CoMetro R1/R2 Fraction Collector

Overview

The CoMetro R1/R2 Fraction Collector is an engineered solution for precise, programmable fractionation in preparative liquid chromatography (prep-LC), flash chromatography, and gravity-fed column chromatography systems. Designed around a robust solenoid-driven multi-port switching valve architecture, it enables deterministic sample routing into discrete receptacles based on user-defined triggers—drop count, elapsed time, cumulative volume, or real-time detector signal peaks (e.g., UV absorbance maxima). Its modular mechanical design supports both linear (left-to-right) and serpentine collection patterns, ensuring consistent dwell time per tube and minimizing carryover between fractions. The system operates without internal pumps or fluidic reservoirs, relying instead on passive gravity or externally regulated pump flow—making it compatible with high-pressure prep-LC systems (up to 200 bar when paired with appropriate pressure-rated valves and tubing) as well as low-pressure open-column setups. All electronics are isolated to meet IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory instrumentation.

Key Features

• Multi-trigger collection logic: configurable thresholds for drop counting (programmable drop sensitivity), time intervals (1 s – 999 min), volumetric accumulation (0.01–999.99 mL), or peak detection via analog input (0–10 V DC) synchronized with UV/VIS or conductivity detectors.
• Modular rack compatibility: accepts interchangeable tube holders supporting standard formats—including 144-position racks for 12–13 mm diameter test tubes, 100-position 16 mm racks, 72-position 18 mm racks, 36-position 25 mm racks, 60-position 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tube racks, 36-position 50 mL centrifuge tube racks, and ANSI/SLAS-compliant 96-well plates.
• Low-latency valve actuation: <150 ms switching time between ports ensures minimal fraction dispersion and maximizes recovery of narrow elution bands.
• Dual-rack configuration (R2 model): accommodates two independently addressable racks for sequential or parallel collection strategies—ideal for method development requiring replicate fractionation or orthogonal solvent system comparisons.
• Embedded non-volatile memory: stores up to 20 user-defined collection methods with full parameter recall, including trigger type, threshold values, pause conditions, and rack position mapping.
• Integrated safety interlocks: automatic flow-stop upon detected leakage (via optional drip sensor interface), reinforced electrical isolation, and thermal cutoff protection on motor drivers.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The R1/R2 Fraction Collector is chemically inert across common chromatographic solvents (acetonitrile, methanol, THF, DCM, hexane, aqueous buffers pH 2–12) when used with standard PTFE, PEEK, and stainless-steel wetted-path components. It complies with ISO 9001-certified manufacturing protocols and meets CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. For regulated environments, the device supports audit-trail-capable operation when integrated with LIMS or chromatography data systems (CDS) that enforce 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature and record retention policies. No internal data storage is performed; all method parameters and collection logs are exported via RS-232 or USB-C interface for external archiving.

Software & Data Management

The collector operates autonomously via front-panel keypad navigation and LCD display (R1: 2×16 character; R2: 4×20 character). Optional PC connectivity enables remote control and method upload/download using CoMetro’s FractionLink™ configuration utility (Windows 10/11, .NET Framework 4.8+). The utility exports CSV-formatted collection logs containing timestamp, fraction number, trigger event type, cumulative volume, and valve position—structured for direct import into ELN platforms (e.g., LabArchives, Benchling) or statistical analysis tools (MATLAB, Python pandas). No proprietary database or cloud dependency is required; all firmware updates are delivered as signed binary files validated via SHA-256 checksum.

Applications

• Preparative purification of natural products, peptides, and synthetic intermediates in pharmaceutical process development.
• High-throughput fractionation in metabolomics and lipidomics workflows where reproducible sub-fraction isolation is critical prior to MS or NMR analysis.
• Method scouting for gradient optimization in flash chromatography—collecting overlapping windows across retention time to assess resolution boundaries.
• Automated pooling of target zones from analytical-scale HPLC runs for subsequent bioassay testing or crystallization trials.
• Integration with automated fraction re-injection systems for iterative purification cycles without manual handling.

FAQ

What detector signals can trigger peak-based collection?
The analog input accepts 0–10 V DC signals from UV/VIS, fluorescence, refractive index, or conductivity detectors. Signal polarity and baseline offset are adjustable via software calibration.
Is the R2 model capable of simultaneous dual-rack collection?
No—it sequentially addresses each rack; simultaneous parallel collection requires external valve manifolding or integration with a second collector unit.
Can the system be validated for GMP environments?
Yes. IQ/OQ documentation packages are available upon request, including test protocols for valve timing accuracy, volume delivery repeatability (±1.5% RSD at 5 mL increments), and electrical safety verification.
What is the minimum detectable drop size for drop-count mode?
Configurable down to 0.01 mL per drop, assuming consistent droplet formation from the outlet needle (recommended needle ID: 0.5–1.2 mm).
Does the collector support custom tube rack geometries?
Yes—CoMetro offers OEM mechanical drawings and mounting interface specifications for third-party rack integration, subject to NDA and mechanical feasibility review.