SFC Prep 350 System

The Waters SFC Prep 350 System represents a significant advancement in bulk-scale supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) purification, addressing the growing demand for faster, more cost-effective, and sustainable purification methods in laboratories. As one of the largest lab-scale SFC systems available, the SFC Prep 350 is designed to handle purification tasks from hundreds of grams to kilogram scales, making it an ideal choice for large-scale compound purification projects.

The system is engineered to maximize throughput and efficiency in compound purification. It features a high-pressure CO2 pump and a co-solvent pump, which can deliver a maximum flow rate of 350 mL/min. This capability is perfect for use with 50 mm ID columns and can accommodate up to 800 mg of material per injection. Such high capacity ensures that large volumes of samples can be processed quickly, significantly increasing laboratory productivity.

One of the standout features of the SFC Prep 350 is its stacked injection module. This module allows for repeated injections of the same material without the need to reload, streamlining the purification process and enhancing throughput. Additionally, the introduction of modifier stream injection improves sample loading and minimizes peak distortion often caused by strong solvent effects, leading to cleaner and more consistent results.

Cost efficiency is a key aspect of the SFC Prep 350 System. It employs a classic cyclonic collection system that is not only easy to use but also durable and reliable, reducing maintenance costs and downtime. The simplicity of the system's design extends to its ChromScope Software, which is equipped with user-friendly wizards that aid in designing and executing experiments.

The system includes an Automated Back Pressure Regulator (ABPR) that maintains optimal conditions for efficient separation, crucial for the recovery of high-purity products such as enantiomers, complex synthetic chemicals, and natural products. The incorporation of a UV-Vis detector for peak detection further enhances the system's capabilities, allowing for accurate monitoring and identification of the desired compounds during the purification process.

The SFC Prep 350 System's fraction collection module is equipped with six separators, enabling the collection of liters of material. This feature is particularly beneficial for applications requiring the recovery of large quantities of purified products, such as in pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and natural product extraction sectors.

In short, the Waters SFC Prep 350 System is a robust, simple, and productive solution for laboratories seeking efficient and sustainable options for large-scale SFC purification. Its combination of high-performance features, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness makes it an exemplary choice for today's high-demand laboratory environments, ensuring that it not only meets but exceeds the diverse requirements of modern scientific research and industrial applications.

How does supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) differ from traditional LC for preparative work?
Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) differs from traditional liquid chromatography (LC) primarily in its use of supercritical CO₂ as the primary mobile phase, often modified with small amounts of organic solvents like methanol. This fundamental shift offers significant advantages in preparative workflows. SFC provides faster separations, lower viscosity, and higher diffusion rates, enabling higher flow rates and shorter run times without sacrificing resolution.

Because CO₂ is easily removed through depressurization, SFC also allows for more efficient drying of collected fractions, simplifying downstream processing. Compared to preparative LC, SFC can reduce solvent usage, minimize environmental impact, and lower purification costs—all while delivering high throughput and scalability for both chiral and achiral compounds.

What is the maximum flow rate and pressure capacity of the SFC Prep 350 System?
The Waters SFC Prep 350 System is built to handle the demands of high-throughput preparative separations. It supports flow rates up to 350 mL/min, enabling the purification of larger sample loads in less time. The system operates at pressures up to 400 bar (approximately 5,800 psi), which is necessary to maintain CO₂ in its supercritical state during the chromatographic process. These capabilities make the SFC Prep 350 suitable for a wide range of purification scales, from mid- to large-scale compound isolation, while maintaining the precise control needed for method reproducibility and consistent fraction collection.

What software is used to control the SFC Prep 350 System?
The SFC Prep 350 System is controlled using Waters ChromScope™ Software, a user-friendly platform designed specifically for preparative chromatography workflows. ChromScope enables full system control, including method setup, detector management, real-time monitoring, and automated fraction collection. The software supports both isocratic and gradient elution, with intuitive interface elements for adjusting flow rates, pressures, temperatures, and solvent composition.

For users in regulated environments, ChromScope also includes features for data logging, audit trails, and report generation, helping meet documentation and compliance requirements. The platform streamlines purification processes while maintaining high levels of flexibility and traceability.