Fraction collectors

A fraction collector is a laboratory instrument that divides the continuous eluate from a chromatography column into separate portions, each directed into its own tube or well. It lets peaks eluting at different times be captured apart for recovery or further analysis.

The term refers to the device that collects fractions, meaning the discrete timed or volume based portions of a separation's output. It sits downstream of HPLC, FPLC and preparative systems to capture the right eluate at the right moment.

A moving dispense head or carousel indexes over a rack of tubes or a microplate, switching position by a timer, a measured volume, or a signal from a detector reading the eluate. Each position holds one fraction, so the collected tubes map to the separation as it ran.

The catalogue separates into the standalone fraction collector, the automated fraction collector with programmable peak based logic, and units listed as chromatography accessories or HPLC accessories that match a specific separation platform. A smaller share falls under laboratory automation and bioprocessing equipment, where the collector is one station in a larger line.

They recover purified compounds from chromatography, capturing each eluting species as a mixture resolves into its components. Common uses include protein purification downstream of FPLC, isolation of nucleic acids and peptides in genomics and proteomics labs, and process scale recovery of a biologic in biomanufacturing.

Start with the collection logic: fixed time intervals suit a reproducible analytical method, while detector threshold collection suits preparative work where a peak must be caught whole. Then check that the rack format, position count and tube or microplate size match your run volume so a separation finishes without an interruption to swap racks.

A used unit is sold in its existing condition, while a refurbished one has been checked and reconditioned before listing. For either, confirm the drive indexes cleanly and the dispensing tip or diverter valve is sound, since the mechanical path wears across a working life.

Listings range from EUR 94 to EUR 43.044, with the average at EUR 3.554. The low end covers bare standalone collectors with time only collection, and the upper end covers integrated preparative systems with large racks, peak detection and system control.

The names that recur in the listings are Gilson, Cytiva, GE Healthcare, Agilent and Waters. Gilson and Cytiva appear at the preparative and purification end, while Agilent and Waters reach the market through their HPLC platforms.

A warranty is often possible and is arranged in consultation for the specific listing. Terms depend on the individual unit and seller rather than a central policy.

Parts can be sourced via Questpair. Consumables such as dispensing tips and racks, and compatible spares, circulate more readily for brands that are well represented in the listings, since many units are in the field.

The limiting factor is the mechanical path, since the collection arm or carousel moves for every fraction across its life. With the drive indexing cleanly and the tip or diverter valve maintained, a unit can serve for many years.

Used and refurbished units are listed at lower prices than new, which is what makes a capable preparative collector reachable second hand. Weigh the individual listing on its mechanical condition and software compatibility, and note that warranty is arranged in consultation for that specific unit.

The Questpair catalogue lists 141 fraction collectors, both new and used, from 10 verified suppliers and distributors across 6 countries. You can compare models and conditions within the catalogue.

Lead time and shipping depend on the individual listing, the supplier and their location across the 6 countries represented. The listing itself carries the specifics, and Questpair specialists respond within one hour if you need to confirm before ordering.

A fraction collector carries no calibrated measurement the way a balance does, so recalibration is less the concern than confirming the moving parts and tubing are sound. Maintenance centres on keeping the drive indexing cleanly, replacing a worn dispensing tip or diverter valve, and checking the controller still communicates with the pump or detector it follows.

Standalone and automated fraction collectors make up the recognisable instrument listings, while chromatography and HPLC accessory units are sized to a specific platform. A routine or teaching lab tends to reach for a simple time based standalone collector, a purification bench for an automated peak based unit on an FPLC line, and a biomanufacturing group for the bioprocessing listings that recover a target at process scale.

Gilson, Cytiva, GE Healthcare, Agilent and Waters recur across the listings. A well represented brand is easier to place against alternatives and easier to keep running, since parts and compatible racks circulate more readily where many units are in the field, and an Agilent or Waters collector tends to pair cleanly with that maker's HPLC system.

The bottom of the band is a bare standalone collector with a simple rack and time only collection. The top is an integrated preparative system with large capacity racks, detector based peak collection and built in system control, so the difference is collection logic and capacity rather than brand alone.