Gilson FC 203B Fraction Collector
The Gilson FC 203B Fraction Collector is a compact, low-pressure fraction collection system designed for routine chromatographic applications where reliability and straightforward operation are required. It is commonly paired with the MINIPULS 3 pump and is suitable for use with FPLC, flash chromatography and other fractionation systems. The instrument supports both standalone operation and software control via TRILUTION LC, allowing flexible integration into existing laboratory workflows.
Designed to fit easily within most fume hoods, the FC 203B accommodates a range of collection formats, including test tubes and microplates, while maintaining a small footprint. Configuration options such as an optional diverter valve and multicolumn adapter enable tailored fraction collection based on time, volume, or detector signal, making the system suitable for laboratories processing fewer than 100 fractions per day.
All pictures shown are for illustration purpose only. Actual product may vary.
Features
- Model Variants Available – Supplied as FC 203B (part number 171011-GIL) or FC 203B with integrated 3-way diverter valve (part number 171011DV), allowing selection based on collection method requirements
- 3-Way Diverter Valve – Enables diversion of void volumes, equilibration phases, or non-relevant peaks to waste; required for peak detection or time-window-based collection
- Application Scope – Suitable for laboratories collecting fewer than 100 fractions per day
- Flexible Collection Formats – Holds one rack accommodating up to 128 fractions (12 × 75 mm tubes), up to 105 fractions (13 × 100 mm tubes), or one shallow- or deep-well microplate
- Standalone or Software-Controlled Use – Can operate independently or be controlled through TRILUTION LC software for method-driven collection
- Multicolumn Collection Capability – Optional multicolumn adapter allows parallel fraction collection from up to eight channels
- System Integration – Multiple input/output contacts support easy integration with a wide range of chromatography systems, including FPLC, flash chromatography and HPLC
- Compact, Fume Hood-Compatible Design – Small footprint allows safe operation when handling hazardous materials
Specification
| FC 203B Fraction Collector | |
| 3-way Valves | 3-port, PTFE, 67 μL internal volume, 3.5 μL dead volume from common port to the normally closed port, up to 20 mL/min with large-bore needle |
| Communication Interface | GSIOC; Inputs for start/advance and end/home; output for control of peripheral devices |
| Data Acquisition | An input channel for analog-to-digital conversion; digital data is transmitted on the GSIOC |
| Detector Input | ±100 mV full scale |
| Drop Counting | Up to 9,999 drops per fraction Maximum rate: 20 drops/sec |
| Event Marker | 100 ms pulse |
| Front Panel | Five commands, HELP, YES, NO, and 0–9 numeric hard keys; four soft keys |
| Display Panel | Two-line, 24-character display on backlit LCD |
| Manufacturing Standards | Meets applicable Safety and EMC certification standards; UL and CE certified |
| Maximum Collection Volume/Tube | 20 mL scintillation vials (28 x 60 mm) with optional Code 24 rack |
| Maximum Fractions | 128 tubes (12 x 75 mm) with optional Code 14 rack |
| Multiple-Column Collection | Simultaneous collection from up to 8 columns with installation of optional multiple column adaptor(s) |
| Multiple-Cycle Operation | Repetitive collection of each sample into same set of tubes or collection of each sample into different set of tubes |
| Number of Racks | Holds one rack |
| Operating Modes | Drop, Manual, Peak + Drop, Peak + Time, Time |
| Peak Detection | Adaptive-slope algorithm that applies user-specified parameters to accommodate drifting baselines, negative, and asymmetrical peaks, or absolute threshold level that collects all peaks above specified mV value Peak parameters: peak height or level, in mV; peak width at half-height, in minutes Minimum peak height for fractionation: 0.1 mV full scale Detector-collector delay: 0.01 minute increments |
| Power Requirements | Frequency: 50–60 Hz Voltage: 100–120V or 220–240V; main voltage fluctuations not to exceed ±10% of the nominal voltage Current rating: 0.5A for 100–120V, or 0.25A for 220–240V |
| Programmable Time Units | From 0.01 to 99.99 minutes per tube with a 0.01 minute limit of resolution |
| Software | Via TRILUTION LC Software |
| Time-Based Programming | Up to 10 collection windows and 10 drain steps in any mode |
| Tube Change Time | 100–250 ms center to center, depending on rack type |
| Zero Power Memory | Maintains memory for a minimum of five years from date of shipment |
| Weight | 5 kg |
| Dimensions | Width: 32.4 cm Depth: 29.2 cm Height: 26.7 cm |