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Laboratory fraction collectors: how can chromatographic eluate collection be automated?

Indispensable for chromatography, the fraction collector automates the collection of eluate fractions with no loss or cross-contamination. Whether you’re working in preparative HPLC, FPLC for proteins or flash chromatography, it can fractionate by time, volume or a peak-detection signal (UV, MS). Racks for tubes, bottles or microplates, solvent-compatible PEEK/PTFE materials, and lid or refrigeration options help you safeguard your compounds, improve reproducibility and free up operator time. From ultra-low volumes to high flow rates, fast switching minimises dead volume; suitable for use in a fume cupboard or cold room, it effectively extends your column for clean, traceable purification.

What are the different types of fraction collector?

There are several families, to choose according to the technique and the target flow rate.

• Standalone universal: control by time, volume or drop counting. Versatile, ideal for flash or small-scale purifications.
• HPLC/preparative HPLC: trigger on peak detection (UV/ELSD/MS via TTL contact), minimal dead volume and very short switching time for clean fractions even at steep gradients.
• Biocompatible FPLC: flow paths in PEEK or titanium, low pressures, compatible with saline buffers and proteins; enclosed racks to limit oxidation and contamination.
• Refrigerated / enclosed: chilled lid or enclosure for thermosensitive compounds or volatile solvents; useful in metabolomics and lipid purification.
• Plate microfractionators: deposition into 96/384 wells for high-throughput screening, MS or NMR.

Selection criteria: software integration (system-controlled or standalone), trigger modes (time, volume, peak, mass-directed via LC-MS), rack capacity (12–50 mL tubes, 250–1000 mL bottles, microplates), chemical compatibility (PTFE/PEEK), switching speed and dead volume, management of rinsing between fractions, safety (lid, bunded tray), compact footprint for use in a fume hood.

TypePrincipleApplications
Analytical HPLCUV/signal triggering, low dead volumeTargeted isolations, impurities, metabolites
Preparative HPLCFast valves, large bottlesmg–g purification, pharma/chem scale-up
Biocompatible FPLCPEEK fluidics, low pressuresProteins, enzymes, antibodies
FlashTime/volume/dropsOrganic purification, natural products
Microplates96/384-well depositionScreening, LC-MS, NMR


Sustainability: solvent reduction via peak algorithms, selective recovery, and safety trays for responsible waste management. Maintenance (rinsing, inert lines) ensures performance and longevity.

In which fields are fraction collectors used?

The fraction collector is used wherever separation helps you analyse, formulate or produce better.

• Life sciences / Biotech : purification of proteins, enzymes and vectors; biocompatible FPLC and cold storage to preserve activity.
• Pharmaceutical : preparative and mass-directed HPLC to isolate impurities and APIs, with support for scale-up and QC.

• Organic chemistry : flash chromatography and prep HPLC to isolate intermediates and final compounds with UV monitoring.
• Food & Cosmetics : fractionation of flavours, actives and contaminants; collection in sealed racks to prevent volatile losses.
• Environment : sample concentrates, HPLC/LC-MS for pollutants; deposition into microplates for targeted screening.
• R&D & QC : reproducible collection for characterisation, stability studies and sample banks, with enhanced traceability via software and rack barcodes.

The different types of fraction collectors available

Frequently asked questions about fraction collectors

How do I choose between time, volume or peak detection triggering?
Time/volume works well for simple separations. For closely eluting peaks or gradients, peak detection (UV/MS) gives clean cuts and reduces carryover.

Can an HPLC fraction collector be used in FPLC for proteins?
Yes, if the fluidics are biocompatible (PEEK, titanium) and the pressure rating is appropriate. Otherwise, prefer an FPLC model to avoid adsorption and saline corrosion.

What rack capacity should be prioritised for preparative work?
In prep HPLC, go for 250–1000 mL bottles and a fast switch. In analytical workflows, 12–50 mL tubes are sufficient; in screening, 96/384-well microplates.

How can I minimise dead volume and product losses?
Choose valves with low dead volume, shorten the lines, use a rinse between fractions, and place the collector as close as possible to the detector/column.

Is it compatible with aggressive or flammable solvents?
Favour PTFE/PEEK and work in a fume cupboard. Check seals and the manufacturer’s material limits; spill trays and lids reduce vapours and risks.

What are good maintenance practices?
Rinse after use, purge the lines, check valves and drip trays/gutters, replace seals periodically. Store dry; disinfect according to SOP.

Can the collector be controlled from my chromatography system?
Yes, via TTL/contact-closure signals or software drivers. Integration enables methods, fraction log and full traceability (rack IDs, volumes, timestamps).