Originally Published EMDM March/April 2002
PUMPS
Miniature vane pump features linear characteristic
On its stand at the Medica show, the German firm Schwarzer Precision Pumps (Essen) displayed a "Lilliputian" vane pump that is reportedly the world's smallest. Measuring just 15 x 38 mm and weighing in at just 12 g, the SP 135 FZ pump is designed for applications in medical equipment appliances where low volumes have to be pumped without pulsation.
"One of the advantages of this pump is that it offers a linear relation to voltage," says a company spokesperson at Schwarzer, pointing out that the pump's current draw is also very low: 25 mA at 1.5 V dc. The pump couples a free-flow rate of 0.7 L/min with a maximum pressure of 60 mbar. It is oil and maintenance free.
Schwarzer also supplies diaphragm pumps in small sizes with pressure ranges up to 1 bar. Furthermore, the firm offers an electromagnetic-drive pump that features an internal linear drive. This pump has found applications in suction devices and compression therapy.
Benjamin Lichtman
Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer
