CoMetro CF-2 Fraction Collector

Overview

The CoMetro CF-2 Fraction Collector is an engineered solution for automated, high-fidelity fraction collection in preparative liquid chromatography (prep-LC), flash chromatography, and gravity-fed column chromatography systems. It operates on a dual-signal acquisition principle—accepting TTL-compatible trigger inputs from UV/Vis detectors (e.g., Spectra/Chrom 280), conductivity sensors, or standalone drop counters—to initiate tube switching based on real-time elution profiles. Its core architecture supports three deterministic collection modes: time-based (6 sec to 999 min 59 sec, 1-sec resolution), drop-count-based (1–9999 drops, unit increment), and volume-derived collection (calibrated via known drop volume per solvent system). The instrument’s low thermal load (<10 W) and condensation-free internal design enable stable operation inside refrigerated environments (e.g., cold rooms at 4 °C), preserving thermolabile analytes without compromising mechanical reliability.

Key Features

• Multi-mode triggering: Synchronizes with UV peak detection, drop counting, or programmable time intervals to define fraction boundaries with sub-second precision.
• Modular tube handling: Supports interchangeable tube racks accommodating 174 × 12/13 mm tubes, 116 × 10–11 mm tubes, 116 × 17/18 mm tubes, or 42 × 28 mm flash vials—ensuring compatibility across lab-standard consumables.
• Low-inertia actuation: Achieves 0.35 s tube-to-tube transition for 12/13 mm formats, minimizing carryover and maximizing recovery of narrow peaks.
• Robust mechanical construction: Frame fabricated from anodized aluminum; critical fluid-path components in electropolished stainless steel—resistant to organic solvents and repeated cleaning cycles.
• Expandable configuration: Optional 4-column adapter (requires rear mounting bracket) enables parallel collection from four independent chromatographic columns—ideal for method scouting or multi-analyte purification.
• Integrated flow control: Compatible with CoMetro 3-way divert valves (standard and high-flow variants) and 2-way shut-off valves, enabling peak-only collection, end-of-run flow diversion, or transient flow interruption during tube changes.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CF-2 is designed for use with standard analytical and preparative chromatographic systems operating at flow rates up to 50 mL/min (with high-flow valve option). It accepts common solvent systems—including acetonitrile/water, methanol/chloroform, and ethyl acetate/hexane—without degradation of sealing integrity or positional accuracy. All electrical interfaces comply with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment. When integrated into validated chromatography data systems (e.g., Empower, Chromeleon, or OpenLab CDS), the CF-2 supports audit-trail-enabled operation under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, provided instrument control signals are logged with timestamped metadata. Its mechanical design conforms to ISO 9001-aligned manufacturing practices, and rack configurations meet ASTM D3717 specifications for tube positioning repeatability.

Software & Data Management

While the CF-2 operates as a stand-alone hardware controller with front-panel keypad programming, it delivers full interoperability with third-party chromatography data systems via optically isolated TTL input/output ports. Detector-triggered collection events are timestamped and relayed to upstream software for correlation with chromatograms. For labs requiring electronic record retention, integration with LIMS or ELN platforms is achievable through RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters (not included), enabling export of collection logs—including tube index, trigger type, elapsed time, and drop count—as CSV or XML files. Firmware updates are performed via USB port using CoMetro-provided utilities, ensuring traceable version control per GLP documentation standards.

Applications

• Purification of natural products and synthetic intermediates in medicinal chemistry workflows.
• Isolation of protein fractions following size-exclusion or ion-exchange chromatography.
• Automated collection of metabolite fractions from LC-MS runs prior to offline NMR analysis.
• High-throughput fractionation in combinatorial library screening where peak selectivity reduces downstream lyophilization burden.
• Method development support—parallel 4-column collection allows rapid comparison of stationary phases or mobile-phase gradients under identical run conditions.

FAQ

Can the CF-2 operate independently without a connected detector?
Yes—the device supports autonomous time- or drop-based collection without external triggers.
What is the minimum detectable drop volume for accurate counting?
Drop sensitivity depends on tubing ID and solvent surface tension; typical calibration yields ±2% volumetric accuracy for aqueous and mid-polarity solvents using 1/16″ PTFE tubing.
Is the 4-column adapter compatible with all rack types?
No—it requires the rear mounting bracket (Part #124874) and only supports the 174-position 12/13 mm tube rack (Part #124853) or 42-position flash vial rack (Part #124856).
Does the CF-2 support gradient-aware collection?
Not natively—but when paired with a peak-detection-capable UV detector and appropriate software, it executes gradient-correlated fractionation by interpreting analog/digital peak signals in real time.
Are firmware updates validated for GMP environments?
CoMetro provides firmware release notes and checksum verification files; installation must be documented per site-specific change control procedures to maintain compliance.