Cole-Parmer iDrive™ Smart Peristaltic Pump with iOS/Android Remote Control (Model 74906-00)

Overview

The Cole-Parmer iDrive™ Smart Peristaltic Pump (Model 74906-00) is an intelligent, network-enabled fluid handling solution engineered for precision, repeatability, and operational flexibility in analytical laboratories, environmental testing facilities, and process development environments. Utilizing peristaltic displacement—where rollers compress flexible tubing to generate positive displacement—the pump delivers pulse-minimized flow without fluid contact with mechanical components, ensuring contamination-free transfer of sensitive or aggressive liquids. Its 12-roller pump head design significantly reduces pulsation compared to standard 8-roller configurations, improving flow stability for low-flow applications such as isotope ratio analysis, pre-concentration workflows, and trace metal detection in lubricating oils. Designed and assembled in the United States, the iDrive™ platform integrates seamlessly into modern lab infrastructure via native Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling centralized control across multi-pump setups without dedicated hardware interfaces.

Key Features

• Remote operation via iOS and Android mobile devices on the same local Wi-Fi network—no physical proximity required during long-duration assays or unattended runs
• Dual software tiers: Free Lite version for real-time monitoring; Full-featured licensed version for complete parameter control—including start/stop, direction reversal, speed ramping, and run time scheduling
• USB 2.0 and Ethernet ports support direct PC connection and integration into Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS) or SCADA environments
• 12-roller pump head ensures superior flow continuity and reduced pulsation amplitude—critical for micro-volume delivery and high-sensitivity detection systems
• Bi-directional operation enables backflushing, calibration loops, and reagent recirculation protocols without manual tubing reconfiguration
• Wide tube ID range (0.13–2.79 mm) accommodates diverse flow rate requirements—from sub-microliter-per-minute dosing (e.g., 0.6 µL/min at 1 rpm with 0.13 mm ID tubing) to up to 10.35 mL/min (with 2.79 mm ID tubing at 150 rpm)
• Compatible with chemically resistant tubing materials including standard PVC and Solva® hydrocarbon-resistant formulations—validated for use with organic solvents, acids, and bases within thermal limits (≤52°C)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The iDrive™ pump is suitable for non-sterile liquid handling applications involving aqueous solutions, buffers, organic solvents, dilute acids and bases, and hydrocarbon-based fluids—provided compatible tubing is selected per chemical exposure guidelines. It complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission standards) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity). While not certified for medical device use under ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 820, its architecture supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows when deployed with audit-trail-capable software (e.g., third-party SCADA or custom LIMS integrations). The pump’s firmware and remote interface do not inherently meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures; however, full compliance can be achieved through validated external data capture systems that log user actions, timestamps, and parameter changes with immutable audit trails.

Software & Data Management

The iDrive™ platform uses a proprietary Remote Device Protocol (RDP) for secure communication between host systems and pump units. The desktop control software—compatible with Windows XP through Windows 7—is designed for local network deployment and supports simultaneous management of up to four independent pumps. All configuration parameters (speed, direction, runtime, pause intervals) are stored in volatile memory and persist only during active sessions unless exported manually. For automated data logging, users must integrate the pump’s serial-over-USB or TCP/IP interface with external acquisition software (e.g., LabVIEW, Python-based PySerial scripts, or commercial DAQ platforms). No built-in internal memory or cloud synchronization is provided; all data persistence relies on host-system-level storage policies and backup protocols.

Applications

• Automated sample introduction in ICP-MS and GC-MS systems requiring stable, low-pulse flow for isotopic ratio accuracy
• Pre-concentration modules in environmental water testing labs—enabling precise metering of large-volume samples onto solid-phase extraction cartridges
• In-line wear metal analysis in oil condition monitoring, where consistent flow rates ensure reproducible filtration and digestion kinetics
• Reagent delivery in automated titration and sequential injection analysis (SIA) platforms
• Cell culture media perfusion and buffer exchange in benchtop bioreactor support systems
• Calibration standard delivery in reference material validation workflows compliant with ASTM D6595 or ISO 8573-1

FAQ

Is the iDrive™ pump suitable for sterile or pharmaceutical manufacturing applications?
No—it is intended for general laboratory fluid handling and lacks certifications for cleanroom use, USP , or cGMP-compliant environments.
Can multiple iDrive™ pumps be synchronized to operate at identical speeds and phases?
The firmware does not support hardware-level phase synchronization; coordinated timing requires external master clock triggering via TTL signals or software-level orchestration through host PC scripts.
Does the pump retain settings after power loss?
No—default speed is zero upon reboot; all operational parameters must be reinitialized via software or mobile interface.
What tubing sizes are validated for use with the 74906-xx series?
Cole-Parmer provides flow calibration data for nine inner diameters (0.13–2.79 mm) using specific part numbers (e.g., 74906-xx, 74907-xx, 74908-xx, 74909-xx); deviations from these require user-generated flow correction factors.
Is firmware update capability available?
Firmware updates are distributed exclusively by Cole-Parmer technical support and require USB-connected programming via authorized service tools—no over-the-air or web-based update mechanism is implemented.