Do you need a slow drip or a fast fill? To choose a laboratory peristaltic pump, match the flow, pump head, tubing, channels and control to your job. Innofluid Co., Ltd. has 20 years of R&D experience with these pumps.
Innofluid has four lab pump groups: Multi-Channel Independent, Compact, Intelligent Type and Basic. A stepper motor turns the pump head. Look at flow first. Then check channels. Then check control.
Which Four Lab Pump Groups Does Innofluid Offer?
Innofluid has four lab pump groups: Multi-Channel Independent, Compact, Intelligent Type and Basic. Each one fits a different level of control, from simple to smart. Basic pumps suit simple jobs. Intelligent Type pumps add working modes and calibration. Compact pumps add timed cycles. Multi-Channel pumps run several lines at once.
The Four Groups and Their Models
Multi-Channel Independent: LabSmart
Compact: LabQ/KT15 , LabK/MicroPump, LabT/KT15, LabT/MiniPump, LabT/UD15, ST-HandyPump and SP-MiniPump
Intelligent Type: LabV and LabN series, such as LabV1-III, LabV3-III and LabV6-III
Basic: LabM series, such as LabM1-III, LabM3-III and LabM6-III
Flow and Speed Range by Group
|
Group
|
Example model
|
Flow range
|
Speed range
|
|
Multi-Channel Independent
|
LabSmart
|
0.020 µL/min to 48.379 mL/min
|
0.01 to 150 rpm
|
|
Compact
|
LabQ/KT15
|
0.0033 to 326.55 mL/min
|
0.1 to 350 rpm
|
|
Intelligent Type
|
LabV3-III
|
0.0053 to 1808 mL/min
|
0.1 to 350 rpm
|
|
Basic
|
LabM3
|
0.0053 to 1505 mL/min
|
0.1 to 350 rpm
|
How to Choose a Laboratory Peristaltic Pump Step by Step
You can pick a pump in six easy steps.
-
Write down your lowest and highest flow.
-
Pick a pump head and tube that cover that flow.
-
Decide how many channels you need.
-
Choose how to run the pump: keypad, touch screen or smart modes.
-
Check if you need outside control or a link to other devices.
-
Match your pick to your budget.
How Wide Should the Flow Rate Range Be?
The flow rate range must cover your lowest and highest flow. Your target flow should sit inside it. Flow is the pump speed in rpm times the volume the tube moves in one turn.
The pump head and the tube size set the range. Take the LabM3 and LabV3-III. The EasyPump I/III head with the 13# tube (0.8 x 1.6 mm) gives 0.0053 to 19 mL/min. The 18# tube (7.9 x 1.6 mm) gives 0.43 to 1505 mL/min.
Pick a tube where your flow sits inside the range, not at the top end. For small flows, see the LabQ/KT15 head table. It lists 13# to 25# tubes and covers 0.0033 to 326.55 mL/min.
Which Pump Head and Tubing Fit Your Work?
A pump head squeezes the tube with rollers. The size of the tube sets the flow in each turn.
Pump Heads and Tube Sizes
The lab pages name four heads: EasyPump, YZ Series, KT15 and AMC. The EasyPump table lists these tube sizes: 13#, 14#, 19#, 16#, 25#, 17# and 18#. Each size has its own inner diameter and wall thickness. The table also shows the maximum tube pressure. For the 13# tube, it is 0.27 MPa and 0.17 MPa.
Tubing and Accessories
Tubing compatibility depends on your liquid. The Tubing and Accessories page lists silicone, PharMed BPT, Tygon and Viton tubes. Ask Innofluid to confirm your tube before the first run.
The page also lists a foot pedal switch, check valve, pulse damper and tube connectors.
Do You Need One Channel or Several?
One channel suits one sample line. Several channels suit many lines that run at the same time.
Channel Comparison
|
Model
|
Channels
|
When it fits
|
|
EasyPump I/III
|
1
|
One sample line
|
|
EasyPump II/IV
|
1
|
One sample line
|
|
EasyPump V/VI
|
2
|
Two lines on one head
|
|
LabSmart
|
4 (10 rollers)
|
Several parallel lines, each set on its own
|
Basic Pump or Intelligent Control: Which Level Do You Need?
A basic pump is good for simple jobs that you repeat. Intelligent control is good for work that needs modes and calibration.
