SPOTLIGHT
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Valve manifold
A manifold can combine the functions of more than one solenoid valve. The unit uses hydraulic circuits to reduce the need for external connections and pipe fittings. The controlled fluid only comes into contact with the fluoroelastomer of the sealing elements and with the stainless steel of the manifold body and internal components, making the product suitable for a variety of applications. Sirai Elettromeccanica, Bussero (MI), Italy.
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Dispensing system
A dispensing system features a programmable dual stepper design that independently controls stroke rate and displacement. Using a patented valveless design, the system offers a touch screen interface (TSI) that provides intuitive setup of fluid control parameters. The TSI can communicate with up to 16 pumps simultaneously. The system is available as a benchtop system or as modular OEM components. The RS-232 interface enables simultaneous computer control of up to 128 pumps. The interface can store up to 100 programs and reportedly facilitates rapid setup changes. Shot volumes as small as 0.0144 µl can be dispensed with an accuracy of 1% or better for millions of cycles. The system can be programmed for forward flow, reverse flow, suck back, or quick prime. A foot switch and a remote start are also available. Fluid Metering, Syosset, NY, USA.
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Inert proportional valve
An inert proportional valve is a solenoid-operated diaphragm isolation valve designed for use with corrosive and high-purity fluids. The valve provides infinitely varied flow control and is suited for closed- loop applications. Flow is proportional to the magnitude of the current input into the 24-V-dc valve driver. The poppet and seat are configured to provide tight leakage prevention. The valve is rated to 60 psi and is available with numerous porting and electrical connection options. The flow path’s surface materials are inert and impervious to a range of aggressive fluids. Body material choices include polyetherimide and polyphenylsulphone. South Bend Controls, South Bend, IN, USA.
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Pressure regulator
A modular subminiature pressure regulator is suited for instrumentation and industrial applications. The unit has a 20-turn adjustment range from 0.5 to 100 psi; maximum supply is rated at 150 psi. Adjustment ranges are available in 10, 30, 60, and 100 psi. The standard device is equipped with an adjustment knob and is also available with an extended 0.25-in. shaft. Its unique design allows the regulator to be used individually or assembled into a modular combination of pneumatic components. Air Logic, Racine, WI, USA.
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Variable-volume pumps
Variable-volume pumps are a flexible alternative to conventional syringes and peristaltic units. They combine a compact, lightweight design with low power consumption. The pumps can be located on sampler arms to reduce transport volumes. They can also be positioned near reagent vessels, minimizing the use of tubing. The pumps are available in 50-, 250-, 750-, and 1250-µl volume sizes. They are self-priming and can dispense as little as 0.1 to 2.5 µl. Custom porting and manifold mounting options are also available. Lee Products Ltd., Gerrards Cross, Bucks, UK.
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One-way disc valve
A one-way disc valve with a patent-pending design provides high flow rates across a range of pressures. It is suitable for a range of applications including IV infusion sets. All materials used to make the valve are gamma sterilizable. The latex- and DEHP-free valve body is moulded from lipid-resistant polycarbonate and the seal disc is made of silicone. The valve is available with 3-mm tubing ports or with a 3-mm female luer lock. Halkey-Roberts, St. Petersburg, FL, USA.
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Flow control switch
A flow control switch has a polycarbonate body consisting of a female luer lock inlet and male luer lock outlet with an ABS collar. The connector’s design eliminates the need for a separate clamp. The switch can withstand pressures up to 1200 psi. Pushing the blue acetal slider to the clearly marked “on” position opens the switch. Flow is stopped completely by moving the slider to “off.” Qosina, Edgewood, NY, USA.
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Solenoid valves
Flat-spring solenoid valves can attain an operating life of 1 billion cycles when used with neutral gases. Designed for medical applications, the valves combine energy-saving operation with a response time of less than 10 millisecond. The valves are designed to offer high process reliability and to maintain fluid integrity. The stainless-steel units are intended to control gases and liquids at temperatures ranging from 0° to 60°C. Seals and discs are made of high-performance fluoroelastomer and Viton. The construction ensures compatibility with a range of chemicals, a feature that can be extended with the addition of Kalrez seals to withstand aggressive fluids. Valves for use with oxygen and with medical pipe connections are also offered. Asco Joucomatic, Rueil-Malmaison, France.
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Isolation valves
Inert, perfluoroelastomer miniature isolation valves can accommodate high-purity, aggressive, and particulate-laden fluids that threaten the integrity of standard valve seals. The valves can be configured with the company’s patented manifold system to reduce design costs and assembly time. They can be engineered from a range of materials and configured for custom applications.
Bio-Chem Valve, Boonton, NJ, USA.
