AF2000 MultiFlow FFF - Universal Separator

AF2000 MT - Mid Temperature Flow FFF

The most sophisticated Advanced-Level Flow FFF system for Research and QC Applications.

Application Range

The AF2000 MT is the modular Advanced-Level system of the Postnova AF2000 MultiFlow platform. The system includes sophisiticated temperature control and runs at conditions from 5° to 90°C. This makes the system even more stable due to the temperature stabilized diffusion process. Also separations of fragile biomolecules at lower temperatures as well as high molar mass macromolecules requiring higher temperatures are possible. The AF2000 MT therefore offers the highest reproducibility and the maximum application range within the AF2000 MultiFlow Platform. The system is ideal for special research applications in university, public and industrial research groups and also for high demanding QC applications in production environments. The AF2000 MT is the best choice for advanced FFF groups which want to work at the highest technical level and expect maximum performance from their FFF. The system is available as aqueous metal-free, stainless steel and multisolvent version and can be run with a broad range of aqueous and organic solvents. Planar Asymmetric Flow FFF (AF4) and circular HollowFiber Flow FFF (HF5) channels are standard and can be used at the same time. Various detection principles, such as UV-Absorbance (UV), Refractive Index (RI), Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) can be coupled easily online.

System Hardware

It is Postnova's clear mission to only offer fully optimized and professional FFF hardware, software and support solutions. Therefore the AF2000 MT series is a completely optimized Flow FFF system, which contains all necessary standard modules and components in the package, that are required for a robust, reliable and stable operable Flow FFF system. There is no need for assembling and utilizing semi-suited third party HPLC components, which are often just made for other purposes, show less flexibility and are not available in the strict specifications needed for FFF applications. The AF2000 MT series is a true ready-to-use non-compromise Flow FFF system, where no additional components are required. The system incorporates the complete set of Postnova's proven FFF technologies, such as FocusTech, ChannelCartridge and SyringeXFlow, which make it the most easy-to-use, robust and reproducible system available. The AF2000 MT system is comprising an Eluent Organizer (PN7205), an Eluent Degasser (PN7520), an Eluent Pump (PN1130), a Focus Pump (PN1130), a Flow FFF Control Module with integrated electronic interface and cross-flow syringe pump (AF2000 Module), a FFF Channel Thermostat with Manual Injector Holder (PN4020), a user-selectable Asymmetric / HollowFiber Flow FFF channel (AF4/HF5) and a Control PC with the NovaFFF software suite for operation of the AF2000 MT system.

Additional System Options

The AF2000 MT Flow FFF is available in different versions and additionally can be upgraded and customized for special applications by adding extra system options. This can be done at date of purchase or later as an upgrade.

• EFS Eluent Filtration System
• UVD Eluent Disinfection Module
• SAM Manual/Auto Injector with Options
• ELC Aqu. Metal-free/Organic/MultiSolvent
• AF4/HF5 Channel Versions and Membranes
• S3 Outlet Splitting Sensitivity Enhancer
• RID Refractive Index Detection System
• UVD Absorbance Detection System
• FLD Fluorescence Detection System
• MALS Multi-Angle Light Scattering Detector
• DLS Zetasizer* Dynamic Light Scattering Detector
• ICP-MS Online Connection and Interface
• HCT Multi Heated Capillary Thermostat
• FRA Automatic Fraction Collector with Options

System Software

The unique NovaFFF single software platform is used for full control and data acquisition of the entire AF2000 MT Flow FFF together with associated peripheric modules (such as Auto Injector, Fraction Collectors) and detectors (LS, RI, UV, FLD). The software also allows comprehensive data analysis and evaluation based on Relative Standard Calibration and Absolute Light Scattering methods. Furthermore the software is also the platform to run all mayor FFF versions, including AF2000 MultiFlow FFF, CF2000 Centrifugal FFF and TF2000 Thermal FFF. This together with additional features, makes NovaFFF the most advanced and leading software platform available for FFF applications today.

Service & Support

In order to assist our users in achieving the best results and getting the maximum output from their FFF system without any time delay, Postnova offers a series of differently adjusted services and support activities. These services have been optimized to perfectly fit each step the live cycle of any FFF system, from installation and initial training, via maintenance during operation all the way to relocation and upgrade services to keep up with new technological developments.

