Spotlight on Pumps and Valves
Pumps and fittings
Medical valves and flow control devices, including hand pumps and fittings, are supplied in a variety of materials and configurations. Pressure check valves are manufactured to tolerances that attain ±5%. Needleless check valves, y- and t-port valves, and valves for balloon catheters and other disposables are also produced. The company is certified to ISO 9001 and follows US FDA CGMP procedures. Halkey-Roberts Corp., St. Petersburg, FL, USA.
Integrated manifold system
An integrated manifold is designed to replace systems composed of multiple independent valves, tubing, screw sets, and ferrules. The device also eliminates assembly requirements as well as maintenance problems associated with tube fittings, stripped threads, and defective port seals, according to the manufacturer. The multidirectional flow control system permits the use of two- and three-way isolation valves and micropumps on the same manifold. The product is designed to handle high-quality or aggressive chemicals. Bio-Chem Valve Inc., Boonton, NJ, USA.
Latex-free check valves
Latex-free in-line check valves are available in a variety of designs including luer slip and luer lock connections. Made of ABS, the valves feature a normally open fluid path that prevents backflow. The components are suited for use in IV lines, extension sets, syringes, and other fluid management systems where an absence of backflow is desirable. B. Braun Medical, Melsungen, Germany.
Peristaltic pump
Rigid PTFE tubing can be used with a peristaltic pump in applications where organic solvents, caustic solutions, and high-purity biological products are processed. Since the fluid only contacts the tubing, chemical exposure is minimized. Flow rates of 0.06 to 70 ml/min are attained at pressures up to 100 psi. The pump features a 1—300-rpm operating range and is compatible with most of the company's Masterflex L/S drives. Barnant Co., Barrington, IL, USA.
Miniature flow control component
Suited for use with pneumatic systems, a miniature preset component controls flow by means of a small disk. The disk permits full flow in the forward direction while reverse flow is determined by the size of the disk's seal orifice, which can vary from 0.004 to 0.40 in. The flow control device supports a maximum supply pressure of 75 psi. Air Logic, Racine, WI, USA.
OEM pumps
Bellows, oscillating, magnetic-drive, and piston diaphragm pumps are supplied to medical device OEMs. Self-priming bellows pumps are suited for use in x-ray film processors, analytical equipment, and cleaning systems. Oscillating pumps, also self-priming, are designed for transfer, circulatory, and replenishing applications. Magnet-driven centrifugal pumps are not self-priming and require flooded suction to operate; they can be used in laser and x-ray cooling systems and fluid-transfer devices. Piston diaphragm pumps are suited for the transfer of small volumes of fluid at low discharge pressures. GRI Europe a/s, Soborg, Denmark.
Fluid-handling pumps
Pumps suited for fluid-handling applications are supplied with a quick turnaround for diagnostic instrument OEMs. The BenchMark series includes a microprocessor-controlled syringe pump for use in pipetting and dilution operations; it is suited for applications where inertness and minimal syringe rinse volumes are desirable. The series also includes the Base Pump, a stepping motor and leadscrew syringe pump module designed to interface with OEMs' own electronics and software. Both models are available with or without valves. The company also offers turnkey evaluation units that enable customers to test pumps in their labs. Tri-Continent, Sudbury, Suffolk, UK.
One-way check valves
Normally closed check valves available with a variety of inlet and outlet port connections can be specified for zero backflow on all configurations. In addition to offering valves that open at low pressure, the firm has introduced a high-pressure version for injection pumps and related applications. The product range also includes a check valve with enhanced resistance to stress cracking. Materials used conform to USP Class VI requirements and manufacturing operations are certified to EN 46001. Filtertek S.A., Plailly, France.
Fluid-dispensing system
A single device offers precision fluid metering, start-and-stop dispensing, and continuous low-pulse delivery. The Travcyl system achieves ±0.1% absolute accuracy, regardless of pressure, flow rate, or fluid viscosity. Other features include symmetrical performance in both flow directions and an absence of leakage or slip-by at pressure differentials up to 100 psi. Because Travcyl's wetted parts are made of inert materials and it is devoid of valves, the fluid-handling system is suited for a variety of medical and pharmaceutical applications. It is available with a number of control options to facilitate system integration. Encynova International Inc., Broomfield, CO, USA.
