Eldex Optos Series Precision Piston Pump – Model 1LM / 2HM

Overview

The Eldex Optos Series Precision Piston Pump is a high-accuracy, programmable constant-flow delivery system engineered for demanding analytical and preparative applications in laboratories, including HPLC, SFC, microfluidics, chemical synthesis, and calibration standards preparation. Based on positive displacement via precision-machined reciprocating pistons, the Optos platform delivers exceptional volumetric accuracy and long-term stability across a wide dynamic range of flow rates and fluid properties. Its core architecture integrates a high-resolution stepper motor drive, sapphire-tipped plunger assembly, and chemically resistant wetted materials—including 316 stainless steel housing, PEEK or polyethylene piston bodies, and inert fluid pathways—ensuring compatibility with aggressive solvents, acids, and bases. Designed for continuous operation under elevated backpressure (up to 6000 psi / 414 bar), the pump maintains flow repeatability within ±0.3% across its operational envelope, making it suitable for GLP- and GMP-aligned workflows where traceable, auditable performance is required.

Key Features

• High-fidelity stepper motor actuation minimizes pulsation amplitude and enables fine-grained flow resolution down to 0.001 mL/min increments.
• Integrated automatic piston flush system—activated via dedicated front-panel command—circulates methanol/20% deionized water to dissolve crystalline deposits, significantly extending seal life and reducing maintenance intervals.
• Real-time LCD display showing actual flow rate, system pressure, and operational status; intuitive keypad navigation for rapid setpoint adjustment and RUN/STOP control.
• Dual-mode remote operation support: analog input (0–5 V DC or 4–20 mA) for analog integration into legacy control systems, and full RS232 serial protocol for bidirectional communication, firmware updates, and script-driven automation.
• Modular mechanical design accommodates multiple configurations: standard (1LM, 2HM), pulse-damped (1LMP, 2SMP), and high-flow variants (2HM, 3HM), each optimized for specific pressure–flow trade-offs and chemical compatibility profiles.
• Thermally stable construction supports continuous operation at fluid temperatures up to 120 °C, enabling use with heated solvent lines or reactive media requiring elevated thermal conditions.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Optos Series demonstrates broad compatibility with low- to medium-viscosity liquids (≤500 cP), including aqueous buffers, organic solvents (acetonitrile, methanol, THF), corrosive reagents (HCl, TFA), and viscous polymer solutions. All wetted components conform to USP Class VI and FDA-compliant material specifications. The pump meets IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory equipment and complies with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards per EN 61326-1. When operated with validated firmware and audit-trail-enabled software (e.g., Eldex Control Suite v3.2+), the system supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for electronic records and signatures—facilitating use in regulated pharmaceutical, clinical, and contract research environments.

Software & Data Management

Eldex provides optional PC-based control software supporting Windows OS platforms, featuring real-time graphing, method storage, event logging, and export to CSV or Excel formats. The software implements timestamped audit trails for all parameter changes, start/stop events, and error conditions—fully aligned with ALCOA+ data integrity principles. RS232 commands are documented in the publicly available Eldex Serial Command Reference (Rev. 4.1), enabling seamless integration into LabVIEW, Python (pySerial), or MATLAB-based automation frameworks. Firmware updates preserve backward compatibility and include cryptographic signature verification to ensure integrity during deployment.

Applications

• HPLC and UHPLC mobile phase delivery in method development and QC labs.
• Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) CO₂ co-solvent metering with precise stoichiometric control.
• Microreactor feeding and continuous flow synthesis with sub-milliliter-per-minute dosing accuracy.
• Calibration standard generation for mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and titration systems.
• Long-duration permeability and diffusion studies requiring ultra-stable flow over 72+ hour periods.
• On-line dilution and gradient formation in automated sample preparation workstations.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable viscosity for reliable operation?
The Optos Series is rated for fluids up to 500 cP at operating temperatures ≤60 °C; higher viscosities may be accommodated at reduced flow rates and elevated temperatures, subject to pressure derating per model specification.
Can the pump handle abrasive or particulate-laden fluids?
No—this is a precision piston pump designed for filtered, particle-free liquids (≤0.2 µm filtration recommended). Suspended solids will accelerate wear on the sapphire plunger tip and seals.
Is pulse damping hardware available as an accessory?
Yes—pulse-damped versions (e.g., 1LMP, 2SMP) integrate passive accumulator chambers and tuned compliance elements; standalone damping modules are also offered for retrofitting standard units.
How often should the piston flush cycle be performed?
Frequency depends on solvent volatility and salt concentration; typical recommendation is every 8–12 hours of continuous operation with buffer-containing mobile phases, or after each method change involving incompatible solvents.
Does Eldex provide IQ/OQ documentation packages?
Yes—factory-verified Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) protocols are available upon request, including test templates, acceptance criteria, and execution logs compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 and ASTM E2500 guidelines.