• Installation Services
• User Training Courses
• System Maintenance
• Relocation Services
• Upgrade & Update Services

Further customized services and special maintenance contracts are available for the FFF systems including detection and also for some selected modules of the systems. Please inquire at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Zetasizer* is a trademark of Malvern Instr. www.malvern.com

AF2000 HT - High Temperature Flow FFF

The most sophisticated Advanced-Level Flow FFF system for Research and QC Applications.

Application Range

The AF2000 HT is the special modular Top-Level system of the Postnova AF2000 MultiFlow platform. The system includes special temperature control and runs at conditions from room temperature of 20° up to high temperature of 220°C. This makes the system unique and allows separation of Polyolefins and other macromolecules which require special organic eluents and elevated temperature conditions for analysis. The application focus is in the area of separation and characterization of high molar mass and ultra-high molar mass polyethylene and polypropylene. The AF2000 HT offers the highest working temperature and allows the most harsh conditions and solvents of all Flow FFF system within the AF2000 MultiFlow Platform. The system is ideal for special university and public research groups working in the area of polyolefin and high temperature polymers. Even more suitable is the AF2000 HT also for industrial users from polyolefin manufacturers and chemical companies which seek for an advanced analysis tool for product development and demanding QC applications. The AF2000 HT system is available as stainless version only and can be run with a broad range of organic solvents. The system is using special High Temperature Asymmetric Flow FFF (AF4) channels made from stainless steel and ceramics. As detection principles, Infrared (IR), Refractive Index (RI), Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) and Viscometry (VIS) can be coupled online.

System Hardware

It is Postnova's clear mission to only offer fully optimized and professional FFF hardware, software and support solutions. Therefore the AF2000 HT series is a completely optimized Flow FFF system, which contains all necessary standard modules and components in the package, that are required for a robust, reliable and stable operation. There is no need for assembling and utilizing semi-suited third party HPLC components, which are often just made for other purposes, show less flexibility and are not available in the strict specifications needed for FFF applications. The AF2000 HT system incorporates the complete set of Postnova's proven FFF technologies, such as FocusTech, Ceramic ChannelCartridge and SyringeXFlow. This makes it possible to run the machines even under the harsh high-temperature conditions, where other FFF designs would fail immediately. In the AF2000 HT configuration the system is comprising an Eluent Organizer (PN7205), an Eluent Degasser (PN7520), a stainless steel Eluent Pump (PN1130), a stainless steel Focus Pump (PN1130), a stainless steel Flow FFF Control Module with integrated electronic interface and cross-flow syringe pump (AF2000 Module), a High Temperature FFF Channel Thermostat with integrated High Temparture Auto Injector Holder (PN4050), a special stainless steel ceramic composite Asymmetric Flow FFF channel (AF4) and a Control PC with the NovaFFF software suite for operation of the AF2000 HT system.

Additional System Options

The AF2000 HT Flow FFF is available with different detector options and can be customized for special polyolefin and other high-temperature polyolefin applications.

• EFS Organic Eluent Filtration System
• AF4 High Temperature Channel Versions
• RID Refractive Index Detection System
• IR4 Infrared Composition-Detection System
• MALS Multi-Angle Light Scattering Detector
• VISCO High Temperature Viscometric Detections

System Software

The unique NovaFFF single software platform together with a special HT Thermostat software control is used for full control and data acquisition of the entire AF2000 HT Flow FFF together with associated peripheric modules and detectors. The software allows comprehensive data analysis and evaluation based on Relative Standard Calibration and Absolute Light Scattering methods, plus included Viscometer calculations. NovaFFF is the software platform which is used to run all mayor Postnova FFF versions, including AF2000 AT and MT Flow FFF, CF2000 Centrifugal FFF and TF2000 Thermal FFF. This together with additional features for polymer analysis, such as branching analysis, makes NovaFFF the most advanced and leading software platform available for any FFF application today.

Service & Support

In order to assist our users in achieving the best results and getting the maximum output from their FFF system without any time delay, Postnova offers a series of differently adjusted services and support activities. These services have been optimized to perfectly fit each step the live-cycle of any FFF system, from installation and initial training, via maintenance during operation all the way to relocation and upgrade services to keep up with new technological developments.

