ISCO R1/R2 Automatic Fraction Collector

Overview

The ISCO R1/R2 Automatic Fraction Collector is a precision-engineered liquid-phase fraction collection system designed for integration with preparative HPLC, flash chromatography, and gravity-fed column chromatography systems. It operates on a dual-mode actuation principle—employing high-reproducibility solenoid-driven valve switching combined with programmable collection logic—to deliver accurate, repeatable fractionation based on volume, time, drop count, or UV/VIS peak detection signals. Unlike manual or timer-based collectors, the R1/R2 implements real-time flow synchronization to ensure minimal dead-volume transfer and precise cut-point alignment with elution profiles. Its modular architecture supports both standalone operation and seamless interfacing with third-party detectors (e.g., UV-Vis, conductivity, or mass spectrometry outputs) via TTL or analog signal inputs. The system is engineered for GLP-compliant laboratories where traceability, method reproducibility, and sample integrity are critical—particularly in natural product isolation, pharmaceutical purification, and synthetic chemistry workflows.

Key Features

• Multi-criteria collection logic: Volume-triggered (mL), time-triggered (s/min), drop-counted (programmable per drop volume), and peak-synchronized (via external analog/TTL input from detector)
• Configurable collection patterns: Linear left-to-right or serpentine sequencing across tube racks—minimizing tubing path length and reducing carryover risk
• High-speed valve actuation: <100 ms tube-switching latency ensures sharp fraction boundaries and maximizes recovery of narrow elution bands
• Expandable rack compatibility: Supports standardized tube formats including 144 × 12 mm, 144 × 13 mm, 100 × 16 mm, 72 × 18 mm, 36 × 25 mm, 60 × 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes, 36 × 50 mL centrifuge tubes, and 96-well microplates
• Robust safety architecture: Integrated leak-detection circuitry monitors fluid path integrity; reinforced electrical insulation complies with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment
• Low-noise, maintenance-free operation: Brushless DC motor drive and sealed solenoid valves eliminate mechanical wear and reduce acoustic emissions (<45 dB at 1 m)
• Compact footprint with optional mounting stand: R1 occupies ≤0.035 m²; R2 (dual-rack configuration) maintains vertical scalability without horizontal expansion

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The R1/R2 accommodates aqueous, organic, and mixed-solvent mobile phases common in reversed-phase, normal-phase, and ion-exchange chromatography. All wetted materials—including valve rotors, tubing interfaces, and drip guides—are chemically resistant to acetonitrile, methanol, chloroform, DCM, THF, and dilute acids/bases (pH 2–12). The system meets ISO 9001 manufacturing standards and conforms to CE marking requirements under Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). For regulated environments, audit-trail functionality (when paired with ISCO’s optional ChronoLog software) supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance through electronic signatures, user access control, and immutable method/version logging.

Software & Data Management

While the R1/R2 operates fully autonomously via front-panel programming, it integrates with ISCO’s ChronoLog v3.x software for advanced method development, real-time monitoring, and electronic record retention. ChronoLog enables graphical method editor for multi-segment collection protocols, live plot overlay of detector signal vs. fraction index, and CSV/PDF export of collection metadata (start time, end time, volume, trigger type, rack position). All method files include embedded checksums and timestamped revision history—ensuring full traceability during FDA or EMA inspections. No cloud dependency: data remains local unless explicitly exported via USB or Ethernet.

Applications

• Preparative purification of small-molecule APIs under cGMP pilot-scale conditions
• Isolation of bioactive compounds from plant extracts using medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC)
• Fractionation of peptide libraries following solid-phase synthesis and cleavage
• Collection of size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) fractions for SEC-MALS characterization
• Automated solvent exchange and buffer exchange in protein purification workflows
• Parallel collection of reaction aliquots in flow chemistry setups with integrated quenching

FAQ

What is the minimum programmable volume increment?
The R1/R2 accepts volume-based collection commands in 0.01 mL increments, limited only by pump accuracy and system dispersion.
Can the R1/R2 be triggered by a non-ISCO detector?
Yes—any detector with TTL-compatible digital output or 0–10 V analog signal can serve as a peak trigger source.
Is method validation documentation available?
ISCO provides IQ/OQ protocol templates aligned with ASTM E2500 and USP <1058>, including performance verification tests for valve timing accuracy, volume linearity, and cross-contamination assessment.
Does the system support remote start/stop via network command?
Not natively—but RS-232 or Ethernet-to-serial gateways enable SCADA-level integration using Modbus RTU or ASCII command sets.
Are replacement parts and service manuals accessible internationally?
All consumables (valve seals, rotor gaskets, tubing kits) and technical documentation are distributed globally through ISCO’s authorized channel partners and supported by ISO 13485-certified service centers.