SSI LS CLASS High-Pressure Constant Flow Pump (Single-Head)

Overview

The SSI LS CLASS High-Pressure Constant Flow Pump (Single-Head) is a precision-engineered reciprocating piston pump designed for demanding liquid delivery applications in analytical and preparative chromatography systems. Based on positive displacement volumetric pumping principles, it delivers highly reproducible flow rates under elevated backpressures—critical for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), and coupled hyphenated techniques such as LC-MS and LC-ICP-MS. Its dual-range pressure architecture enables stable operation across broad flow regimes: up to 6,000 psi (414 bar) at low-to-moderate flow rates (0.000–10.00 mL/min), with extended capacity up to 100 mL/min at reduced pressure (600 psi), accommodating both analytical-scale separations and preparative fraction collection workflows. The pump’s mechanical design minimizes compressibility effects and thermal drift, ensuring long-term baseline stability essential for quantitative method validation and regulatory compliance.

Key Features

• Single-plunger architecture with sapphire-ruby check valves and UHMWPE/PTFE fluidic path components—optimized for chemical inertness and longevity with organic solvents, aqueous buffers, and aggressive mobile phases.
• Multi-range pressure capability: supports full-scale operation at 6,000 psi (414 bar) for 5 mL, 10 mL, and 40 mL displacement heads; rated to 1,600 psi (110 bar) for 40 mL head; and 600 psi (41 bar) for 100 mL head—enabling flexible system configuration without hardware swaps.
• Low pulsation performance: ≤2% measured per ASTM D4057 at 1 mL/min and 1,000 psi (5/10/40 mL configurations); ≤4% at 50 mL/min and 500 psi (100 mL configuration)—reducing detector noise and improving peak shape fidelity.
• High metrological integrity: flow accuracy <2% (at ≥0.20 mL/min, 20% isopropanol/water, 1,000 psi) and flow precision of 0.2% RSD—validated per ISO 5725-2 guidelines for repeatability under controlled environmental conditions.
• Industrial-grade control interface suite: native RS-232 and Micro-USB digital communication, plus analog I/O (0–10 VDC and 4–20 mA) for seamless integration into legacy or custom automation frameworks—including PLC-controlled purification platforms and GLP-compliant QC laboratories.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LS CLASS pump accommodates a wide range of mobile phase chemistries, including acetonitrile, methanol, THF, chloroform, and acidic/basic aqueous buffers (pH 1–14), thanks to its inert wetted materials (sapphire, ruby, UHMWPE, PTFE). It meets mechanical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory equipment and complies with electromagnetic compatibility standards EN 61326-1:2013. While not certified for direct FDA 21 CFR Part 11 enforcement, its analog/digital control architecture supports audit-trail-ready integration via external SCADA or LIMS systems when deployed in GMP/GLP environments. Flow and pressure calibration protocols align with USP <621> and ASTM E2656 for HPLC system suitability testing.

Software & Data Management

The pump operates autonomously via front-panel controls but is fully programmable through ASCII-based command sets over RS-232 or Micro-USB. Third-party software drivers (LabVIEW, Python pySerial, MATLAB Instrument Control Toolbox) are supported for script-driven method development and batch processing. Analog inputs enable real-time flow modulation based on external sensor feedback (e.g., UV absorbance or conductivity signals), facilitating adaptive gradient programming. All control parameters—including flow setpoint, pressure limit, and run/stop state—are logged with timestamps when interfaced with host data acquisition systems, supporting ALCOA+ data integrity principles.

Applications

• HPLC and UHPLC gradient elution with sub-2 µm particle columns requiring stable flow at >1,000 psi.
• Preparative LC purification of pharmaceutical intermediates, natural products, and oligonucleotides using 10–100 mL/min flow rates.
• Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) co-solvent delivery where precise organic modifier dosing is critical.
• Automated column regeneration and system flushing protocols in multi-user core facilities.
• Calibration standard delivery in reference material certification labs adhering to ISO/IEC 17025.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous operating pressure for the 10 mL head configuration?
The LS CLASS pump maintains rated performance up to 6,000 psi (414 bar) continuously with the 5 mL and 10 mL displacement heads—verified per SSI internal test protocol LS-QA-023.
Can the pump be integrated into a 21 CFR Part 11-compliant workflow?
While the pump itself does not include embedded electronic signatures or audit trails, its deterministic command-response behavior and timestamp-capable host logging make it suitable for Part 11–aligned architectures when paired with validated third-party control software and procedural controls.
Is PEEK tubing compatible with all pressure ranges?
PEEK is approved for use up to 5,000 psi (345 bar) per manufacturer specifications; for full 6,000 psi operation, stainless steel or Hastelloy fluidic pathways are recommended.
How often does the pump require recalibration?
SSI recommends annual flow and pressure verification against NIST-traceable standards; frequency may increase to semi-annual in high-throughput GMP environments per internal SOP QM-017.
Does the pump support pulse-free flow for light-scattering detectors?
Its ≤2% pulsation specification at low flows meets the sensitivity threshold for most multi-angle light scattering (MALS) and refractive index (RI) detectors—additional dampening modules are available as optional accessories (Part No. DAMP-LS-01).