Jiapeng BS-100A Automatic Fraction Collector with LCD Display

Overview

The Jiapeng BS-100A Automatic Fraction Collector is a precision-engineered liquid-phase fraction collection system designed for integration into medium- and low-pressure chromatographic workflows—including column chromatography, gel filtration, ion exchange, and preparative HPLC applications. It operates on a time-based collection principle: upon initiation, the instrument sequentially directs eluent flow into preloaded test tubes at user-defined time intervals—enabling reproducible, unattended fractionation of complex biological or chemical mixtures. Its core architecture centers on a microcontroller-based timing engine synchronized with a high-cycle-life solenoid valve and a digitally indexed circular tube rack. Unlike manual or analog alternatives, the BS-100A eliminates operator-induced variability in fraction switching, thereby preserving chromatographic integrity and supporting GLP-compliant documentation practices when used in regulated environments.

Key Features

• Ergonomic 35° angled control panel with tactile feedback buttons—optimized for prolonged benchtop operation without posture strain.
• Circular tube rack with permanent digital labeling (1–100), ensuring unambiguous tube identification and eliminating misalignment during rack insertion or replacement.
• Blue-backlit Chinese-language LCD display with hierarchical menu navigation—providing real-time visibility of elapsed time, remaining interval, active tube number, and system status.
• Non-volatile memory retention: All parameter settings—including timing intervals, start/stop tube indices, and last-used configuration—are preserved for ≥10 years following power interruption.
• RS-232 COM port interface for hardware-level synchronization with peristaltic pumps (e.g., Jiapeng BT100 series), enabling external trigger initiation and coordinated flow-rate–collection timing.
• Robust ABS polymer housing—fully enclosed, injection-molded in one piece—to resist incidental solvent exposure and mechanical impact while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility.
• Modular tube rack design: Accepts standard 12-mL round-bottom or conical tubes; compatible with alternative racks (e.g., 160-tube variants) via mechanical alignment pins—no recalibration required.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BS-100A is validated for aqueous and moderately polar organic solvent systems commonly employed in bioseparation protocols (e.g., methanol/water, acetonitrile/buffer, ethanol/ammonium acetate). The Keebio solenoid valve exhibits chemical resistance to alcohols, esters, and dilute acids/bases up to pH 2–10. While not rated for halogenated solvents (e.g., chloroform, DCM) or strong oxidizers (e.g., concentrated nitric acid), optional fluoropolymer-sealed valve kits are available upon request. The device meets IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and complies with EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. Though not certified under FDA 21 CFR Part 11, its deterministic timing logic, audit-ready parameter logging, and non-volatile configuration storage support traceability requirements in GMP-aligned QC labs when paired with validated SOPs.

Software & Data Management

The BS-100A operates as a standalone hardware controller with no embedded operating system or network connectivity. All configuration is performed locally via the LCD interface. Timing parameters—including start delay, interval duration (1 s to 24 h), first/last tube selection, and countdown/count-up mode—are stored in EEPROM and recalled automatically on power-up. No proprietary software is required; however, third-party lab information management systems (LIMS) may integrate with the device via its RS-232 port using ASCII command protocols (e.g., “START”, “STOP”, “STATUS?”). Timestamped event logs (tube change triggers, power cycles, error codes) are retained in volatile RAM during operation and mirrored to non-volatile memory at shutdown—supporting post-run forensic review in method validation studies.

Applications

• Preparative purification of proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids via size-exclusion or ion-exchange chromatography.
• Isolation of natural product fractions from plant extracts during phytochemical screening.
• Time-resolved collection of reaction eluates in kinetic HPLC assays (e.g., enzymatic hydrolysis monitoring).
• Automated fraction harvesting in teaching laboratories—reducing hands-on intervention while reinforcing chromatographic theory.
• Integration into multi-instrument platforms where pump-triggered collection ensures temporal fidelity between flow rate changes and fraction boundaries.

FAQ

Does the BS-100A support volume-based collection?
No. The BS-100A implements time-based fractionation only. For volume-triggered collection, consider the BSZ-100 series with integrated flow meter input.
Can the tube rack accommodate 15-mL centrifuge tubes?
No. The rack is dimensionally optimized for 12-mL round-bottom or conical glass/plastic tubes (outer diameter ≤17 mm). Tubes exceeding 125 mm in height may interfere with valve actuation.
Is firmware upgrade capability available?
No. The microcontroller firmware is factory-programmed and not field-upgradable. Functional enhancements require hardware revision (e.g., BS-100B variant).
What is the maximum continuous runtime before maintenance?
Rated for uninterrupted operation >200 hours under ambient conditions (20–25°C, <60% RH). Valve duty cycle is limited to 500,000 actuations per unit; typical usage in academic labs exceeds 5 years before service inspection.
Does the LCD display support English language?
No. The interface is fixed to Simplified Chinese character set. No language toggle or localization options are provided.