Fluid Metering Blog

High-Precision Pumps for Flash Chromatography: OEM Solutions from FMI

Written by Patrick DeRuvo | 9/16/25 2:30 PM

Key Takeaways:

  • FMI’s rotary reciprocating piston pumps deliver pulse-free, high-pressure flow ideal for flash chromatography applications.
  • OEM engineers benefit from customizable designs that support harsh solvents, precise metering, and easy system integration.
  • Long-term reliability and low maintenance reduce total cost of ownership, making FMI pumps a smart investment for biotech and pharma systems.

Optimizing Pump Performance for Flash Chromatography Applications

In pharmaceutical and biotech industries, flash chromatography is a vital technique for separating and purifying chemical compounds. The success of these systems depends heavily on the precision and reliability of the pump technology used to circulate solvents under high pressure.

Why Pump Selection Matters in Flash Chromatography

Flash chromatography systems often handle aggressive solvents such as hydrochloric acid, citric acid, phosphate, and sodium hydroxide. These fluids must be metered with high accuracy and consistency, even under pressures reaching 200 psi. Traditional pump technologies like gear or diaphragm pumps often fall short in these conditions, leading to performance degradation and increased maintenance.

Fluid Metering’s rotary reciprocating piston pumps offer a robust alternative. Designed to deliver pulse-free, continuous flow, these pumps maintain consistent output across millions of cycles, making them ideal for chromatography applications where flow stability and chemical compatibility are non-negotiable.

Key Performance Features for OEM Integration

  • High-pressure capability: Custom designs support up to 200 psi, exceeding standard pump limits.
  • Precision metering: Flow rates of 200–300 mL/min with sub-1% accuracy ensure reproducible separations.
  • Flexible control: Motor speed and stroke angle adjustments allow OEMs to fine-tune flow rates without sacrificing accuracy.
  • Standard tubing options: Supports ¼-inch OD tubing, simplifying integration into existing systems.
  • Material compatibility: Ceramic piston and cylinder construction resists wear and supports harsh solvents.

These features make FMI pumps a preferred choice for OEM engineers designing chromatography systems that demand long-term reliability, low maintenance, and tight flow control.

Customization for Unique Chromatography Needs

Every chromatography setup is different. That’s why FMI works closely with OEMs to customize pump configurations based on specific application requirements. Whether it’s adapting to miniaturization trends, integrating with automated systems, or meeting regulatory standards, FMI’s engineering team delivers tailored solutions that reduce development time and improve system performance.

Reducing Total Cost of Ownership

While upfront costs may be higher than traditional pump options, FMI pumps offer significant long-term savings. Their durability and low-maintenance design minimize downtime and service costs, making them a smart investment for high-value applications like protein purification, diagnostic consumables, and buffer blending.

Best Practices for OEM Engineers

To maximize performance and avoid costly redesigns, OEM engineers should engage with FMI early in the design process. By defining system requirements upfront and collaborating with our engineering team, OEMs can ensure the pump solution is optimized for their specific chromatography application.