital remote inputs enable seamless integration into automated lab platforms and LIMS-controlled workflows
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Series III accommodates a broad spectrum of mobile phases used in reversed-phase, HILIC, ion-pairing, and supercritical fluid chromatography—including acetonitrile, methanol, THF, TFA, and aqueous buffers containing up to 0.1 M salt concentration. Its PEEK fluidic path maintains biocompatibility and low metal leaching, supporting applications in pharmaceutical QC and biomolecule purification. When operated within specified pressure and solvent compatibility limits, the pump meets functional requirements aligned with ISO 9001 quality management systems and supports traceability protocols required under GLP and GMP frameworks. While the pump itself does not carry CE or UL certification out-of-the-box, its electrical design conforms to IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment; final system-level compliance depends on integration context and regional regulatory validation.
Software & Data Management
The Series III operates as a standalone instrument but is fully compatible with third-party chromatography data systems (CDS) and custom automation scripts via RS-232 ASCII command protocol. It supports timestamped pressure and flow status reporting, enabling correlation with detector signals during method development. When connected to validated CDS platforms compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, the pump’s operational parameters—including flow setpoints, pressure alarms, and flush events—can be captured in secure, audit-trail-enabled electronic records. No proprietary software is required; configuration and monitoring may be performed using terminal emulators or Python-based control libraries (e.g., PySerial). Firmware updates are delivered via serial download and include version-locked checksum verification.
Applications
- HPLC and UHPLC solvent delivery in research, quality control, and method transfer laboratories
- Preparative-scale chromatography requiring precise gradient formation and multi-solvent blending
- Continuous-flow chemistry reactors demanding stable reagent dosing under elevated backpressure
- Calibration and reference standard delivery in metrology and volumetric analysis
- Teaching laboratories emphasizing hands-on understanding of pump mechanics, fluid dynamics, and system pressure relationships
- Custom OEM integration into analytical instruments where compact footprint, low EMI emission, and deterministic response time are prioritized
FAQ
What materials are available for the fluidic path, and how do they affect chemical compatibility?
The Series III offers two wetted material configurations: PEEK (polyether ether ketone) for broad resistance to organic solvents, acids, and bases—ideal for LC-MS and bioanalytical work—and 316L stainless steel for ultra-high-pressure inert applications where metallic leaching must be minimized.
Can the Series III be used in gradient elution systems?
Yes. Its precise flow control, low pulsation, and real-time pressure feedback make it suitable for binary or quaternary gradient systems when paired with appropriate mixing modules and valve manifolds.
Is the pump compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
The hardware supports Part 11 compliance when integrated into a validated software environment that provides electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control; the pump itself provides the necessary data logging and event reporting interfaces.
How often does the pump head require maintenance?
Under typical HPLC use (e.g., 8 h/day, aqueous/organic mobile phases), the pump head requires inspection every 6 months and seal replacement annually—extended further with routine on-line flushing and proper solvent filtration.
Does the Series III support external triggering or synchronization with detectors?
Yes. Through its analog voltage input and TTL-compatible trigger port, the pump can accept external start/stop signals and synchronize flow initiation with detector acquisition windows or fraction collector triggers.
