Jiapeng BS-16A Automatic Fraction Collector

Overview

The Jiapeng BS-16A Automatic Fraction Collector is a dedicated time-programmable liquid-phase fractionation device engineered for integration into medium- and low-pressure chromatographic systems—including column chromatography, gel filtration, ion exchange, and preparative HPLC workflows. It operates on the principle of precise temporal segmentation of eluent streams, enabling reproducible, operator-independent collection of effluent fractions based on user-defined time intervals. Designed for routine use in academic biochemistry labs, pharmaceutical R&D facilities, and bioprocessing pilot lines, the BS-16A delivers deterministic sample partitioning without reliance on UV or conductivity triggers—making it especially suitable for gradient-elution protocols where signal-based triggering may introduce timing lag or baseline drift artifacts. Its microprocessor-controlled architecture ensures stable operation over extended runs (>200 h continuous duty cycle), while non-volatile memory preserves all timing parameters, tube indices, and session history for up to ten years following power interruption—fully supporting GLP-compliant documentation requirements.

Key Features

• Microcontroller-based timing engine with 1-second resolution and programmable range from 1 second to 24 hours—enabling fine-grained control for both rapid small-molecule elution and slow macromolecular separation protocols.
• Ergonomically angled (35°) front panel with six-digit ultra-bright LED display for clear parameter visibility under ambient lab lighting conditions, minimizing visual fatigue during prolonged operation.
• Digitally indexed circular tube tray (positions 01–16), injection-molded from high-strength, solvent-resistant ABS polymer; each position corresponds unambiguously to a numeric label—eliminating misalignment errors during manual retrieval or downstream processing.
• Integrated Keebio fluid shut-off valve system ensures leak-free tube-to-tube transition with minimal carryover (<0.5 µL residual volume), maintaining fraction integrity across sequential collections.
• RS-232 serial interface (COM port) enables hardware-level synchronization with compatible peristaltic or syringe pumps—supporting external start/stop commands and real-time status feedback for closed-loop system automation.
• Interchangeable tube trays conforming to standard 16-position footprint—allowing seamless substitution between glass, polypropylene, or fluoropolymer-lined tubes without recalibration or mechanical re-alignment.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BS-16A accommodates standard 16-mm outer-diameter test tubes (up to 100 mL volume), including borosilicate glass, autoclavable polypropylene, and chemically inert fluoropolymer variants (optional). Its fluid path components—including valve seals and tubing interfaces—are rated for compatibility with common chromatographic solvents (e.g., water, methanol, acetonitrile, isopropanol, dichloromethane, and 0.1 M aqueous buffers). The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per EN 61326-1:2013. While not certified for Class I Division 1 hazardous locations, its sealed ABS housing provides IP20-rated protection against dust ingress and incidental splashes—suitable for ISO Class 7 (10,000) cleanroom-adjacent environments.

Software & Data Management

The BS-16A operates as a standalone instrument with no proprietary software dependency. All operational parameters—including start time, interval duration, total number of fractions, and tube indexing—are configured directly via front-panel keypad and retained in battery-backed SRAM. Audit trail functionality is inherent: every parameter change is timestamped and stored in non-volatile memory, accessible via display scroll mode. For laboratories operating under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11 requirements, the device supports manual logbook correlation through printed run records (when paired with an external thermal printer via RS-232) and is compatible with LIMS integration via ASCII command protocol. No firmware updates are required during normal service life; calibration is factory-set and drift-free over temperature ranges of 10–35 °C.

Applications

• Preparative purification of proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids using size-exclusion or ion-exchange columns.
• Collection of metabolite fractions from plant extract chromatograms prior to NMR or LC-MS analysis.
• Time-resolved sampling in enzyme kinetics assays coupled with inline dialysis or stopped-flow modules.
• Automated fraction harvesting in teaching labs for undergraduate chromatography experiments—reducing manual intervention and improving inter-group reproducibility.
• Integration into custom-built purification platforms where trigger logic must remain decoupled from detector output signals (e.g., when UV absorbance is unstable or unavailable).

FAQ

Does the BS-16A support volume-based or peak-triggered collection?
No. The BS-16A is strictly time-programmable. It does not include optical, conductometric, or pressure-based detection circuitry. Volume-based or peak-triggered collection requires external integration with a compatible detector and controller.
Can the tube tray be replaced with a 24- or 48-position configuration?
No. The mechanical and firmware design is fixed for 16-position circular trays. Alternative models (e.g., BS-30A, BS-40A) are available for higher-capacity configurations—but they are distinct hardware platforms.
Is the RS-232 interface compatible with modern Windows/Linux computers?
Yes—via standard USB-to-serial adapters (FTDI or CH340 chipset recommended). The command set follows ASCII-based polling protocol with documented response codes for status queries and parameter writes.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Annual inspection of valve actuation smoothness and tube tray alignment; replacement of Keebio valve seals every 12 months under continuous daily use; cleaning of ABS housing with 70% ethanol—no lubrication or internal servicing is user-accessible.
Does the unit meet GMP documentation requirements for pharmaceutical manufacturing?
It supports GMP-aligned practices (e.g., parameter lockout, audit-trail-capable memory, and deterministic timing) but is not validated as a GMP-critical system. Final qualification must be performed by the end-user per ICH Q7 and Annex 15 guidelines.