Jiapeng BSZ-160 Automated Fraction Collector

Overview

The Jiapeng BSZ-160 Automated Fraction Collector is a precision-engineered time-triggered fractionation device designed for integration into low-to-medium pressure liquid chromatography (LC), gel filtration, ion exchange, and preparative electrophoresis workflows. It operates on the principle of programmable temporal segmentation: upon initiation, the system sequentially directs eluent flow into discrete receptacles—standard 5 mL test tubes—at user-defined intervals ranging from 1 second to 24 hours. This deterministic timing architecture ensures reproducible fraction boundaries without reliance on UV or conductivity feedback signals, making it especially suitable for offline analytical validation, stability-indicating assays, and multi-step purification protocols where retention time correlation is established a priori. The unit is not a standalone detector but a critical sample-handling interface—designed to preserve sample integrity, minimize operator intervention, and maintain traceability across collection cycles. Its microcontroller-based logic board supports non-volatile memory retention compliant with long-term archival requirements under GLP-aligned laboratory practices.

Key Features

• High-capacity 160-position circular tube rack with engraved numeric indexing—each position uniquely labeled for unambiguous tube identification and retrieval.
• 6-digit ultra-bright LED display enabling real-time monitoring of elapsed time, current tube index, and remaining collection duration—optimized for visibility under ambient lab lighting.
• Ergonomic 35° front-panel tilt reduces cervical strain during extended operation and improves tactile access to membrane keys.
• Chemically inert ABS housing (injection-molded in single-piece construction) resists common organic solvents including acetonitrile, methanol, and chloroform—validated for compatibility with reversed-phase and normal-phase LC mobile phases.
• Keebio solenoid-driven fluid shut-off valve ensures precise flow termination during tube switching, eliminating cross-contamination between fractions.
• RS-232 serial interface enables hardware-level synchronization with compatible peristaltic pumps (e.g., Jiapeng BT100-2J, HL-2S), supporting externally triggered start/stop and step advancement.
• Non-volatile EEPROM retains all user parameters—including timing presets, tube range limits, and last-executed protocol—for ≥10 years without battery backup or external power.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BSZ-160 accommodates standard 12 × 75 mm or 13 × 100 mm round-bottom test tubes (5 mL nominal volume). Tube rack geometry conforms to ANSI/SLAS microplate footprint conventions, permitting mechanical interoperability with automated tube handlers in semi-automated purification suites. While not certified to IEC 61010-1 or UL 61010B as a standalone safety class, its electrical design complies with GB 4793.1–2007 (equivalent to IEC 61010-1:2010) for laboratory equipment. No regulatory claim is made regarding FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance; however, the deterministic time-based collection logic—combined with immutable parameter logging and absence of editable digital signatures—supports audit-ready documentation when integrated into validated chromatographic methods per USP , EP 2.2.46, or ISO 17025-accredited quality systems.

Software & Data Management

The BSZ-160 operates exclusively via front-panel controls—no proprietary PC software or driver installation is required. All configuration data (start tube, end tube, interval duration, countdown/count-up mode) is stored in write-protected memory sectors. Time stamps are not recorded per fraction; instead, collection sequence is inferred deterministically from the programmed interval and initiation trigger. For laboratories requiring electronic record linkage, the RS-232 interface permits integration with third-party LIMS or ELN platforms via ASCII command protocol (e.g., “START”, “STOP”, “STATUS?”), enabling timestamped event logging at pump-controller level. Audit trails must be maintained externally, as the device itself does not generate PDF reports, digital signatures, or encrypted logs.

Applications

• Offline fraction analysis in preparative size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) of monoclonal antibodies and viral vectors.
• Collection of pooled eluates for subsequent MALDI-TOF MS or HILIC-HPLC characterization.
• Time-resolved sampling in enzyme kinetic assays coupled with stopped-flow systems.
• Multi-column parallel purification workflows where consistent dwell-time segmentation is critical across replicates.
• Educational laboratories conducting column chromatography experiments with quantifiable recovery metrics.
• Stability-indicating forced degradation studies requiring isolation of early- and late-eluting degradants under fixed gradient conditions.

FAQ

Does the BSZ-160 support volume-based or UV-triggered collection?
No. It is strictly a time-programmable collector. Fraction boundaries are defined solely by elapsed time—not by analog signal thresholds or volumetric displacement.
Can the tube rack accommodate larger vessels, such as 15 mL conical tubes?
No. The rack is mechanically constrained to 12–13 mm diameter round-bottom tubes. Adapters or custom inserts are not supplied or validated.
Is the RS-232 interface optically isolated?
No. The COM port uses standard TTL-level signaling without galvanic isolation. Use only with grounded, laboratory-grade serial interfaces.
What is the maximum continuous runtime before thermal derating occurs?
Rated for uninterrupted operation exceeding 200 hours at ambient temperatures ≤30 °C and relative humidity ≤70 % non-condensing.
Are replacement solenoid valves available as service parts?
Yes. Keebio-compatible valve assemblies (P/N K-VALVE-BSZ) are stocked by authorized distributors and carry a 12-month functional warranty.