Jiapeng BSZ-160 Automatic Fraction Collector with LCD Display

Overview

The Jiapeng BSZ-160 Automatic Fraction Collector with LCD Display is a dedicated time-based fraction collection system engineered for mid-pressure liquid chromatography (LC), gel filtration, ion exchange, and affinity purification workflows in academic research labs, biopharmaceutical process development, and quality control environments. It operates on the principle of precise temporal segmentation of eluent streams—relying on programmable timing intervals to trigger sequential tube switching during column elution. Unlike flow-triggered or UV-signal-triggered collectors, the BSZ-160 prioritizes reproducibility in fixed-duration fractionation, making it especially suitable for method development, stability-indicating assays, and multi-step gradient separations where retention time consistency is critical. Its microcontroller-based architecture ensures deterministic timing resolution down to 1 second, while non-volatile memory preserves user-defined collection protocols—including start/stop times, tube indexing, and pause/resume states—even after unexpected power interruption.

Key Features

• High-capacity 160-position circular tube rack with engraved numeric labeling for unambiguous tube identification and error-free retrieval
• Backlit Chinese-language LCD display with intuitive menu navigation and real-time status feedback (elapsed time, current tube index, remaining duration)
• Time-programmable collection from 1 second to 24 hours in 1-second increments; supports both forward-counting (count-up) and countdown modes
• Robust housing constructed from medical-grade ABS polymer—resistant to common organic solvents including acetonitrile, methanol, and chloroform (tube tray optional with enhanced chemical resistance)
• Ergonomic 35° angled control panel for reduced operator fatigue during extended collection cycles
• RS-232 serial interface (DB9) enabling hardware-level synchronization with peristaltic pumps (e.g., Keewei, Longer, or Watson-Marlow models) for coordinated flow-collection alignment
• Automatic tube positioning mechanism with mechanical detent locking—ensures zero lateral drift during tube exchange under continuous flow conditions
• Non-volatile memory retains configuration data for ≥10 years without battery backup, meeting long-term audit requirements under GLP and ISO 17025 frameworks

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BSZ-160 accommodates standard 12 × 75 mm or 13 × 100 mm test tubes (5 mL nominal volume), with optional trays supporting alternative formats including conical-bottom microcentrifuge tubes. Its fluid path remains external to the instrument chassis—eliminating internal wetted surfaces—and relies on gravity-fed or pump-driven eluate delivery through disposable tubing connected to a Keebio-type pinch valve manifold. This design minimizes cross-contamination risk and simplifies cleaning validation. The device complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and supports traceability requirements for regulated environments: all parameter changes are timestamped and stored in internal memory, facilitating retrospective review during FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned audits when integrated into validated chromatography systems.

Software & Data Management

While the BSZ-160 operates as a standalone hardware controller without embedded PC software, its RS-232 interface enables integration with third-party chromatography data systems (CDS) such as Chromeleon, Empower, or open-source platforms like OpenChrom via custom serial command scripting. All operational parameters—including total collection duration, inter-tube interval, active tube range (start/end tube numbers), and pause status—are fully configurable via front-panel keypad and persist across power cycles. Audit-ready logs include date/time stamps for each configuration change and collection initiation event, satisfying documentation prerequisites for ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.7 (result reporting) and USP analytical instrument qualification protocols.

Applications

• Preparative SEC/GFC fractionation of monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins
• Desalting and buffer exchange steps in peptide synthesis workflows
• Collection of pooled fractions from flash chromatography systems (e.g., Biotage Isolera, Teledyne ISCO CombiFlash)
• Time-resolved metabolite profiling in HPLC-based stability studies
• Automated sampling in continuous-flow reaction monitoring setups
• Supporting GMP-aligned purification campaigns where fraction identity must be verifiable by collection timestamp and tube position

FAQ

Does the BSZ-160 support volume-based triggering?
No—the BSZ-160 is exclusively time-programmable. For volume-triggered collection, consider the BSZ-160A variant or external flowmeter integration via analog signal input (not supported natively on this model).
Can the tube rack be sterilized in an autoclave?
The standard ABS tube rack is not autoclavable. For steam-sterilizable applications, polypropylene or stainless-steel racks may be procured separately.
Is the LCD display customizable to English language?
The firmware is fixed to Chinese-language UI; no field-upgradable language option is available.
What is the maximum allowable flow rate for stable tube switching?
Optimal performance is maintained at ≤5 mL/min. At higher flow rates (>8 mL/min), minor splashing may occur during tube transitions—use low-profile tubes or reduce flow accordingly.
How is compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 ensured?
The unit itself does not provide electronic signatures or role-based access control. When deployed within a validated CDS ecosystem, its timestamped parameter logs serve as attributable, legible, and contemporaneous records per Part 11 Subpart B requirements.