• Installation Services
• User Training Courses
• System Maintenance
• Relocation Services
• Upgrade & Update Services

Further customized services and special maintenance contracts are available for the FFF systems including detection and also for some selected modules of the systems. Please inquire at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Zetasizer* is a trademark of Malvern Instr. www.malvern.com

Broad Separation Range

The AF2000 platform can separate molecules and particles from 1 nm up into the µm range. This can be achieved using the same separation channel by changing the separation programs via the powerful NovaFFF software. This also means that mixtures of molecules and particles can be separated in the same experiment, for example proteins and nanoparticles in drug-delivery development.

Gentle Separation Conditions

Because of the open channel and the absence of any stationary phase, the separation is performed under the absence of shear forces and stress to the particles or macromolecule. Typical chromatography problems, such as filtering/adsorption effects and shear induced degradation can be avoided.

FOCUS Technology

The AF2000 platform incorporates Postnova’s FOCUS technology to ensure a continuous and stable detector flow at all times. This provides a more stable and reproducible detector signals and is an absolute necessity to be able to connect flow sensitive devices such as refractive index (RI) or viscometer detectors. Additionally, the technology provides higher sample recovery, resolution and sensitivity. Another striking advantage of the Focus technology is the channel outlet which can be directly connected to the detector without any valves or T-pieces included. This ensures short transfer lines, low dead volumes and minimized band broadening.

Cross Flow System

Postnova uses advanced technology for generating the cross flow inside the FFF channel based on a dual syringe pump that is controlled in a unique way to minimise any pulsation. The pump is completely inert and can easily produce constant and absolute flows ranging from 0.005 to 10 mL/min for different solvents. By using this volumetric based syringe pump technology, Postnova can ensure the cross flow rate is reproducible, stable and independent of the solvent composition and temperature.

Flexibility & Interfaceability

The AF2000 series was developed as a modular system to give the maximum flexibility for system configuration and upgradeability. In addition, the open architecture of the system allows the integration of many components including detectors from 3rd party companies such as DLS and ICP-MS.

Ceramic Membrane

The channel cartridges used in the AF2000 HT system are based on Postnova’s new ceramic composite membrane technology. This membrane is inert, can be used at high temperatures and maybe regenerated many times before it needs to be replaced by a new cartridge.

Broad Separation Range

Other than as in HTGPC, the separation in HTFFF can also be performed for polymers up to molar masses of 109 Da. No size exclusion effect is observed, making HTFFF the ideal tool for the separation of large and ultra-large polymers or even nanoparticles.

Gentle Separation Conditions

Because of the open channel and the absence of any stationary phase the separation can be performed under the absence of shear forces and stress to the macromolecule. Typical HTGPC problems, such as filtering/adsorption effects, shear induced chain degradation and late elution effects can be avoided.

FOCUS Technology

The AF2000 HT incorporates Postnova’s FOCUS technology, to ensure a continuous and stable detector flow at any time. This is an absolute necessity, to be able to connect flow sensitive Viscometers and RI detectors. Additionally to this, the technology provides also a higher sample recovery, higher resolution and sensitivity. Another striking advantage of the Focus technology is that the channel outlet can be directly connected to the detector without any valves or T-pieces build in between. This ensures short transfer line, low dead volumes and minimized band broadening.

Cross Flow System

Postnova is using a technology for generating the cross flow inside the FFF channel, based on a double syringe pump. This pump is controlled in a special unique way avoiding any pulsation. The pump is completely inert and can easily produce constant and absolute flows ranging from 0,005 to 10 mL/min for different solvents. Using the volumetric based syringe pump technology, a certain volume per time is removed independently from the nature of the solvent and the temperature.

