SSI LS LITE High-Pressure Constant Flow Pump (Economy Single-Head HPLC Pump)

Overview

The SSI LS LITE High-Pressure Constant Flow Pump is an engineered solution for laboratories requiring robust, repeatable solvent delivery in isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and related fluid-handling applications. Based on a single-plunger reciprocating architecture, the pump delivers precise, pulse-dampened flow across its operational range—designed to minimize baseline noise and improve retention time stability in analytical separations. Its low-dead-volume pulse dampener and rapid refill cycle ensure near-continuous flow profiles, critical for consistent detector response and method reproducibility. Unlike gradient-capable systems, the LS LITE is optimized for simplicity, reliability, and cost-efficiency in fixed-composition mobile phase delivery, making it particularly suited for routine QC testing, method development, preparative fraction collection, and non-regulated research environments where regulatory-grade audit trails are not mandated.

Key Features

• Single-plunger design with integrated low-dead-volume pulse dampener achieving ≤2% pulsation at 1 mL/min and 1,000 psi—ensuring stable baseline performance in UV-Vis and fluorescence detection.
• Three standard flow rate configurations: 5 mL/min, 10 mL/min, and 40 mL/min models—each rated for maximum pressures up to 6,000 psi (stainless steel path) or 5,000 psi (PEEK path), supporting both standard analytical and semi-preparative workflows.
• High-accuracy fluid path constructed from chemically inert, biocompatible materials including 316 stainless steel, PEEK, sapphire, ruby, UHMWPE, and PTFE—compatible with aggressive solvents (e.g., THF, acetonitrile, low-pH buffers) and biomolecule applications.
• Front-panel interactive keypad with dedicated Run/Stop controls, real-time status indicators, and one-touch prime/purge functionality—enabling rapid system conditioning without external software.
• Micro-USB interface for direct PC communication, supporting remote parameter setting, runtime monitoring, and event logging—compatible with third-party acquisition platforms via ASCII command protocol.
• Integrated outlet filter and removable drip tray enhance operational safety and simplify maintenance; compact footprint (16.5 × 17.8 × 40.6 cm) supports benchtop integration in space-constrained labs.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LS LITE accommodates a broad spectrum of mobile phases used in reversed-phase, ion-exchange, size-exclusion, and hydrophilic interaction chromatography—including aqueous buffers, organic modifiers, and mildly corrosive solvents. Its PEEK- and stainless-steel-compatible pressure ratings meet ASTM D3359 and ISO 8502-3 requirements for material compatibility under sustained high-pressure conditions. While not pre-certified for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, the pump’s deterministic control logic, non-volatile parameter storage, and USB-based event logging support GLP/GMP-aligned documentation practices when deployed within validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS). It conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU for electromagnetic compatibility.

Software & Data Management

The LS LITE operates autonomously via front-panel controls but also supports bidirectional communication over Micro-USB using a documented ASCII command set. This enables integration into custom Python-, LabVIEW-, or MATLAB-based automation scripts for scheduled runs, flow calibration routines, or synchronized detector triggering. No proprietary driver installation is required—standard CDC ACM-class enumeration allows plug-and-play operation on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Logged events (e.g., start/stop timestamps, pressure alarms, prime cycles) are timestamped and stored in volatile memory; persistent logging requires external capture via host application. For regulated environments, users may implement supplementary audit trail generation through middleware that captures and signs all USB-sent commands and responses.

Applications

• Routine isocratic HPLC analysis for pharmaceutical impurity profiling, food additive quantification, and environmental contaminant screening.
• Semi-preparative LC purification of peptides, natural products, and synthetic intermediates at flow rates up to 40 mL/min.
• Flow-controlled reagent metering in automated synthesis reactors and continuous-flow chemistry setups.
• Bio-compatible separations involving proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and oligonucleotides—leveraging inert PEEK/sapphire fluidics to minimize adsorption and degradation.
• Calibration and verification of flow sensors, detectors, and column backpressure models in method validation studies.
• Teaching laboratories requiring durable, intuitive instrumentation for chromatography fundamentals instruction.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating pressure for the 10 mL/min model?
The SSI LS LITE 10 mL/min configuration supports up to 6,000 psi with stainless steel fluidic components and 5,000 psi when PEEK is used in the high-pressure path.
Does the pump support gradient elution?
No—the LS LITE is a fixed-composition (isocratic) pump and does not include dual-channel mixing or proportioning valves required for gradient operation.
Can the pump be controlled remotely via Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
Remote control is limited to Micro-USB connectivity; no native Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or analog voltage input options are available.
Is firmware upgrade capability provided?
Firmware updates are available via SSI technical support upon request and require Micro-USB connection and authorized utility software.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the plunger seal and check valves?
Under typical use (≤4,000 psi, aqueous/organic solvents), plunger seals should be inspected every 6 months or after 1,000 hours of operation; check valves are rated for ≥5,000 cycles before replacement.