Watson-Marlow FH100DX Single-Channel Precision Peristaltic Pump

Overview

The Watson-Marlow FH100DX is a single-channel, digitally controllable peristaltic pump engineered for precision fluid handling in life science laboratories, bioprocessing workflows, and analytical instrumentation integration. Utilizing the fundamental principle of peristalsis—where rollers compress flexible tubing to generate positive displacement—the FH100DX delivers non-invasive, contamination-free transfer of sensitive biological samples, reagents, cell suspensions, and high-viscosity media. Its design eliminates valves, seals, and wetted metal components, ensuring zero sample contact with pump internals and enabling safe dry-run operation and self-priming without siphoning. The pump’s robust architecture supports continuous duty cycles under variable load conditions while maintaining flow stability across its full 14–4000 mL/min range. With programmable dispensing modes—including volumetric, timed, and cyclic delivery—the FH100DX serves as a modular fluidic actuator compatible with GLP/GMP-aligned process environments where traceability, repeatability, and material compatibility are critical.

Key Features

• True non-contact fluid path: Only the tubing contacts the sample—eliminating cross-contamination risk and simplifying cleaning via rapid tube replacement.
• High metrological performance: Flow accuracy of ±0.25% (when used with calibrated tubing and flow sensors), supported by 0.1 RPM speed resolution and ±0.25% full-scale speed regulation.
• Flexible control architecture: Supports manual knob adjustment, analog voltage/current inputs (0–10 V, 4–20 mA), and discrete digital I/O for direction, start/stop, and external triggering.
• Programmable dispensing logic: Configurable for fixed-volume dosing, time-based delivery, or repeating cycles—enabling unattended operation in assay automation or feeding protocols.
• Multi-language UI support: On-device display interface available in English, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese—facilitating international lab deployment.
• Durable mechanical construction: Pump head materials include chemically resistant polymers (Delrin®, GF nylon), stainless steel, and nitrile elastomers—optimized for compatibility with aqueous, organic, and mildly aggressive fluids.
• No maintenance-intensive components: Absence of valves, diaphragms, or dynamic seals reduces long-term ownership cost and downtime.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FH100DX accommodates a broad spectrum of fluid types—including low- to high-viscosity liquids (up to ~50,000 cP), gas-liquid mixtures, shear-sensitive biologics (e.g., mammalian cells, enzymes, liposomes), and particulate-laden suspensions—without degradation or foaming. Tubing selection (e.g., PharMed® BPT, Norprene®, Viton®) enables compliance with USP Class VI, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when integrated with validated SCADA or LIMS systems), and ISO 13485 manufacturing requirements. The unit carries ETL, cETL, CE, and RoHS certifications, confirming conformance with North American and European electrical safety and environmental directives. Its IP31 rating ensures protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects >2.5 mm, making it suitable for standard laboratory benchtop use—not classified for hazardous or washdown environments.

Software & Data Management

While the FH100DX operates as a standalone instrument with local keypad control, its analog and digital I/O interfaces allow seamless integration into supervisory control systems (e.g., LabVIEW, PLCs, or custom Python-based orchestration). Analog outputs (4–20 mA / 0–10 V) provide real-time speed or flow feedback for closed-loop regulation. The TTL tachometer output enables external pulse counting for independent flow verification. When deployed within validated environments, audit trails can be generated via upstream data acquisition software compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including electronic signatures, user access controls, and immutable event logging. Firmware updates are performed via USB interface, with version history retained for change control documentation.

Applications

• Cell culture media perfusion and feed strategies in bioreactors and microfluidic platforms.
• Reagent dispensing in ELISA, PCR setup, and automated liquid handlers.
• Continuous sampling in HPLC, IC, and online UV-Vis monitoring systems.
• Low-shear transfer of stem cells, exosomes, and fragile protein formulations.
• Process validation studies requiring documented flow consistency over extended durations.
• Environmental testing labs performing controlled elution or leachate collection.

FAQ

Can the FH100DX be used for sterile applications?
Yes—when paired with gamma-sterilizable tubing (e.g., C-Flex® or Pharmed® BPT) and installed in an aseptic workflow, it supports ISO 5 cleanroom-compatible operations.

Is flow calibration traceable to NIST standards?
Calibration is performed using gravimetric or timed-volume methods per ASTM D1141 or ISO 5725; NIST-traceable flow meters may be employed during user qualification.

Does the pump support RS-232 or Modbus communication?
No native serial protocol is embedded; however, third-party analog-to-Modbus gateways or PLC analog modules enable integration into industrial networks.

What tubing sizes are compatible with the FH100DX pump head?
Standard configurations accept tubing IDs from 0.5 mm to 6.4 mm (1/16″ to 1/4″), depending on selected pump head variant and roller assembly.

Can the FH100DX operate continuously at maximum speed and flow?
Yes—rated for continuous duty at 400 RPM with appropriate tubing selection and thermal management; ambient temperature must remain within 0–40 °C.