New for the Laboratory! Independent-Channel Peristaltic Pump from Idex Health & Science

Responding to customer demand, Idex Health & Science introduces independent-channel control in a peristaltic pump with the new Ismatec® Reglo ICC for laboratory use. Offering one-, two-, or three-channel configurations, the ICC (an acronym for Independent Channel Control) expands on Ismatec’s proven accuracy and precision with a re-engineered, long-life drive mechanism, a space-efficient footprint, and digital software control from the keypad or computer. Per-channel flow range for the ICC extends from 0.002 to 35mL/minute for continuous pumping or precision dispensing. Independent channel calibration minimises tube-to-tube differences resulting in the best calibration accuracy possible in a multichannel peristaltic pump.

Commenting on the ICC’s development path, Ismatec Product Manager, George Bednar described, “In our Voice of Customer interviews, virtually all our customers—laboratory users, distributors, and instrument manufacturers—clearly asked for independent channel control. Prior to this time, no other pump maker had been willing to make the substantial engineering commitment required to bring the ICC to market.” He continued,

“Our engineering team took it even further by simplifying the high-precision drive mechanism to make the pump drive last even longer, and added functional capability with the installed software.” Bednar also explained that because interest in the ICC is high, Ismatec anticipates an interim ramp-up period to build sufficient shelf stock for rapid delivery. “Through September 1st, we’re offering the ICC at a one-time, introductory price equal to our standard Reglo digital pump—so you can essentially buy three pumps for the price of one!”

The control software and graphical user interface on the ICC keypad work together in an intuitive manner to allow the laboratory user to easily develop and save application controls and pump protocols, and then download to the ICC for operation. “Early on, the basic mechanism of a peristaltic pump made it suitable for the simplest transfer of many different fluids from point A to B,” explained Lead Development Engineer, Gunay Ozturk. “What made Ismatec pumps so popular in Swiss and German labs has been their unmatched precision at very low flow rates. Now with independent channels and programmable software control, each channel of the ICC can be controlled, calibrated, and function like a separate, high-precision pump, yet take up no more space on the bench.”

Bednar explained that peristaltic pumps have typically been used for pumping slurries, viscous, shear-sensitive, or aggressive fluids; and favoured for applications where isolating the pumped fluid from the pump mechanism is necessary. He added, “The flexibility and control of the ICC make it ideal for applications from medicine to food and beverage production, agriculture and industry—such as dispensing protective coatings to electronic components.

However because of the low-flow accuracy of Ismatec pumps, we’re seeing the greatest interest from laboratories that need to dispense discreet buffers and reagents for automated or sequential analysis such as batch-fed fermentations, liquid-phase reactor systems, or controlled feeding distribution.”

Ismatec is a brand of Idex Health & Science LLC. Idex Health & Science designs, develops, and manufactures liquid subassemblies and precision components for a wide range of applications requiring precise control and measurement. Specialising in component integration that results in innovative and optimised OEM fluidic systems, Idex Health & Science is the synthesis of leading component and technology suppliers to the Analytical Instrument, In Vitro Diagnostics, and Biotechnology markets. Other Idex Health & Science brands include Eastern Plastics, Innovadyne, Isolation Technologies, Rheodyne, Sapphire Engineering, Systec, and Upchurch Scientific. For more information, visit www.idex-hs.com