Jiapeng BS-100A Automatic Fraction Collector

Overview

The Jiapeng BS-100A Automatic Fraction Collector is a precision-engineered time-based liquid-phase fractionation device designed for integration into medium- and low-pressure chromatographic purification workflows. It operates on the principle of programmable timed eluate segmentation—capturing sequential fractions of column effluent at user-defined intervals—enabling reproducible offline fractionation during preparative HPLC, FPLC, ion exchange, gel filtration, or affinity chromatography. Unlike flow-triggered collectors, the BS-100A prioritizes temporal consistency over volume-based triggering, making it especially suitable for gradient elutions where flow rate may vary, or when coupling with peristaltic or syringe pumps lacking pulse-output signals. Its microprocessor-controlled architecture ensures stable timing accuracy across extended runs (>200 h continuous operation), while the sealed ABS housing provides chemical resistance and mechanical robustness in shared laboratory environments.

Key Features

• Microcontroller-based timing engine with 1-second resolution, supporting collection intervals from 1 second to 24 hours—fully programmable via front-panel keypad
• Circular tube tray accommodating 100 × 12 mL standard test tubes, each uniquely labeled with embossed numeric identifiers (1–100) for unambiguous sample tracking
• Six-digit ultra-bright LED display providing real-time visibility of elapsed time, remaining interval, current tube index, and system status
• Non-volatile memory retains all user settings—including timing parameters, start/stop tube numbers, and last-used configuration—for up to 10 years following power loss
• Ergonomically angled (35°) control panel minimizing operator fatigue during prolonged setup or monitoring sessions
• RS-232 serial interface enabling hardware-level synchronization with compatible peristaltic pumps (e.g., Keebio models), allowing external start/stop and tube advance commands
• Modular tube tray design permits interchangeability between identical BS-series trays without recalibration or alignment adjustments
• Optional solvent-resistant tray variant available for use with organic mobile phases including acetonitrile, methanol, and chloroform-based eluents

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BS-100A supports standard 12 mL round-bottom or flat-bottom glass or polypropylene test tubes (16 × 100 mm). Its ABS enclosure meets UL 94 HB flammability requirements and exhibits resistance to common aqueous buffers (Tris-HCl, PBS, ammonium acetate) and mild organic solvents. While not certified for IEC 61010-1 Class II or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance out-of-the-box, its deterministic timing logic, non-volatile parameter storage, and audit-ready tube indexing support GLP-aligned documentation practices. Users deploying the device in regulated environments are advised to implement supplementary procedural controls—including logbook entries, timestamped run reports, and periodic verification of timing accuracy against NIST-traceable stopwatches—to satisfy ISO/IEC 17025 or pharmaceutical QC validation requirements.

Software & Data Management

The BS-100A operates as a standalone instrument without bundled PC software. All configuration and runtime data are managed locally via the front-panel interface. Parameter changes—including start tube, end tube, interval duration, and countdown/count-up mode—are stored immediately upon confirmation and survive power interruption. For laboratories requiring electronic record retention, the RS-232 interface allows integration with third-party data acquisition systems or custom LabVIEW/Python scripts to log collection events, timestamps, and tube indices into CSV or SQL databases. No proprietary drivers or cloud services are required; communication follows standard ASCII command protocols (e.g., “START”, “STOP”, “STATUS?”), ensuring long-term interoperability.

Applications

• Preparative purification of recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and plasmid DNA using size-exclusion or ion-exchange columns
• Isolation of natural product fractions from crude plant extracts during bioassay-guided fractionation
• Collection of time-resolved elution profiles in method development for reversed-phase or hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC)
• Offline fraction pooling prior to lyophilization or mass spectrometric analysis (LC-MS fraction rerun)
• Quality control sampling in small-scale bioprocess intermediates where volumetric precision is secondary to temporal repeatability
• Teaching laboratories conducting foundational chromatography experiments with emphasis on fraction handling discipline and workflow standardization

FAQ

Does the BS-100A support volume-based triggering?
No—the BS-100A is exclusively time-programmable. For flow- or drop-count triggered collection, consider the BSZ-100 series with integrated pulse input capability.
Can the tube tray be autoclaved?
No—ABS plastic is not autoclave-rated. Sterilization should be performed using 70% ethanol wipe-down or UV exposure; avoid prolonged contact with strong oxidizers.
What is the maximum ambient temperature for continuous operation?
Rated for operation within 10–35 °C at ≤80% non-condensing relative humidity. Prolonged use above 30 °C may affect LED longevity and timing stability.
Is firmware upgrade supported?
Firmware is factory-programmed and not field-upgradable. Functional enhancements require hardware revision (e.g., BS-100A → BSZ-100A).
How is tube positioning accuracy maintained during rapid switching?
A stepper motor-driven carousel with optical home-position sensing ensures ±0.3° angular repeatability, eliminating misalignment even after 10,000+ tube changes.