Applications, Application Notes and Publications

Applications

 

Biotechnology:

• Viruses
• Aggregates
• Cell Organelles
• Bioparticles

Pharma:

• Proteins
• Antibodies
• Liposomes
• Drug Delivery
• Micelles

Environment:

• Humic and Fulvic Acid
• Environmental Colloids
• Clay Particles

Material Science:

• Latex Beads
• Nanoparticles
• High-Tech Nano Materials

Polymers:

• Biopolymers
• Starches
• Polyelectrolytes
• Technical Polymers

Applications, Application Notes and Publications

 

 

 

Applications

 

Polythylene:

• LDPE
• LLDPE
• HDPE
• UHMWPE

Polypropylene:

• Prolypropylene in its different variations

 

HTFFF in general is the ideal choice for high and ultra-high molar mass polymers.

Temperature Range:

• Cooling real 5°C
• Heating max. 80°C

Measurement Range:

• Particles: 1 nm to 100 µm
• Polymers: 500 Da to 10¹² Da

Channel Dimensions:

• Volume: between 0,5 -1,5 mL
• Size: 335 x 60 x 40 mm
• Thickness: 350 µm (other sizes available on request)

Carrier Liquids:

• Aqueous: any aqueous liquid, pH from 2 - 11 (depending on acid and conditions, please inquire), ionic strength from DI water to saline
• Organic: THF, MeOH, etc

Membranes:

• reg. Cellulose, PC, PES
• Molar Mass: 0,3; 1; 2; 4; 5; 10; 30; 100 kDa

Detectors:

• UV
• RI
• Laser Light Scattering
• Viscometry
• Fluorescence and more
• multiple detectors in line

Channel Flow Ranges:

• 0 - 10 mL/ min

Cross Flow Range: 

• 6.25 µL/min - 7.5 mL/ min

Pressure Limit: 

• 0 - 35 bar

Power Requirements:

• 110 V or 240 V, 50/60 Hz; 2,5 A

PC Requirements:

• Windows OS, min.64 MB RAM, 2 RS232 ports

Software System:

• NovaFFF AF2000 Control
• NovaFFF Analysis

Maintenance Parts:

• consumables
• pistons and piston seals
• inline filters
• membranes

Injection Volume:

• 1 - 1000 µL 
• Standard 20 µL
• Optional > 1000 µL

Injected Sample Mass:

• Typical injection mass 20 - 100 µg

Injection Method:

• Via manual injection valve
• Via PN5300 autosampler

Temperature Range:

• Cooling real 20°C
• Heating max. 220°C

Measurement Range:

• Polymers: 10⁴ - 10⁹ Da / Nanoparticles: 1 nm - 10 µm (depending on membrane and sample material)

Channel Cartridge System:

Postnova channel system:

• New Ceramic-Stainless Steel Comsposite Channel
• Lower Membrane Cut-Off: 5x104 Da (polystyrene)
• Inner Volume: 0,5 -1,5 mL depending on spacer
• Inner Channel Height: 350 µm
• Outer Dimensions: 335 x 60 x 40 mm

Applicable Solvent Systems:

• Organic: TCB and other typical organic solvents
• Aqueous: Polar aqueous solvents may be used for certain applications

Connected Detector Systems:

The same which are used in HT 

GPC can also be used in HTFFF

• Low/ Right/ Multi Angle Light Scattering for MW/ Rg
• Viscometric Detection MW/ Rh
• RI for Concentration
• Infrared Detection for Polyolefin Concentration
• Other Technologies possible

Flow Rate Ranges / Pressure:

• Detector Flow from Channel Outlet 0,01 - 2,0 mL/min
• Cross Flow 6.25 µL/min - 7.5 mL/min
• Channel Pressure up to 50 bar maximum

Required Analysis Time:

• Typically 10 - 20 min

Electrical Power Requirements:

• 230 V, 50 Hz: Min-Max / 1,2 kW-3,6 kW at 6,3-15,6 A
• 110 V, 60 Hz: Min-Max / 0,6 kW-1,8 kW at 6,3-15,6 A

PC Requirements:

• Windows OS, min.1024 MB RAM, 2 Ethernet ports

Software System:

Unique NovaFFF software platform for complete system control (autosampler, pumps, detectors), data acquisition (detector signals, pressure, flows) and evaluation as well as reporting functions.

Typical Injection Volume:

• 10 - 1000 µL with autosampler injection
• 10 - 10.000 µL with manual injection

Injected Sample Mass:

• Typically injected sample mass is 10 - 100 µg
• Maximum sample mass up to 500 µg.