KNAUER offers preparative HPLC systems for flow rates up to 1,000 ml/min and pressure stability up to 400 bar (5.800 psi). A Prepline basic system has a footprint of just 22 x 40 cm (W x D) and can be operated either manually or with KNAUER preparative LC software for fully automatic control and advanced fraction collection options.

Precision solvent delivery system

Heart of the system is the KNAUER Preparative HPLC Pump 1800, featuring a double piston pump head and a smart drive control for extremely low pulsation for extended column lifetime. This preparative HPLC system is also available in a biocompatible version with titanium pump heads and tubing. Changing the pump head can be done very easily.

Choice of binary, ternary or quaternary gradient LC

The Prepline isocratic HPLC pump can be easily upgraded to work as a preparative HPLC gradient pump - with both high pressure or low pressure gradient formation. The Prepline HPLC systems support up to quaternary high pressure gradients (one pump controls up to 3 additional pumps) or cost-effective low pressure gradients with optionally available solenoid valves (binary up to 1,000 ml/min, ternary up to 220 ml/min).

Isocratic HPLC system Preparative Pump 1800	flow rate range (max. pressure): 0.1-100 ml/min (400 bar, 5800 psi) 0.1-250 ml/min (200 bar, 2900 psi) 0.1-500 ml/min (100 bar, 1450 psi) 0.1-1,000 ml/min (50 bar, 730 psi)
Binary low pressure gradient system Preparative Pump 1800 + binary gradient block	flow rate range (max. pressure): 0.1-100 ml/min (400 bar, 5800 psi) 0.1-250 ml/min (200 bar, 2900 psi) 0.1-500 ml/min (100 bar, 1450 psi) 0.1-1,000 ml/min (50 bar, 730 psi)
Ternary low pressure gradient system Preparative Pump 1800 + ternary gradient block	flow rate range (max. pressure): 0.1-100 ml/min (400 bar, 5800 psi) 0.1-250 ml/min (200 bar, 2900 psi)
Binary, ternary, or quaternary high pressure gradient HPLC systems most accurate gradient formation with 2, 3, or 4 Preparative Pump 1800	flow rate range (max. pressure): 0.1-100 ml/min (400 bar, 5800 psi) 0.1-250 ml/min (200 bar, 2900 psi) 0.1-500 ml/min (100 bar, 1450 psi) 0.1-1.000 ml/min (50 bar, 730 psi)
The table shows possible Prepline preparative HPLC system types (isocratic, gradient) and their flow rate ranges and maximum pressure values. The max. flow rate values are identical to the respective pump head size.

Injection and fractionation

The compact Preparative Module 6100 rounds out the Prepline basic system by adding a feed pump, an automated 6 port/3 channel injection valve and a fractionation/solvent recycling valve, all in one module, enabling automatic injection and fraction collection. The 13 port/1 channel valve allows for fractions to be collected directly to containers of any size. The Preparative Module 6100 can be equipped with biocompatible PEEK valves and titanium pump heads. KNAUER offers Preparative Sample Loops with piston mechanism to avoid dilution of the sample (available in 11 or 45 ml). KNAUER also offers a selection of other fraction collectors to support a wide range of collection size and number.

Detectors for almost any LC application

The Prepline HPLC system can be combined with different types of detectors, e.g. UV detectors, PDA detectors, and RI detectors from the KNAUER product range. All feature digital and analog output to support software-controlled fraction collection as well as direct control of fraction collectors by detector signal. As a special feature, some of the KNAUER detectors are equipped with fiber optics connectors which allow for positioning the preparative flow cell outside of the detector, adding the flexibility to make measurements under extreme thermal or hazardous conditions. The flow cells are also available in a biocompatible PEEK version.

• Photo diode array detectors ...More »
• UV detectors ...More »
• Refractive index detectors ...More »
• Many other types available, including fluorescence, ELSD, amperometric, conductivity, and radioflow

Minimum Space Requirements

A basic Prepline HPLC system boasts a remarkable footprint of just 22 x 40 cm (W x D). When equipped with a Preparative Pump 1800 and the Preparative Module 6100, the Prepline system ranks among the most compact preparative HPLC purification solutions on the market.

Preparative HPLC system control

KNAUER instruments can be controlled either directly from the touchpad display for stand-alone use or via the modern and fully network capable ChromGate® software. Based on the well-known EZChrom kernel, ChromGate® software implements GLP functions and complies to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 regulations.
Addition of the FRC option enables control of a variety of fraction collectors for time-based or detector-controlled fraction collection and includes functions for solvent recycling and "peak shaving". Fractionation can be triggered by time (volume), signal level or slope and even spectral similarity. Logical operations of these criteria are also supported. Just one sample chromatogram is sufficient to optimize the fractionation of value products, without the need for any additional waste of sample or solvent. Other features include an auto-recover function for interrupted runs as well as a Direct Control Mode for interaction with running methods. The package of ChromGate® software with added FRC option is one of the most advanced preparative HPLC software solutions on the market.