Elite P3500 High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography Pump
| Brand | Elite |
|---|---|
| Origin | Liaoning, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | P3500 |
| Instrument Type | Isocratic Pump |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 30 MPa |
| Flow Rate Range | 0.01–50.00 mL/min |
| Flow Accuracy | ≤ ±1.0% |
| Flow Precision (RSD) | ≤ 0.3% |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V ±10%, 50 Hz / 200 W |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 420 × 300 × 175 mm |
Overview
The Elite P3500 High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography Pump is an isocratic, dual-piston reciprocating pump engineered for precision solvent delivery in analytical and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems. Designed as a next-generation evolution of the P230p platform, the P3500 incorporates proprietary mechanical architecture and embedded microcontroller-based control logic to deliver stable, pulse-free flow across its full operational range — from ultra-low-flow applications (0.01 mL/min) to high-throughput preparative conditions (up to 50.00 mL/min). Its core operating principle relies on cam-driven short-stroke pistons operating in parallel configuration, eliminating the need for external pulsation dampeners and minimizing system dwell volume — a critical advantage for gradient delay reduction and method transfer fidelity. The pump operates under constant-pressure mode up to 30 MPa (4350 psi), supporting standard 4.6 mm ID analytical columns as well as narrow-bore and semi-preparative configurations.
Key Features
- Dual-piston parallel architecture with cam-actuated short-stroke design — reduces internal volume and eliminates reliance on passive dampeners.
- Microstepping motor control enables high-resolution flow adjustment (0.01 mL/min increments) and enhanced low-flow stability (≤0.3% RSD).
- Floating-guided piston rod assembly with precision-machined ceramic-coated plungers ensures consistent seal loading, extended service life, and minimal pressure-induced drift.
- Embedded AT89C55 microcontroller with SPI bus architecture minimizes PCB footprint, improves signal integrity, and enhances electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in shared laboratory environments.
- Integrated pressure sensing and real-time overload protection circuitry compliant with IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity standards.
- Front-panel keypad and LED display support standalone operation; RS-232 interface enables remote control and integration into third-party HPLC data systems.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The P3500 is compatible with common HPLC mobile phases including aqueous buffers, acetonitrile, methanol, tetrahydrofuran, and other miscible organic solvents. It supports stainless steel, PEEK, and titanium fluidic paths suitable for pH 1–12 operation (with appropriate wetted material selection). The pump meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326-1) and safety (EN 61010-1). While not certified for GMP-regulated production environments out-of-the-box, its firmware architecture supports audit trail logging when integrated with compliant chromatography data systems (CDS) meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. Routine performance verification aligns with ASTM E260 and ISO 13877 protocols for HPLC pump qualification.
Software & Data Management
The P3500 operates in both standalone and host-controlled modes. In standalone mode, all parameters — flow rate, pressure limit, run time, and purge cycles — are configurable via the front panel. When connected to external CDS software (e.g., Chromeleon, Empower, or open-source platforms such as OpenLab CDS), it accepts ASCII-based SCPI commands over RS-232 for synchronized method execution. Firmware supports non-volatile parameter storage and retains user-defined settings after power cycling. Optional firmware upgrades may introduce enhanced diagnostics, including real-time piston position feedback and predictive maintenance alerts based on cumulative stroke count and pressure hysteresis trends.
Applications
- Analytical-scale reversed-phase, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography in pharmaceutical QC laboratories.
- Method development and validation workflows requiring high flow reproducibility across multi-day sequences.
- Preparative purification of peptides, natural products, and synthetic intermediates at flow rates up to 50 mL/min.
- Use as a precision feed pump in coupled systems — e.g., LC-MS interfaces, supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) co-solvent delivery, or continuous-flow reaction monitoring setups.
- Environmental testing labs performing EPA Method 8081/8330 analyses where robustness under variable solvent viscosity is essential.
FAQ
What is the minimum programmable flow rate step size?
The P3500 supports flow rate increments of 0.01 mL/min across its entire range.
Does the pump support gradient elution?
No — the P3500 is an isocratic pump. Gradient functionality requires integration with an external low-pressure mixing module or a separate quaternary pump system.
Is the pump compatible with aggressive solvents such as chloroform or DMSO?
Chloroform and DMSO are not recommended for prolonged use without verifying wetted material compatibility; consult the chemical resistance chart for PEEK and stainless steel components before deployment.
Can the P3500 be used in GLP-compliant environments?
Yes — when integrated with a validated CDS that provides electronic signatures, audit trails, and change control, the P3500 satisfies functional requirements for GLP-compliant instrument operation.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for routine operation?
Piston seals should be inspected every 6 months or after 1,000 hours of operation; check valve cleaning is advised every 200 hours in high-salt or viscous mobile phase applications.
