Harvard Apparatus Pump 11 Plus Single-Channel or Dual-Channel Precision Syringe Pump
| Brand | Harvard Apparatus |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | Pump 11 Plus |
| Certifications | CE Mark (EMC & Safety Compliant) |
| Operation Modes | RATE (continuous flow) and VOLUME (discrete dispensing) |
| Motor Protection | Stall-safe torque-limited stepper motor |
| Syringe Compatibility | Standard Luer-lock glass/plastic syringes (0.5 µL to 60 mL) |
| Display | High-brightness LCD with intuitive menu navigation |
| Interface Options | RS-232 (advanced models) |
| Housing | Compact, benchtop footprint (<150 mm W × 120 mm D × 180 mm H) |
| Compliance | Meets IEC 61326-1 (EMC), IEC 61010-1 (Safety) |
Overview
The Harvard Apparatus Pump 11 Plus is a microprocessor-controlled syringe pump engineered for high-precision fluid delivery in life science, pharmacology, neuroscience, and analytical laboratory applications. Operating on the principle of linear displacement via precision lead-screw actuation, it converts rotational motion from a calibrated stepper motor into reproducible axial movement of the syringe plunger—enabling accurate volumetric control at flow rates ranging from nanoliters per minute to milliliters per hour. Unlike peristaltic or diaphragm-based systems, the Pump 11 Plus eliminates pulsation and tubing-related variability by directly driving syringe pistons, making it suitable for applications demanding low shear stress, minimal dead volume, and strict dose fidelity—such as intracerebral microinjection, HPLC sample loading, or electrophysiology perfusion.
Key Features
- Two operational modes: RATE mode for continuous, stable flow delivery; VOLUME mode for precise, programmable dispensing of discrete volumes (e.g., 10 nL–50 mL per injection)
- Stall-safe stepper motor architecture: Automatically halts motion under mechanical overload without motor damage or system shutdown—critical for unattended overnight experiments
- Integrated mechanical end-stop limiter on the lead screw prevents over-travel and protects syringe barrels from piston-bottom impact
- High-contrast backlit LCD display with multilevel menu navigation supports rapid parameter entry and real-time status monitoring (flow rate, elapsed time, remaining volume, direction)
- Compact form factor (148 × 119 × 178 mm) optimized for space-constrained rigs, stereotaxic setups, and laminar flow hoods
- CE-marked per IEC 61010-1 (safety) and IEC 61326-1 (EMC), confirming compliance with essential requirements for laboratory instrumentation in the European Economic Area
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Pump 11 Plus accommodates standard Luer-lock syringes from 0.5 µL (e.g., Hamilton 1001T) up to 60 mL (e.g., BD Plastipak), including borosilicate glass, polypropylene, and PTFE-lined variants. It supports both single-channel (BS4 70-2208) and dual-channel (BS4 70-2209) configurations, enabling independent or synchronized operation for ratio-based infusions or parallel sample handling. For regulated environments, the RS-232-enabled advanced models (BS4 70-2211 / BS4 70-2212) support audit-trail-capable serial command logging—facilitating alignment with GLP/GMP documentation practices and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when integrated with validated host software.
Software & Data Management
While standalone operation requires no external software, the Pump 11 Plus accepts ASCII-based RS-232 commands (ASCII protocol v2.0) for integration into automated workflows. Compatible with third-party platforms such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python (pySerial), and custom C++ controllers, it enables remote parameter setting, real-time status polling, and event-triggered start/stop sequences. All command inputs and execution timestamps can be logged externally, supporting traceability requirements in preclinical research and method validation studies. No proprietary driver installation is required—standard COM port enumeration suffices.
Applications
- In vivo microinfusion in rodent models: stereotactic delivery of neuroactive compounds, viral vectors, or tracers with sub-microliter accuracy
- Microfluidic device priming and reagent loading where pulse-free flow minimizes channel shearing and bubble formation
- Automated calibration of mass spectrometry or capillary electrophoresis systems requiring consistent, low-flow sample introduction
- Long-duration perfusion assays (e.g., organ-on-chip, tissue explants) leveraging stall-safe operation for uninterrupted 72+ hour runs
- Teaching laboratories: robust mechanical design and intuitive interface support student training in quantitative fluid handling fundamentals
FAQ
What syringe sizes are supported?
Standard Luer-lock syringes from 0.5 µL to 60 mL—calibration is user-selectable per syringe diameter.
Can the Pump 11 Plus operate unattended overnight?
Yes—its stall-safe motor and mechanical end-stop design prevent hardware failure during extended runs; however, syringe integrity and fluid compatibility must be verified per application.
Is RS-232 connectivity available on all models?
No—RS-232 is exclusive to advanced variants (catalog numbers BS4 70-2211 and BS4 70-2212); basic models are front-panel only.
Does the device comply with FDA or ISO standards for regulated research?
It meets CE safety and EMC directives (IEC 61010-1, IEC 61326-1); full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance depends on host software implementation and procedural controls—not inherent to the pump alone.
How is flow rate accuracy maintained across different syringe types?
Accuracy relies on precise user input of syringe inner diameter (ID); the firmware calculates displacement volume per motor step using this value—no factory calibration per syringe is performed.
