Eldex Optos Series Precision Piston Pump – Model 1LM / 2HM

Overview

The Eldex Optos Series Precision Piston Pump is an engineered solution for high-accuracy, low-pulsation fluid delivery in analytical, preparative, and process-critical laboratory applications. Based on positive displacement piston technology with dual-stage micro-stepping motor control, the pump delivers exceptional volumetric precision across a wide operational envelope—from ultra-low flow rates (0.002 mL/min) to higher throughput (up to 40 mL/min), depending on model configuration. Its core architecture integrates a sapphire-tipped plunger, 316 stainless steel wetted housing, and chemically resistant PEEK or polyethylene (PE) piston seals—ensuring compatibility with aggressive solvents, buffers, and viscous media up to 500 cP. Designed for integration into HPLC, SFC, microfluidic synthesis, and automated assay platforms, the Optos series meets the mechanical and regulatory expectations of ISO 9001-compliant laboratories and supports GLP/GMP workflows where traceable flow performance and long-term stability are mandatory.

Key Features

• High-resolution micro-stepping motor reduces pulsation amplitude by >70% compared to conventional stepper-driven pumps, enabling stable baseline conditions in sensitive detection systems (e.g., UV-Vis, fluorescence, mass spectrometry).
• Integrated piston wash system automatically flushes crystalline deposits from seal interfaces using a pre-programmed solvent cycle (20% deionized water in methanol), significantly extending seal life and minimizing maintenance downtime.
• Real-time LCD display shows instantaneous flow rate and system pressure; intuitive front-panel controls allow rapid setpoint adjustment via dedicated “SET” and “RUN/STOP” keys.
• Multi-mode remote operation supported via analog inputs (0–5 VDC or 4–20 mA) and digital RS-232 serial protocol—enabling seamless synchronization with PLCs, chromatography data systems (CDS), or custom LabVIEW-based automation suites.
• Thermally stable design accommodates continuous operation at fluid temperatures up to 120 °C, making it suitable for elevated-temperature reaction monitoring and high-boiling-point solvent delivery.
• Pulse-damped variants (e.g., 1LMP, 2SMP) incorporate passive hydraulic dampeners to further suppress residual flow oscillations, meeting stringent requirements for low-noise perfusion in cell culture or electrophysiology applications.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Optos series demonstrates broad chemical compatibility due to its inert wetted path: sapphire plunger tip, 316SS body, and optional PEEK or PE piston materials resist corrosion from organic solvents (acetonitrile, THF, DMSO), aqueous acids/bases (pH 1–13), and halogenated compounds. All models comply with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical safety and meet CE marking requirements for EMC immunity (EN 61326-1) and emissions (EN 55011). When operated within specified pressure and temperature limits, the pump satisfies material compatibility clauses under ASTM F2099 (for medical device fluid handling) and supports audit-ready documentation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated software control environments.

Software & Data Management

While the pump operates autonomously via front-panel interface, full parameter logging—including flow setpoint history, pressure trends, runtime hours, and error codes—is accessible through RS-232 communication using Eldex’s proprietary ASCII command set. Third-party integration is facilitated via open protocol documentation, allowing bidirectional data exchange with Chromatography Data Systems (e.g., Empower, Chromeleon, OpenLab) and LIMS platforms. Audit trails generated during remote operation include timestamped command execution logs, supporting compliance with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) for regulated QC/QA labs.

Applications

• HPLC and UHPLC gradient elution with sub-mL/min precision for method development and column characterization.
• Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) mobile phase delivery requiring stable CO₂ co-solvent mixing at elevated pressures.
• Microreactor feed control in continuous-flow synthesis, where pulse-free delivery prevents channel clogging and improves residence time distribution.
• Calibration standard infusion in elemental analysis (ICP-MS, AAS) and clinical immunoassays demanding <±0.5% RSD over 8-hour runs.
• Long-duration perfusion studies in organ-on-chip and 3D bioprinting platforms requiring thermal and chemical stability over multi-day experiments.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable viscosity for continuous operation?
The pump is rated for fluids up to 500 cP at operating temperatures ≤60 °C; above this threshold, reduced stroke frequency and increased dwell time between pulses are recommended to maintain repeatability.
Can the pump be used with aggressive acids such as concentrated HCl or HF?
Standard 316SS and sapphire components resist dilute mineral acids; however, hydrofluoric acid (HF) and hot concentrated HCl require optional Hastelloy C-276 wetted parts—contact technical support for custom configuration options.
Is firmware upgrade capability available?
Yes—field-upgradable firmware is delivered via RS-232 using Eldex-provided utility software; version history and release notes are published in the Technical Documentation Portal.
Does the pump support gradient programming natively?
No internal gradient algorithm is embedded; however, external controllers (e.g., Agilent 1260 Infinity II Quaternary Pump Controller) can orchestrate multi-pump gradients using analog or digital triggers synchronized to the Optos pump’s flow output signal.
What validation documentation is supplied with each unit?
Each shipment includes a Factory Calibration Certificate traceable to NIST standards, IQ/OQ protocol templates aligned with ASTM E2500, and a Material Declaration Report compliant with RoHS 3 and REACH Annex XIV.