CoMetro CP-LDI Series Precision High-Pressure Isocratic Pump

Overview

The CoMetro CP-LDI Series Precision High-Pressure Isocratic Pump is an engineered solution for demanding liquid chromatography applications requiring stable, reproducible flow delivery under high backpressure conditions. Designed around a dual-plunger, parallel architecture with active pressure feedback and real-time compressibility compensation, the CP-LDI operates on the principle of positive displacement via precision-machined stainless-steel pump heads driven by high-resolution stepper motors. Unlike gradient-capable quaternary pumps, the CP-LDI is optimized for isocratic and binary solvent delivery—making it especially suitable for preparative HPLC, method development, column testing, and continuous-flow synthesis support where long-term flow stability and pressure resilience are critical. Its robust mechanical design supports sustained operation at up to 6000 psi (414 bar), enabling compatibility with sub-2 µm particle-packed columns and high-viscosity mobile phases commonly used in UHPLC and purification workflows.

Key Features

• Dual parallel plunger heads with independent check valve assemblies ensure continuous, pulse-free flow delivery and minimize dwell volume between solvent switching events.
• Integrated pressure transducer with real-time monitoring and programmable upper/lower pressure limits (configurable via keypad or software) provides hardware-level overpressure protection and system safety compliance.
• Adjustable compressibility compensation algorithm dynamically corrects for solvent elasticity across varying flow rates and compositions—critical for maintaining accuracy with acetonitrile/water or methanol/water gradients.
• Front-panel LED display with adjustable brightness enables clear remote visibility of flow rate (0.001–12 mL/min resolution), real-time system pressure, and operational status—even in low-light laboratory environments.
• Multi-mode control architecture supports local keypad operation, PC-based control via RS-232 or USB, and analog input (0–5 V DC or 4–20 mA) for integration into PLC-driven or custom automation platforms.
• Buffer-compatible self-cleaning cycle automates solvent flush sequences to reduce salt crystallization on plunger seals—extending seal life and minimizing maintenance downtime in routine QC/QA labs.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CP-LDI Series is compatible with all standard HPLC-grade solvents—including aqueous buffers, organic modifiers (acetonitrile, methanol, THF), and mildly corrosive mobile phases (e.g., 0.1% TFA). Its wetted materials include sapphire-hardened ruby check valves, PEEK and 316L stainless-steel fluidic paths, and chemically resistant plunger seals rated for >5,000 hours of continuous operation under nominal load. The pump meets mechanical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment and supports audit-ready operation when integrated with compliant chromatography data systems (CDS). While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11–certified, its digital control interface and full event logging capability (via optional CDS integration) enable implementation of electronic signatures, user access controls, and secure audit trails required for GLP and GMP-regulated environments.

Software & Data Management

The CP-LDI communicates natively with CoMetro’s optional ChromoControl™ PC software (Windows 10/11), supporting method storage, remote parameter adjustment, real-time pressure/flow trending, and CSV export of time-stamped operational logs. All configuration changes—including flow setpoints, pressure limits, compressibility offsets, and purge protocols—are timestamped and retained in non-volatile memory. When deployed in multi-pump configurations (2–4 units), synchronized start/stop commands and interlock logic prevent pressure surges during solvent transitions. Data export formats comply with ASTM E1382 and ISO/IEC 17025 traceability frameworks, facilitating integration into LIMS and enterprise QA databases.

Applications

• Preparative-scale HPLC purification of pharmaceutical intermediates and natural products.
• Column performance evaluation under high-pressure, high-flow conditions (e.g., kinetic plots, backpressure profiling).
• Stable isocratic elution for dissolution testing (USP ) and excipient compatibility studies.
• Binary mobile phase delivery in LC-MS method development where gradient delay must be minimized.
• Continuous-flow reactor feed control in process analytical technology (PAT) environments.
• Calibration and verification of flow sensors and pressure transducers in metrology labs.

FAQ

What is the minimum programmable flow rate and its resolution?
The CP-LDI supports flow programming from 0.001 mL/min with 0.001 mL/min incremental resolution across the full 0.001–12 mL/min range.
Can the pump be operated without a computer connection?
Yes—the front-panel keypad enables fully autonomous operation including flow setting, pressure limit configuration, purge activation, and unit selection (psi/MPa/bar).
Is the CP-LDI compatible with aggressive solvents such as DMSO or chlorinated hydrocarbons?
Wetted material compatibility must be verified per solvent; PEEK and 316L SS are suitable for DMSO but not recommended for prolonged exposure to neat chloroform or carbon tetrachloride without seal material review.
How does the dual-head architecture improve flow stability compared to single-plunger designs?
Parallel dual heads operate 180° out-of-phase, effectively halving pulsation amplitude while maintaining constant volumetric displacement—achieving ≤0.1% RSD over 1-hour runs at 1 mL/min.
Does the pump support automatic leak detection or diagnostic self-tests?
It includes real-time pressure deviation alerts and motor stall detection, but advanced diagnostics (e.g., seal wear estimation) require external validation or service calibration tools.