Masterflex C/L Series Peristaltic Pump

Overview

The Masterflex C/L Series Peristaltic Pump is a precision-engineered, compact 1/4-DIN laboratory peristaltic pump designed for low-flow, high-reliability fluid handling in analytical, chromatographic, spectroscopic, and OEM instrumentation applications. Operating on the principle of positive displacement via occlusion—where rollers compress flexible tubing against a rigid housing to generate controlled, pulse-free flow—the C/L series delivers consistent, contamination-free transfer without valves, seals, or wetted metal components. Its bidirectional permanent magnet DC motor enables forward/reverse operation for priming, backflushing, and bidirectional sample routing, while its self-priming capability supports suction lift up to 1.5 m and discharge head up to 6.1 m under typical operating conditions. Engineered for integration into automated systems or benchtop workflows, the C/L platform adheres to IEC 60529 (IP22) ingress protection standards and complies with UL/CSA electrical safety requirements. It is suitable for use in GLP-compliant laboratories and meets material safety criteria under USP Class VI, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when paired with compliant software), and ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing protocols.

Key Features

• Compact 1/4-DIN footprint (17.8 × 9.5 × 8.9 cm) optimized for rack-mount or benchtop integration; optional mounting kit (Part No. 77120-03) available for panel installation.
• Bidirectional operation with independent CW/OFF/CCW toggle switch and green LED power indicator—maintains preset speed during direction reversal.
• Dual-speed control architecture: fine-tuned analog speed adjustment plus MAX button for 100% RPM override (used for tubing priming or rapid line clearance).
• Robust pump head constructed from chemically resistant polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and acetal copolymer, with four stainless steel rollers ensuring uniform compression and extended tube life.
• Integrated remote control interface (dry-contact closure) on rear panel for external start/stop signaling—compatible with PLCs, DAQ systems, and LIMS automation frameworks.
• Tool-free tube clamping mechanism enables rapid, repeatable tubing replacement without recalibration or roller alignment.
• Wide voltage input range (90–260 VAC, 50/60 Hz) with auto-sensing circuitry; CE, UKCA, and RoHS compliance certified.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The C/L series accommodates a broad spectrum of chemically compatible tubing materials—including Tygon® E-LFL, PharMed® BPT, C-Flex®, Puri-Flex™, Viton®, and platinum-cured silicone—each validated for specific regulatory environments (e.g., USP Class VI, FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, NSF-51, REACH, RoHS, ADCF). Tubing inner diameters range from 0.19 mm to 2.79 mm, enabling precise flow rate modulation across the full operational range (0.002–43 mL/min for single-channel models; 0.002–12.3 mL/min per channel for dual-channel variants). All tubing options are supplied pre-cut to exact lengths to eliminate connectors and minimize dead volume—critical for microfluidic consistency and sample integrity in HPLC, ICP-MS, and cell culture media delivery applications. The pump’s non-invasive fluid path ensures zero risk of cross-contamination and eliminates cleaning validation requirements associated with diaphragm or piston-based systems.

Software & Data Management

While the C/L series operates as a standalone analog-controlled device, it supports seamless integration into digitally managed workflows through its dry-contact remote interface. When deployed with third-party data acquisition platforms (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom SCADA), the pump can be incorporated into audit-trail-enabled systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 requirements. Optional digital controllers (e.g., Masterflex Easy-Load® II) provide USB/RS-232 connectivity, real-time speed logging, and programmable ramp profiles—enabling reproducible method execution in regulated QC/QA environments. Firmware-upgradable controllers support time-stamped event logging, user-access levels, and electronic signature capture where required by GMP documentation policies.

Applications

• Chromatography: Mobile phase delivery in HPLC, UHPLC, and preparative LC systems requiring low-pulse, solvent-compatible flow.
• Spectroscopy: Precise reagent and standard solution metering in UV-Vis, AAS, and ICP-OES sample introduction modules.
• Cell & Tissue Culture: Sterile, shear-sensitive media and buffer transfer in bioreactors and perfusion systems.
• OEM Instrumentation: Embedded fluid handling in clinical analyzers, environmental monitors, and process analyzers demanding compact, maintenance-light design.
• Quality Control Labs: Reproducible dispensing for titration, dilution, and calibration standard preparation under ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.
• Microfluidics Research: Sub-mL/min flow control in organ-on-chip and microreactor platforms requiring chemical inertness and low carryover.

FAQ

What tubing sizes are supported, and how do they affect flow accuracy?
The C/L pump accepts tubing IDs from 0.19 mm to 2.79 mm. Flow rate scales linearly with both rotational speed and cross-sectional area; published flow tables (e.g., 0.002–43 mL/min at 1.7–300 rpm for 0.89-mm ID Tygon® LFL) are empirically derived and traceable to NIST-calibrated gravimetric measurement protocols.
Is the pump suitable for sterile or closed-system applications?
Yes—when used with gamma-sterilizable tubing (e.g., PharMed® BPT or platinum-cured silicone), the C/L series supports aseptic processing without compromising flow stability or tubing fatigue life.
Can the pump operate under backpressure?
It is rated for continuous operation at up to 1.0 bar (14.5 psi) of downstream pressure. Exceeding this limit may accelerate tubing wear and reduce volumetric accuracy.
Does the pump require periodic calibration?
No routine calibration is needed due to mechanical repeatability (±5% speed control accuracy); however, flow verification using calibrated collection vessels is recommended prior to critical assays per ISO 8655-3.
How is tubing life monitored and validated?
Tubing service life depends on material, ID, RPM, and chemical exposure. Masterflex provides accelerated aging data (e.g., >10,000 hours for PharMed® BPT under typical lab conditions) and recommends scheduled replacement based on cumulative runtime logs.