Control Level by Model
|
Model
|
Screen and input
|
Key functions
|
Who should pick it
|
|
LabM3 (Basic)
|
3-digit LED, mechanical keypad rated 300,000 presses
|
Timing from 0.5 to 999 s, RS232/RS485, full speed button
|
Simple dispensing, filling and emptying
|
|
LabQ/KT15 (Compact)
|
2.4 inch colour LCD, knob speed control
|
Multi-cycle timed dispensing, power-down memory
|
Small benches that need timed cycles
|
|
LabV3-III (Intelligent)
|
4.3 inch colour LCD, touch screen and keypad
|
Four working modes, intelligent calibration, online fine adjustment, flow accuracy under ±0.5%
|
Changing tasks and precise work
|
|
LabSmart (Multi-Channel)
|
Touch screen
|
Up to 10 saved common modes, flow resolution 0.001 µL/min
|
Independent multi-line work
|
The LabV3-III has four modes: fixed volume, volume dispensing, speed dispensing and timing start/stop.
What Control and Connection Options Matter?
Control options decide how the pump works with your other lab gear. They are not the same on every model, so check each model page.
Signals, Switches and Power
Speed signals: 0 to 5 V, 0 to 10 V and 4 to 20 mA.
Start, stop and direction: foot pedal switch (passive signal) or an active switch signal.
Communication: RS232/RS485. LabV3-III and LabM3 have MODBUS RTU. LabQ/KT15 has RS485 MODBUS.
Voice control: optional on the LabV6-III.
Power: LabV3-III and LabM3 use AC 220V as standard. AC 110V is optional. LabQ/KT15 takes AC100 to 240V.
How Does Lab Budget Shape the Final Pick?
Cost goes with the features you use. Do not pay for control you will not need.
Ask yourself three things. Is your flow fixed, or does it change? Do you need timed dispensing? Do you need calibration or PC/PLC links?
If your flow is fixed and the job is simple, pick the Basic group. If you need modes and calibration, look at the Intelligent Type group. The lab pump pages show a 3-year warranty. Innofluid also has an article on what affects compact peristaltic pump price.
Why Buy From Innofluid?
Innofluid focuses on peristaltic pumps. The company does the design, R&D, production and sales.
20 years of R&D experience119 patents
Customers in 110 countries
R&D staff ratio of 26%
3 to 5 new product series each year
All products are CE certified
Dosing accuracy of ±0.5%
Contact: Innofluid Co., Ltd., Lingang New Area, Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, China. Email: info@innofluid.com.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Lab Pump
Picking a pump head that cannot reach your lowest flow.
Running the pump at top speed all the time.
Buying a one-channel pump when you need many lines.
Paying for smart features you will never use.
Skipping the tube check before the first run.
FAQs
What should I look for when buying a lab peristaltic pump?
How to pick a laboratory peristaltic pump? Five things to check: flow rate range, pump head and tubing, number of channels, control level, and budget. Begin with the flow. It cuts out every other option.
How do I know which flow rate range I need?
Record your lowest and greatest flow in ml/min. Then choose a head and tube combination in which both numbers are in the range. Don’t ask for the upper end of the range.
Is a basic peristaltic pump enough for simple dispensing?
Yes, provided the work is plain and easy. The LabM3 has a timing range of 0.5 to 999 s. It also includes a full speed button for filling and draining.
When do I need a multi-channel peristaltic pump?
You need one when you run a lot of lines at once. LabSmart features 4 channels. You tune each station individually.
What control signals can a lab peristaltic pump accept?
It can handle 0 to 5 V, 0 to 10 V and 4 to 20 mA signals. It may be started, stopped, and reversed by a foot pedal or switch signal. Signals vary by model; therefore, see the page for each model.
Which tubing should I use with my pump head?
Use the tubing size that matches your pump head. The Tubing and Accessories page covers Silicone, PharMed BPT, Tygon, and Viton tubing. Have your fluid tube validated by Innofluid.
Conclusion
Flow, then conduits, then regulation. Note your peak and lowest flow. Pump head choice and a tube to fit over it. Count how many lines you need to run. Then choose the control that matches your task and your lab budget.
Innofluid Co., Ltd. is a company focusing on peristaltic pumps and has four lab teams. Send us your flow range, channel count, and control demands to info@innofluid.com or via the contact form. Innofluid will assist you in choosing the correct model.