How to Choose a Pump for High-Pressure Solvent Applications

Selecting the right high-pressure pump is critical for achieving reliable performance in solvent delivery applications. Although these pumps are commonly associated with HPLC systems, they also play vital roles in oil and gas, chemical engineering, process development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Chrom Tech’s high-pressure solvent delivery pumps are engineered to provide precise and consistent flow rates—even under extreme system backpressure—making them ideal for both analytical and industrial applications.

As part of Chrom Tech’s comprehensive line of HPLC instrumentation, our pumps are available in stainless steel or biocompatible PEEK flow paths, supporting a wide range of pressures and flow rates. Whether you need a straightforward isocratic configuration or a dual-piston binary gradient system, Chrom Tech offers pumps tailored for both accuracy and durability.

1. Define Your Application’s Flow Rate Range

Understanding your required flow rate range is the first step in selecting the right pump. Chrom Tech offers models designed for both analytical and preparative scale applications:

• Analytical pumps: Deliver accurate flow rates as low as 0.1 mL/min.
• Preparative pumps: Handle flow rates up to 300 mL/min with precision.

Choosing a pump head that matches your target flow range ensures the unit operates within optimal specifications, providing long-term performance stability.

2. Evaluate Solvent Compatibility

Different solvents require specific fluid path materials to ensure chemical resistance and prevent corrosion. Chrom Tech’s pumps are available with stainless steel or PEEK biocompatible heads as standard options. For highly aggressive or specialized chemistries, custom configurations are also available using Hastelloy C or titanium heads.

Other wetted materials include synthetic ruby, sapphire, UHMWPE, and PTFE, providing broad compatibility across solvent systems. If unsure about solvent compatibility, contact our technical support team for a solvent compatibility review and recommendations.

3. Understand System Back Pressure Requirements

Chrom Tech’s positive-displacement piston pumps feature advanced cam designs that deliver low-pulsation flow, even under fluctuating pressures. Most models include built-in check valves for reliable solvent delivery; however, maintaining a minimum back pressure of 200 psi ensures optimal check valve performance and consistent flow.

If your system operates below this threshold, Chrom Tech can help calculate the necessary length of restrictive tubing based on solvent viscosity and flow rate. For ultra-high-pressure applications, Chrom Tech offers pumps rated up to 18,000 psi—perfect for demanding analytical and process applications.

4. Determine If You Need Solvent Blending Capabilities

For applications requiring solvent mixing or gradient formation, the Chrom Tech Binary Pump is the ideal choice. This system features two single-head piston pumps enclosed in a single housing to enable high-pressure gradient blending.

Key features include:

• Autonomous gradient control via an integrated Gradient Board—no continuous PC connection required
• Low pulsation with belt-drive cam and electronic fast refill system
• Programmable timed events, solvent selection valves, and leak detection
• Serial control options for direct command input and real-time monitoring

This makes the Chrom Tech Binary Pump a robust, flexible solution for two-solvent systems and complex analytical workflows.

5. Consider Solvent Viscosity and Pump Head Pressure

When working with viscous solvents, maintaining adequate inlet head pressure is critical to prevent cavitation and maintain consistent flow. Always position the solvent reservoir above the pump, and for highly viscous solvents, consider helium sparging to enhance degassing and stabilize inlet pressure.

6. Additional Factors to Keep in Mind

Chrom Tech’s HPLC pumps are engineered for continuous operation—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—and include a 3-year warranty for peace of mind. Each model features:

• Real-time pressure monitoring with automatic shutdown if limits are exceeded
• Prime/purge valves for rapid solvent switching
• Customizable configurations to integrate into OEM or modular systems

Whether you require a standalone solvent delivery pump or a customized design to integrate with existing equipment, Chrom Tech can provide a tailored solution. Contact our technical experts to ensure your pump selection aligns with your application’s pressure, solvent, and flow demands.

Conclusion

Selecting a pump for high-pressure solvent applications involves careful consideration of flow rate, solvent compatibility, back pressure, and system configuration. Chrom Tech’s robust portfolio of solvent delivery pumps offers reliable performance across analytical, preparative, and industrial processes. Our pumps are built for precision, durability, and easy integration—backed by Chrom Tech’s commitment to quality and technical support.