3i WAD-001 Precision Syringe Pump
| Brand | 3i |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Domestic (China) |
| Model | WAD-001 |
| Price | USD 1 (FOB Shanghai, ex-factory reference only) |
| Dimensions | 184.2 × 68.7 × 44.5 mm |
| Resolution | 181,490 microsteps per full stroke |
| Flow Range | 5 nL/s to 5 mL/s |
| Dynamic Range | >3 decades (<0.1–100% of syringe volume) |
| Accuracy | ±0.25% of full stroke (25°C, deionized water, 1.25 mL ceramic syringe) |
| Precision | ≤0.5% CV at full stroke (25°C, deionized water, 1.25 mL ceramic syringe) |
| Syringe Options | Ceramic (250 µL, 1.25 mL, 5 mL) |
| Valve Configurations | Non-distribution (3/4-port, dual-loop) |
| Communication | RS232 / RS485 / CAN |
| Compliance | ISO 13485 certified components (Tecan Cavro OEM modules), RoHS 2011/65/EU compliant |
| Drive Mechanism | Stepper motor with integrated loss-of-step detection, force monitoring, and onboard diagnostics |
Overview
The 3i WAD-001 Precision Syringe Pump is an OEM-grade fluid handling instrument engineered for high-reproducibility, low-maintenance operation in automated laboratory and industrial process environments. Based on Tecan Cavro’s validated cavity-centered stepper-driven architecture, it employs a direct-coupled lead-screw mechanism with precision-ground ceramic or glass syringes—eliminating O-ring seals, swept-volume artifacts, and mechanical hysteresis common in diaphragm or peristaltic alternatives. Its core operating principle relies on closed-loop microstepping control, where volumetric displacement is determined by motor step count calibrated against syringe inner diameter and plunger travel. This enables traceable, gravimetrically verifiable delivery across a dynamic flow range spanning three orders of magnitude—from nanoliter-per-second dispensing in microfluidic assay setup to milliliter-per-second priming or reagent transfer. Designed for integration into larger analytical platforms—including liquid handlers, HPLC autosamplers, and custom QC stations—the WAD-001 meets the mechanical and regulatory expectations of ISO 13485-compliant medical device manufacturing and GLP-aligned research workflows.
Key Features
- Ultra-wide dynamic flow range: programmable from 5 nL/s to 5 mL/s, supporting both ultra-low-volume precision dosing and high-throughput fluid transfer
- Ceramic syringe options (250 µL, 1.25 mL, 5 mL) with zero dead-volume geometry and sub-micron surface finish—ensuring minimal shear, no lubricant contamination, and long-term dimensional stability
- Modular valve manifold support: non-distribution (3-/4-port, dual-loop) and distribution configurations (3-/6-/6-tapered-/9-/12-port) in either ceramic or chemically resistant polymer variants
- Onboard diagnostics suite: real-time step-loss detection, mechanical load monitoring, command logging, safety watchdog timer, and self-test routines compliant with IEC 62304 software lifecycle requirements
- Multi-protocol serial interface: RS232 (default), RS485 (for daisy-chained multi-pump systems), and CAN bus (for deterministic timing in embedded automation)
- Compact footprint (184.2 × 68.7 × 44.5 mm) with optional mounting kits—enabling seamless integration into OEM instruments without thermal or spatial compromise
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The WAD-001 accommodates a broad spectrum of liquids—including aqueous buffers, organic solvents (e.g., acetonitrile, DMSO), viscous glycerol solutions (up to 1,000 cP), and low-surface-tension reagents—without performance degradation, provided compatible syringe and valve materials are selected. Glass syringes (50 µL–12.5 mL) are recommended for aggressive solvents or UV-transparent applications; ceramic variants offer superior wear resistance for abrasive suspensions or high-cycle protocols. All Tecan Cavro OEM components integrated into the WAD-001 conform to ISO 13485:2016 for medical device component manufacturing and comply with EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS2) regarding hazardous substances. While the pump itself is not FDA-listed, its design supports validation under 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with audit-trail-enabled host software and electronic signature controls.
Software & Data Management
The WAD-001 operates via ASCII-based command sets aligned with Tecan Cavro’s industry-standard OEM protocol—enabling straightforward integration with LabVIEW, Python (pySerial), MATLAB, or custom C/C++ host applications. Each command execution returns status codes and optional response payloads, supporting deterministic error recovery and state synchronization. Optional firmware extensions provide time-stamped command logging (with UTC timestamps), cyclic redundancy check (CRC)-protected data packets, and configurable auto-retry thresholds for networked RS485 deployments. When used in regulated environments, system-level validation documentation—including IQ/OQ templates, calibration certificates for reference syringes, and traceable metrology reports—is available upon request from authorized 3i technical support.
Applications
- Automated sample preparation for LC-MS and GC-MS workflows requiring precise solvent gradient formation and internal standard spiking
- Microfluidic chip priming and continuous perfusion in organ-on-chip and single-cell analysis platforms
- Calibration fluid delivery in field-deployable environmental sensors (e.g., nitrate, phosphate analyzers)
- Reagent metering in IVD instrument OEM modules, including ELISA wash stations and nucleic acid extraction cartridges
- Low-flow electrochemical cell conditioning and electrolyte replenishment in battery R&D test benches
- Gravimetric verification setups using high-resolution analytical balances (0.1 µg resolution) for volumetric method validation per ISO 8655-3
FAQ
Is the WAD-001 suitable for sterile or bioprocessing applications?
Yes—when equipped with autoclavable ceramic syringes and USP Class VI-certified polymer valves, it supports SIP (steam-in-place) compatibility up to 121°C for limited cycles. Full validation requires user-specific risk assessment per ISO 14644 and ISO 5 cleanroom classification.
Can multiple WAD-001 units be synchronized for coordinated multi-channel dispensing?
Yes—via RS485 multidrop configuration with hardware-triggered start commands and shared clock signals, achieving inter-pump timing jitter <10 ms (typ.). Synchronization accuracy depends on host controller latency and cable length compensation.
What maintenance is required over the pump’s operational lifetime?
No scheduled lubrication or seal replacement is needed. Recommended quarterly verification includes step-count linearity check using calibrated gravimetric measurement and valve leak testing per ISO 8655-5 Annex B.
Does the WAD-001 support analog input/output for external process feedback?
Not natively—but optional third-party interface modules (e.g., National Instruments USB-6009) can convert analog sensor signals to serial commands for closed-loop flow regulation.
Are firmware updates available, and how are they deployed?
Firmware revisions are distributed as signed binary packages through 3i’s secure customer portal. Updates are applied via RS232 using XMODEM protocol with CRC-16 verification and rollback capability.
