Peristaltic Pump Online Sampler with Fraction Collector

What is the Peristaltic Pump Online Sampler with Fraction Collector?

A peristaltic pump online sampler continuously or intermittently pumps medium from each vessel through filters to a collector or UV detector and back to the vessel. It is used when concentration monitoring or collecting many fractions for HPLC is needed.

Overview

Multi-channel peristaltic pumps draw medium through tubing from filtered probes placed in each vessel. In continuous mode, medium flows through a spectrophotometer flow cell and returns to the vessel, giving near-real-time concentration profiles. In fraction mode, valves direct discrete samples into vials on a fraction collector for HPLC analysis. Tubing diameter and pump speed set flow from about 2 to 20 mL/min. Because sample is returned or replaced, vessel volume changes are minimal. Dead volume in the lines must be corrected or flushed, and tubing adsorption must be evaluated for lipophilic drugs. The system can handle both UV and HPLC workflows, and is widely used in laboratories that run many vessels and need continuous profiling. Peristaltic pumps are robust and need only tubing replacement as routine maintenance, typically every few hundred hours.

How does it work?

A sampling system places a filtered probe in the compendial sampling zone of each vessel and moves a defined volume of medium by syringe pump, peristaltic pump or vacuum to the destination. Valves select the channel, timers trigger sampling at preset times, and flush steps clear the lines. Probes are fitted with filters, typically 10 µm full-flow or 0.45 µm, which stop dissolution by removing undissolved particles. In-situ fibre-optic probes skip withdrawal entirely and measure absorbance in the vessel. Data such as time, volume and vial position are logged. Performance depends on timing accuracy, volume accuracy, dead volume, adsorption to tubing and filters, and the effect of the probe on hydrodynamics. Replacement of sampled volume with fresh medium can keep vessel volume constant.

What are the key features?

• Multi-channel peristaltic pumps for 6 to 12 vessels
• Continuous UV flow-cell mode or discrete fraction mode
• Flow adjustable from about 2 to 20 mL/min
• Sample return to vessel limits volume change
• Fraction collector with vial racks for HPLC
• Low-adsorption tubing options including PTFE and PharMed

What are the technical specifications?

A typical peristaltic pump online sampler with fraction collector configuration offers pump channels of 6–12, flow rate of 2–20 mL/min, tubing material of silicone, PharMed, PTFE, filter size of 10 µm or 0.45 µm, fraction vials of up to 192 and flow cell path length of 1, 2 or 10 mm. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Peristaltic Pump Online Sampler with Fraction Collector is used in continuous dissolution profiling, HPLC fraction collection, long-duration release tests and high-throughput QC. Across the wider Sampling Systems class, laboratories also deploy it for dissolution profile automation, regulated QC testing and extended-release studies.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include USP <711>, USP <1092>, Ph. Eur. 2.9.3, JP 6.10, ChP 0931, ASTM E2503 and 21 CFR Part 11. Certification candidates for this model are CE and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Validate automated sampling against manual pulls during OQ and method transfer, checking timing, volume accuracy and carry-over. Clean and inspect probes and cannulas regularly, since blockage and film build-up affect recovery. Replace pump tubing and filters per schedule, and evaluate drug adsorption on tubing and filters. Keep cannula position within the compendial zone and avoid contact with paddles or baskets. Ensure software provides audit trail, user access control and time-stamped records. Include samplers in preventive maintenance and calibration programs alongside the dissolution tester.

How do I select the right Peristaltic Pump Online Sampler with Fraction Collector?

Choose this sampler for continuous profiles or many fractions across six to twelve vessels. Specify tubing material, flow cell path length, vial racks, and how dead volume is handled. For exact aliquot volumes and minimal tubing adsorption, a syringe-pump sampler may be preferable. Confirm the intended number of fractions per run.

How does it compare with other Sampling Systems variants?

Match the system to the number of time points, unattended operation needs and analytical method. Syringe-pump samplers give accurate aliquots and suit vial-based HPLC analysis. Peristaltic online systems suit continuous UV profiles and fraction collection. Fibre-optic probes give the fastest time resolution without withdrawal but need UV-active, non-interfering analytes. Media replacement is worth having when withdrawn volume exceeds a few percent of vessel volume. Manual kits suit single-point QC and backup. Key specifications are timing accuracy, volume accuracy, channel count, filter options, carry-over, compatibility with the existing tester and software data integrity. Validate against manual sampling before replacing it in a regulated method.