Jiapeng BS-40A Automatic Fraction Collector

Overview

The Jiapeng BS-40A Automatic Fraction Collector is a precision-engineered time-triggered liquid-phase fraction collector designed for integration into medium- and low-pressure preparative chromatography systems. It operates on the principle of programmable time-gated eluent diversion—directing column effluent sequentially into discrete collection vessels based on user-defined time intervals. This mechanism ensures reproducible fractionation without reliance on UV or conductivity signals, making it especially suitable for gradient-elution protocols where detector-based triggering may introduce latency or ambiguity. The BS-40A serves as a core component in biomolecule purification workflows—including protein isolation, natural product fractionation, and oligonucleotide synthesis cleanup—where consistent temporal segmentation of eluate is critical for downstream characterization and pooling decisions.

Key Features

• High-reliability time-based collection with adjustable interval resolution from 1 second to 24 hours, enabling fine-grained control over fraction duration across diverse separation speeds.
• Digitally labeled circular tube tray accommodating 40 × 50 mL collection tubes; each position carries a permanent numeric identifier to eliminate misalignment during manual retrieval or automated post-processing.
• Robust ABS polymer chassis fabricated via single-shot injection molding—resistant to mechanical stress and compatible with common organic solvents (e.g., acetonitrile, methanol, chloroform) when equipped with optional solvent-resistant tray lining.
• Ergonomic 35° inclined control panel with six-digit high-brightness LED display, facilitating clear parameter visibility and intuitive operation without stooping or repositioning.
• Non-volatile memory retains all user settings—including start/stop tube numbers, timing parameters, and system configuration—for up to 10 years following power interruption, ensuring continuity in long-term experiments or facility-wide instrument sharing.
• RS-232 serial interface enables hardware-level synchronization with peristaltic pumps (e.g., Keebio or Watson-Marlow models), allowing precise external initiation of fraction switching independent of internal clock drift.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BS-40A supports standard 13–18 mm outer diameter glass or polypropylene test tubes and is compatible with common HPLC, FPLC, and gravity-fed column systems operating at pressures ≤ 5 bar. Its sealed enclosure meets IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment. While not certified for use in regulated GMP manufacturing environments out-of-the-box, the device’s deterministic timing logic, traceable parameter logging (via optional serial data capture), and stable mechanical indexing support alignment with GLP documentation practices. It is routinely deployed in academic core facilities and biotech R&D labs conducting method development under ASTM D7217 (standard practice for preparative liquid chromatography) and ISO 17025-accredited workflows requiring auditable fractionation records.

Software & Data Management

The BS-40A operates autonomously without proprietary software; however, its RS-232 interface permits integration into third-party lab automation platforms (e.g., LabVIEW, Python-based control scripts) for timestamped event logging and remote parameter adjustment. All timing and positional settings are stored in EEPROM with checksum validation, supporting full audit trails when paired with external data acquisition systems. Though lacking native FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures, its deterministic behavior and non-volatile configuration storage facilitate compliance-ready documentation when used within validated SOPs that define calibration frequency (recommended semi-annually), tube tray inspection criteria, and power-loss recovery verification procedures.

Applications

• Preparative purification of monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins using size-exclusion or ion-exchange chromatography.
• Isolation of bioactive plant metabolites from crude extracts via flash chromatography.
• Collection of synthetic peptide fractions during stepwise cleavage and deprotection cycles.
• Time-resolved sampling in continuous-flow reaction monitoring setups coupled with inline UV detection.
• Standardization of fraction collection protocols across multi-user core facilities to reduce inter-operator variability.

FAQ

Does the BS-40A support volume-based or peak-triggered collection?
No—it is strictly time-programmable. For UV- or conductivity-triggered collection, integration with an external detector and programmable logic controller (PLC) or compatible pump controller is required.
Can the tube tray be autoclaved?
The standard ABS tray is not autoclavable; however, solvent-resistant PTFE-coated or stainless-steel trays (custom-order option) withstand repeated ethanol wipe disinfection and are compatible with vapor-phase hydrogen peroxide sterilization protocols.
What is the maximum flow rate the BS-40A can handle without splashing or cross-contamination?
Optimal performance is maintained at flow rates ≤ 15 mL/min with standard 13-mm tubes; higher flows require use of deep-well or baffled tubes to minimize aerosol generation and carryover between adjacent positions.
Is firmware upgrade capability available?
Firmware is factory-programmed and not field-upgradable; however, all timing algorithms and error-handling routines comply with IEC 60730-1 Class B safety standards for automatic control systems.
How often should mechanical calibration be performed?
Tube positioning accuracy should be verified quarterly using a calibrated digital caliper; deviation exceeding ±0.3 mm per position warrants service by authorized technical personnel.