RQF-3 Rapid Quench Flow

Contents

Proven Performance

Rapid-quench kinetic analysis has become the method of choice for examination of enzyme reaction pathways. The KinTek quench-flow enables the most definitive experiments to be performed most efficiently, preserving precious biological samples and providing accurate, reliable data. The KinTek RQF-3 quench-flow has become the international standard for analysis of enzyme reaction mechanisms. The unique features of the RQF-3 enable unprecedented studies on DNA polymerase mechanisms where the need for performing single turnover experiments is especially significant and minimal volumes are needed to conserve the expensive synthetic oligonucleotide substrates.

Servo Motor Drive

The KinTek quench-flow uses a computer-controlled servo motor drive, which provides precise and reproducible setting of reaction times.  A major advance over stepper motor technology, the high torque, low inertia, brushless servo motor and high performance, digital power supply provides essentially instantaneous starts and stops of the drive syringes.  No other quench-flow provides such performance.

Coupled to a unique, precision valve system, the RQF-3 provides unparalleled ease of use and reliability.

Even "four syringe" type experiments involving three mixing events and two programmed reaction times (Double Delay Quench) can be achieved using the computer-controlled motor drive -- without the complications of four drive syringes!  This has been a standard feature of our instruments for the past 10 years.

RQF-3 Valve System

The unique valve arrangement of the KinTek RQF-3 Quench-Flow allows samples to be loaded into the 15 microliter sample loops via a three-way valve. The reactants are then forced together through the delay line by buffer from the drive syringes. This valve system allows efficient sample loading so that 20 data points can be collected from less than 0.4 ml of each reactant, with no waste! Larger sample loops can be used or samples can be loaded into the drive syringes to get up to 5 ml in a single shot.

8-Way Reaction Valve

In order to obtain different reaction times in a range of 3-100 msec, it is necessary to use delay lines with different lengths. In other quench-flow instruments, this is a tedious task. In the KinTek RQF-3 quench-flow, a novel 8-way valve is used to select each reaction delay line. The two reactants are first mixed in the valve, flow through the selected delay line and are then mixed with the quench solution. The desired reaction time is selected by turning the valve to the appropriate delay line. The computer-controlled motor drive is then set for the precise drive speed to achieve the desired reaction time.

The RPL-3 Rapid Photolysis Chamber

The RPL-3 Rapid Optical Flash Photolysis Chamber replaces the 8-way valve with a optical flow cell as shown at left. In this arrangement the samples are mixed into the flow cell where the reaction is paused for the desired time. After this time the computer triggers an external light source (This source can be almost anything. We have built photolysis chambers utilizing many light sources, including flash lamps, lasers and even synchrotron radiation!) to irradiate the mixed sample in the flow cell.

Our RPL-3 Rapid Optical Photolysis Chamber is based on our world leading quench-flow and mounts to the same drive system. This allows the customer to have both a RQF-3 Rapid Quench Flow and a RPL-3 Rapid Photolysis Chamber at a very affordable price.

Sample Load Loops

The 3-way valve is used to connect the sample loops either to the flush line, the sample load syringe or the drive syringe containing buffer. This method enables efficient sample loading and flushing with no waste of sample between runs. The Flush-Load-Collect cycle can be completed in less than two minutes so that an entire course time consisting of 20 data points can be collected from less than 0.4 ml of solution in less than 45 minutes.

Computer Control

The KinTek quench-flow is entirely under computer control, making the operation of the instrument easy and convenient and allowing the operator to concentrate on the sample collection and analysis. Simply input the desired reaction time, and the computer sets up the servo motor and tells the operator which reaction loop to use.

Keyboard and Computer Terminal

Because quench-flow experiments involve the use of concentrated acids or bases and radioactive materials, the KinTek quench-flow uses a sealed keyboard terminal with a two-line LCD display. Thus, the computer interface is protected from the harsh environments necessary for performing the experiment. The keyboard can be washed with mild soap and water at the end of the experiment to eliminate contamination.

Specifications

Computer-controlled servo motor drive system for smooth, reliable performance.

Shortest reaction time 2 msec.
15 - 20 microliters per sample per shot.
Maximum sample volume: 5 ml per sample per shot.
5 ml standard. (syringes of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 10.0 ml are also available)
Temperature range: 4 - 70°C range of temperature is maintained by circulating water bath (not provided).
Physical Dimensions
Component Width × Depth × Height Weight
Quench-flow stand: 20 × 48 × 91 cm. 17.9 kg.
Motor controller: 30 × 28 × 15 cm. 8.2 kg.
Keyboard: 29 × 18 × 4.4 cm. 0.9 kg.
See price list for description of parts.
Go to the store to buy parts.