Shanghai SBS-100 Digital Droplet-Counting Fraction Collector

Overview

The Shanghai SBS-100 Digital Droplet-Counting Fraction Collector is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed for automated, reproducible fraction collection in liquid-phase column chromatography workflows. It operates on dual-mode triggering—time-based and droplet-count-based collection—enabling rigorous synchronization with elution profiles generated by peristaltic or syringe pumps. Its core function is to replace manual fractionation, thereby eliminating operator-induced variability, minimizing sample handling errors, and ensuring traceable, auditable collection events across analytical, preparative, and purification applications. The device implements microcontroller-based logic with non-volatile memory architecture to maintain collection parameters and historical settings during power interruption—a critical requirement for unattended overnight runs common in protein purification, natural product isolation, and biomolecule characterization.

Key Features

• Dual-collection mode: programmable time intervals (1 second to 9999 minutes) and precise droplet counting (1–9999 drops per fraction), supporting both retention-time alignment and volume-equivalent partitioning.
• High-density tube rack configuration: accommodates up to 100 standard 12-mL test tubes (e.g., 16 × 100 mm borosilicate glass or polypropylene), arranged in a single-tier, front-accessible carousel for rapid loading and retrieval.
• Robust data integrity architecture: all user-defined parameters—including collection mode, threshold values, tube indexing, and run metadata—are stored in EEPROM with guaranteed retention exceeding 10 years without battery backup.
• Modular integration capability: features standardized analog and TTL-compatible trigger inputs/outputs for seamless interoperability with HL-series constant-flow peristaltic pumps and TH-series gradient mixers; also functions as a standalone collector via front-panel keypad and LCD interface.
• Compact benchtop footprint (260 × 250 × 340 mm) optimized for space-constrained fume hoods, cold rooms, or shared instrumentation suites while maintaining mechanical stability during repeated tube-positioning cycles.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SBS-100 is compatible with aqueous, organic, and mixed-solvent mobile phases commonly employed in reversed-phase, ion-exchange, size-exclusion, and affinity chromatography. It accepts standard 12-mL round-bottom or conical-bottom tubes compliant with ISO 8537 and ASTM D4327 specifications. While the unit itself does not carry CE, UL, or FDA 510(k) certification, its operational design adheres to general laboratory safety principles outlined in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (clause 6.4.2 on equipment suitability) and supports GLP-compliant documentation when used with external audit-trail-enabled data loggers. No internal wetted parts contact samples—fluid path remains entirely external, preserving compatibility with corrosive or high-viscosity eluents when paired with chemically resistant tubing.

Software & Data Management

The SBS-100 operates via an embedded real-time control system with no external PC dependency. All configuration and execution are managed through a tactile keypad and monochrome LCD display (128 × 64 pixels). Collection logs—including start time, mode selected, count/timer value, tube number, and completion timestamp—are retained in non-volatile memory and can be reviewed locally. For laboratories requiring electronic records under 21 CFR Part 11, the device supports optional RS-232 serial output (with custom protocol documentation available upon request) to feed collection event timestamps and status codes into validated LIMS or ELN platforms. No proprietary software installation is required; ASCII-formatted logs may be parsed using standard terminal emulators or Python-based automation scripts.

Applications

• Preparative HPLC and flash chromatography fraction harvesting for compound library generation and lead optimization in pharmaceutical R&D.
• Enzyme assay fractionation where kinetic sampling at defined droplet intervals captures transient intermediate species in multi-step catalytic reactions.
• Protein purification workflows involving AKTA or Bio-Rad NGC systems, where synchronized fraction collection enables SDS-PAGE gel loading consistency and mass spectrometry submission traceability.
• Teaching laboratories in university biochemistry and analytical chemistry courses, providing students hands-on experience with automated chromatographic data acquisition and method development fundamentals.
• Environmental analysis labs performing EPA Method 8081B or 8270D extractions, where reproducible solvent fractionation supports subsequent GC-MS quantitation.

FAQ

Is the SBS-100 compatible with third-party pumps not manufactured by the original supplier?

Yes—provided the pump delivers a TTL-level or 0–5 VDC trigger signal matching the SBS-100’s input specification (rise-time < 10 µs, pulse width ≥ 50 ms), it can be integrated without modification.
Does the unit support programmable pause/resume functionality during a collection sequence?

No—the current firmware executes linear, uninterrupted tube advancement; pausing requires manual intervention and manual re-indexing of the next tube position.
Can the SBS-100 be calibrated for droplet volume equivalence?

Droplet counting is based on optical sensor detection—not volumetric calibration; users must empirically determine average drop volume (µL/drop) for their specific tubing ID, flow rate, and solvent surface tension prior to method setup.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?

Annual inspection of the stepper motor coupling, optical sensor window cleanliness, and tube rack alignment is recommended; no consumables or scheduled part replacements are specified in the service manual.
Is technical documentation available in English?

Yes—English-language operation manual, dimensional drawings, and I/O pinout schematics are provided upon order confirmation and are accessible via secure download portal.