CoMetro 6000LDS High-Pressure Constant Flow Pump

Overview

The CoMetro 6000LDS High-Pressure Constant Flow Pump is an engineered solution for precision liquid delivery in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), preparative chromatography, and other demanding analytical or process-scale fluid handling applications. Based on dual-piston reciprocating architecture with active flow compensation, the 6000LDS maintains stable volumetric displacement under variable backpressure—critical for gradient elution stability, column longevity, and quantitative reproducibility. Its maximum operating pressure of 6000 psi (414 bar) supports ultra-high-pressure applications including UHPLC-compatible methods when configured with stainless steel fluidic components. The pump integrates a closed-loop electronic control system comprising a stepper motor drive, real-time pressure transduction, and adaptive flow calibration algorithms to minimize pulse amplitude and ensure consistent delivery across its full dynamic range (0.001–80 mL/min).

Key Features

• Dual-piston design with low-dead-volume pulsation dampener reduces flow ripple to <0.5% RSD, meeting ISO 13842:2020 requirements for HPLC pump performance verification.
• Modular fluid path options: chemically inert PEEK heads rated to 5000 psi or corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel heads rated to 6000 psi—enabling compatibility with aggressive solvents (e.g., TFA, HFIP) and high-salt mobile phases.
• Fast-fill priming mechanism minimizes solvent waste and startup time; eliminates manual syringe priming in routine operation.
• Front-panel interface with LCD display showing real-time flow rate, system pressure, and programmable upper/lower pressure limits—supports immediate visual diagnostics without external software.
• Built-in bypass valve and self-cleaning module facilitate automated solvent flushing between runs, reducing carryover and extending seal life.
• RS232 serial interface enables bidirectional communication with chromatography data systems (CDS) for method synchronization, remote parameter adjustment, and audit-trail-capable event logging.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 6000LDS accommodates a broad range of mobile phase compositions, including aqueous buffers, organic modifiers (acetonitrile, methanol), and corrosive additives (0.1% phosphoric acid, 0.5% trifluoroacetic acid). When equipped with PEEK fluidic components, it complies with USP for extractables profiling in pharmaceutical QC workflows. Stainless steel configurations meet ASTM F899-22 standards for medical-grade alloy biocompatibility. The pump’s pressure and flow accuracy specifications align with ISO 11735:2021 (HPLC system qualification) and support GLP/GMP-compliant environments through configurable password-protected parameter locking and electronic signature-ready event logs.

Software & Data Management

The 6000LDS operates autonomously via front-panel controls or integrates seamlessly into networked laboratory environments via RS232. It supports ASCII-based command protocols compatible with industry-standard CDS platforms (e.g., Waters Empower, Thermo Chromeleon, Agilent OpenLab). All operational parameters—including flow setpoints, pressure thresholds, and calibration history—are timestamped and stored internally. When connected to validated CDS software, the pump satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures, including audit trail generation, user access controls, and non-erasable log retention.

Applications

• HPLC and UHPLC method development and routine analysis across pharmaceutical, environmental, and food safety laboratories.
• Preparative-scale purification where precise flow control at elevated pressures ensures consistent fraction collection and column loading efficiency.
• Flow-through reaction monitoring systems requiring stable reagent delivery in continuous-flow synthesis setups.
• Calibration of mass flow meters and reference standard generators in metrology labs.
• Method transfer between analytical and production-scale chromatographic systems due to scalable flow range and pressure fidelity.

FAQ

What is the minimum programmable flow rate and its corresponding accuracy?
The 6000LDS achieves 0.001 mL/min resolution in its lowest range; flow accuracy is ±1% of setpoint with repeatability ≤0.2% RSD under constant load conditions.
Can the pump be operated in gradient mode without an external mixer?
No—the 6000LDS is a single-channel isocratic pump. Gradient functionality requires integration with a low-dead-volume mixing tee or a dedicated quaternary solvent manager.
Is firmware upgrade supported in the field?
Yes—firmware updates are delivered via RS232 using CoMetro’s certified configuration utility, with version rollback capability and checksum-verified installation.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for seals and check valves?
Under typical HPLC usage (10 hr/day, aqueous/organic solvents), PEEK check valves require replacement every 12 months; stainless steel pump seals every 18 months—both intervals extend with use of filtered, degassed solvents.
Does the pump comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directives for laboratory deployment?
Yes—it meets IEC 61326-1:2022 Class A emission limits and immunity requirements for industrial and laboratory environments, with CE marking valid for EU member states.