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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.

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

Literature

Full guide to Gilson's range of liquid handling products
Selection guidelines for the FC 203B and FC 204 fraction collectors from Gilson
Fraction collection techniques using TRILUTION LC Software