Ismatec ISM405A Programmable Digital Gear Pump Driver

Overview

The Ismatec ISM405A is a high-precision, microprocessor-controlled digital gear pump driver engineered for repeatable, programmable fluid handling in laboratory, analytical, and industrial process environments. Based on brush-type permanent magnet DC (PMDC) motor technology, the ISM405A delivers stable rotational output across a wide speed range (60–6000 rpm), enabling accurate volumetric delivery via compatible Ismatec gear pump heads (e.g., IPC, IPC-X, or ICP series). Its closed-loop speed regulation ensures minimal drift under variable load conditions—critical when metering viscous or shear-sensitive fluids. Unlike open-loop stepper-based drivers, the ISM405A maintains consistent torque and flow linearity across its operational envelope, supporting time-based, volume-based, and intermittent dispensing protocols without reliance on external flow sensors. Designed for integration into automated systems, it complies with standard electrical safety requirements for Class I equipment and operates continuously at rated load without thermal derating.

Key Features

• Programmable dispensing modes: time-controlled, volume-controlled, and intermittent (pulse) operation with configurable pause intervals
• Front-panel keypad interface with intuitive menu navigation for direct parameter entry—no PC required for basic setup
• Dual-display LED readout showing real-time motor speed (rpm) or calculated flow rate (mL/min), depending on selected pump head calibration
• Multi-unit remote control architecture: up to eight ISM405A units can be daisy-chained and synchronized via RS-232 using Ismatec’s proprietary control software (Cat. No. 16550-13)
• Flexible analog and digital I/O: accepts 0–5 VDC or 0–10 VDC speed setpoints; supports 0–20 mA or 4–20 mA current loop inputs; discrete start/stop and auto-start triggers
• Rugged PMDC motor with IP30-rated enclosure—suitable for controlled indoor laboratory environments with limited dust/moisture exposure
• Standard A-mount compatibility with Ismatec’s modular gear pump head family, ensuring seamless mechanical coupling and magnetic drive transmission

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ISM405A is not a standalone pump but a driver unit intended exclusively for use with Ismatec-certified gear pump heads rated for chemical compatibility with solvents, acids, bases, and aqueous solutions. Users must select pump heads (e.g., IPC-16, IPC-X-25) based on fluid viscosity, pressure rating, and wetted material specifications (e.g., PTFE, stainless steel, EPDM). While the driver itself carries no intrinsic fluid contact certification, its control architecture supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows when paired with validated pump assemblies. The device meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (LVD Directive 2014/35/EU). It does not incorporate FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trail functionality natively; however, full electronic record integrity—including parameter change logs and run history—is achievable when operated through the optional PC software with appropriate system validation.

Software & Data Management

Control and configuration are managed via Ismatec’s Windows-based software suite (Cat. No. 16550-13), which provides a graphical interface for defining multi-step dispensing sequences, saving method templates, and exporting timestamped run data (speed, duration, direction, total volume) in CSV format. The software enables batch programming across multiple ISM405A units, facilitating parallel processing in multi-channel liquid handling applications. All communication occurs over standard RS-232 serial protocol (78098-22 interface cable required); USB-to-serial adapters are supported. No cloud connectivity or embedded web server is present—data remains local unless exported manually or integrated into third-party SCADA/LIMS platforms via ASCII command protocol documentation (available in the user manual).

Applications

• Automated reagent dosing in spectrophotometric and titration systems
• Continuous feed control in HPLC sample introduction modules and column conditioning loops
• Precise catalyst injection in bench-scale catalytic reactor studies
• Calibration fluid delivery in sensor validation rigs requiring traceable volumetric accuracy
• Intermittent solvent purging in electrochemical cell maintenance protocols
• Low-pulsation fluid transfer in microfluidic test benches where backpressure stability is essential

FAQ

Can the ISM405A operate without a connected PC?
Yes—the front-panel keypad allows full local configuration of speed, direction, dispensing mode, and timing parameters. The PC is only required for advanced sequencing or multi-unit synchronization.
Is analog speed control compatible with PLC integration?
Yes—0–5 VDC, 0–10 VDC, 0–20 mA, and 4–20 mA inputs are electrically isolated and designed for direct connection to industrial PLC analog I/O modules.
What is the maximum permissible backpressure for gear pump heads driven by the ISM405A?
Backpressure limits are determined solely by the connected pump head—not the driver. Refer to the technical datasheet of the specific IPC or ICP series head for pressure ratings (typically 2–10 bar, depending on model and fluid viscosity).
Does the ISM405A support bidirectional flow reversal during operation?
Yes—forward/reverse direction can be toggled programmatically via keypad or remote command, enabling recirculation or purge cycles without mechanical valve actuation.
Is firmware upgrade capability available?
Firmware updates are performed exclusively via RS-232 using Ismatec’s authorized service tools; end users cannot modify firmware. Version history and update procedures are documented in the service manual.