Catalyst FH10 Compact Peristaltic Pump
| Brand | Catalyst |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | FH10, FH15, FH30 |
| Flow Rate Range | 2 μL/min to 530 mL/min |
| Speed Range | 4 to 400 rpm |
Overview
The Catalyst FH10 Compact Peristaltic Pump is an engineered solution for precise, low-maintenance fluid handling in analytical laboratories, bioprocessing workflows, and automated sampling systems. Based on the principle of peristalsis—where rollers compress flexible tubing against a fixed occlusion surface to generate positive displacement—the FH10 delivers repeatable, pulse-free flow without contacting the fluid path. Its compact monolithic architecture integrates motor, drive electronics, and pump head within a single stackable stainless-steel enclosure, eliminating external controllers and reducing footprint to just 17.8 × 13.4 × 11.4 cm. Designed for continuous-duty operation under ambient conditions (0–40 °C), the FH10 supports pressure generation up to 2.1 bar (30 psig) with certified tubing sets, making it suitable for applications requiring backpressure tolerance—including inline filtration, HPLC mobile phase delivery, and closed-loop recirculation.
Key Features
- Monolithic design: All components—motor, PWM-controlled DC drive, and precision-machined pump head—are housed in one rugged, powder-coated steel enclosure rated IP22.
- Tool-free dual-channel tubing loading: Anodized aluminum occlusion bed swings open for rapid insertion of pre-assembled dual-cassette tubing kits; no manual occlusion adjustment or tension calibration required.
- Extended occlusion angle geometry: Ensures bidirectional sealing integrity below rated tube pressure, minimizing backflow during stop/start cycles and enabling accurate dispensing at ultra-low flows (down to 2 µL/min).
- Self-lubricating Ertalyte® TX rollers: Thermoplastic polyester rollers reduce friction and wear, supporting >10,000 hours of continuous operation while maintaining consistent torque transmission and speed stability.
- Remote control interface: Dry-contact terminals on rear panel allow integration into PLC-based or custom automation systems for start/stop signaling independent of front-panel controls.
- Intuitive front-panel operation: Single-knob speed adjustment with memory retention, dedicated forward/off/reverse toggle, and MAX button for full-speed priming or line flushing.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FH10 accommodates a broad spectrum of chemically resistant, USP Class VI–compliant tubing materials—including platinum-cured silicone, PharMed® BPT, Norprene® Food, and Tygon® E-Food—available in inner diameters from 0.19 mm to 4.8 mm. Tubing selection directly determines achievable flow range and pressure capability, with validated performance across all standard configurations. The pump meets IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) standards. Its design supports GLP/GMP environments through reproducible flow calibration traceable to NIST-traceable flow meters, and optional audit-trail-capable software interfaces comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with compatible host systems.
Software & Data Management
While the FH10 operates as a standalone analog device, its PWM-driven motor enables seamless integration with third-party digital control platforms via 0–10 VDC analog input (speed reference) and TTL-level dry-contact signals (start/stop). When paired with Catalyst’s optional USB-to-RS485 interface module and Catalyst Control Suite v3.x, users gain access to programmable ramp profiles, real-time flow monitoring (calibrated against tubing ID and RPM), event logging with timestamps, and exportable CSV reports. All firmware updates are delivered via signed binary packages, ensuring version control and integrity verification in regulated settings.
Applications
- Low-flow reagent delivery in microfluidic assay platforms and capillary electrophoresis systems.
- Continuous feed of culture media or harvest streams in benchtop bioreactors and perfusion cell culture setups.
- In-line dosing of pH adjusters, antifoam agents, or inducers in fermentation process control loops.
- Automated sample introduction into ICP-MS, AAS, or UV-Vis spectrometers where pulsation-free transport is critical for signal stability.
- Calibration standard delivery in environmental testing labs performing EPA Method 200.7 or ISO 11885 compliance testing.
- Repetitive dispensing tasks in QC/QA labs validating viscosity standards or particulate counting protocols.
FAQ
What tubing sizes are supported on the FH10 model?
The FH10 accepts single-channel tubing with IDs ranging from 0.19 mm to 2.79 mm, delivering calibrated flow rates from 2 µL/min to 105 mL/min depending on selected ID and rotational speed.
Can the FH10 be used in sterile or cleanroom environments?
Yes—when equipped with gamma-sterilizable PharMed® BPT or platinum-cured silicone tubing and operated within ISO Class 7 (Class 10,000) or better laminar flow hoods, the FH10 maintains bioburden control without compromising mechanical reliability.
Is there a factory calibration certificate available?
Each unit ships with a Certificate of Conformance; NIST-traceable flow calibration certificates are available upon request for specific tubing configurations and operating points.
How does the FH10 compare to the FH15 and FH30 in terms of duty cycle?
The FH10 is optimized for intermittent to moderate continuous use at lower torque demands; FH15 and FH30 feature reinforced gear trains and enhanced thermal management for sustained high-load operation at elevated flow and pressure setpoints.
Does the pump support bidirectional flow reversal during operation?
Yes—the front-panel reverse toggle allows instantaneous direction change without interrupting speed setting or requiring motor reset, enabling wash-rinse cycles and backflush protocols in integrated fluidic architectures.
