SCU 470 Gradient Controller

Compact and Versatile

The SCU 470 Keypad Controller offers a simple yet effective means of gradient control for a combination of any 2 to 4 SSI pumps via RS232 communication. The use of this compact keypad eliminates the requirement of a cumbersome PC-based alternative for gradient control, especially in situations where space is a constraint. The SCU 460 keypad controller is a useful option for microliter flow rate pump control.

Easy Setup

Connecting the SCU 470 (or SCU 460) to the pumps could not be easier. Simply connect the pump cables from the SCU to the appropriate pump RS-232 input. A ‘start’ cable is included for external start (TTL or contact closure) of the gradient method from an injector or autosampler.
The accessory kit contains 4 pump cables, 1 external start cable, 1 PC cable, and an independent universal power supply.

Flexible upgrade for any existing system

Upgrade any isocratic system to binary gradient by simply adding a pump and SCU controller. Future upgrade to quaternary gradient is easily accomplished by merely adding pumps. The SCU 470 controls any SSI 5-mL, 10-mL, 12-mL, 24-mL, 40-mL, or 100-mL pump combinations, so you can use it for any application or system configuration in your lab. The SCU 460 is designed for microliter flow rate control (maximum flow rate of 5mL/min) and is recommended for use with the Q-Grad; the Model 1500 pump can also be controlled with the SCU 460 when the flow rate requirement is below 5 mL/min.

Simple to Operate

The SCU 460 or SCU 470 controller has the capability to store 10 gradient methods. To build a gradient enter flow rate and pressure limits. Enter the desired %B, %C, %D values at the different time steps, and the method is automatically saved. The method may be repeated a user-specified number of times, with the trigger for each cycle provided by an external start signal from an injector or autosampler.
The “status” screen displays the current system pressure, current composition, and the stage of the gradient run -- idle mode, initial conditions, waiting for injection, run, delay, etc. A run in progress can be stopped at any time, and a sequence stopped or aborted at any time.

Configuration and Calibration Settings

The SCU kit includes a software CD that allows the user to modify preset defaults within the keypad. The user can select flow rate for each pump (default setting is 5 mL), maximum pressure limit (to 6000 psi), and the number of methods (default is 10) or lines per method.
You can also set flow rate compensation values independently for each pump when using solvents that exhibit widely differing compressibility values. The new settings are easily uploaded to the SCU firmware via the PC cable (provided). Future upgrades of the SCU 470 can also be easily performed in the field using this control program.

Useful Features

The SCU monitors the system pressure at pump A and will turn off all connected pumps if the pressure limit settings for the selected method are exceeded -- a particularly effective safety feature for gradient control, especially when only one of the pumps has pressure monitoring while the others do not.
Stored methods may be linked -- a useful feature for automating a wash cycle at the end of the run or running a shutdown method at the end of a sequence.
Each connected pump can be auto-primed at the touch of a button from the “prime” screen of the keypad controller.

What's Included

SCU 460 and 470 kits, each includes 4 pump cables, 1 external start cable, 1 PC cable, SCU control center software CD, 100-240 VAC power supply.