Acmer 150F-BX Portable Peristaltic Pump

Overview

The Acmer 150F-BX is a battery-powered, field-deployable peristaltic pump engineered for precise, low-to-moderate flow rate sampling in environmental monitoring, water quality analysis, and mobile laboratory applications. Based on the principle of positive displacement via roller compression of elastomeric tubing, the 150F-BX delivers consistent, pulse-free fluid transfer without contact between the pump mechanism and the sample—ensuring contamination-free operation and eliminating the need for valves or seals. Its compact form factor (156 × 118 × 130 mm), integrated 2.5 Ah lithium-ion battery, and 4-hour continuous runtime under typical load make it suitable for unattended or handheld deployment in remote locations where AC power is unavailable. The device complies with fundamental electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements for portable instrumentation used in non-hazardous environments (IEC 61010-1, IEC 61326-1 Class B).

Key Features

• High-resolution 3.0-inch capacitive touchscreen interface with real-time visualization of flow rate, rotational speed, battery status (percentage and voltage), elapsed time, and operational mode.
• Wide adjustable speed range from 0.1 to 150 rpm, enabling fine control over low-flow applications (e.g., micro-sampling at 0.0013 mL/min) and higher-throughput tasks (up to 140 mL/min with compatible #25 tubing and F154 head).
• Multi-unit volumetric quantification: programmable delivery volumes in µL, mL, L, mg, g, or kg—supporting gravimetric calibration workflows and standardized reporting formats.
• Precision timing function with resolution down to 0.1 seconds and maximum interval up to 6553.5 minutes (≈109 hours), configurable in either minutes or hours.
• Programmable backflow (retraction) via angular displacement control (0–999°), minimizing residual carryover during sequential sampling or system priming.
• Flexible external control architecture supporting analog (0–5 V, 0–10 V, 4–20 mA) and frequency-based (0–10 kHz) inputs for integration into SCADA systems, data loggers, or automated sampling platforms.
• RS485 serial communication port with user-configurable node address and fixed 9600 bps baud rate—enabling multi-pump daisy-chaining and centralized command execution in networked field deployments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 150F-BX is compatible with standard silicone or Tygon®-type peristaltic tubing (sizes #13 through #25), allowing users to select tubing bore and wall thickness based on required flow accuracy, chemical resistance, and pressure tolerance. It supports dual pump head configurations (F154 and F156), each optimized for different flow regimes and tubing families. As a Class II portable instrument, the unit meets IP31 ingress protection standards—providing limited protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects larger than 2.5 mm. It is designed for use in ambient laboratory and outdoor field conditions (0–40 °C, 20–85% RH, non-condensing). While not certified for explosion-proof or intrinsically safe environments, its DC-powered architecture minimizes spark risk and facilitates safe operation in regulated sampling zones compliant with EPA Method 1664, ISO 5667-3, and ASTM D3370.

Software & Data Management

The 150F-BX operates as a standalone instrument with no proprietary PC software dependency; all configuration, calibration, and operation are managed directly via the onboard touchscreen. However, its RS485 interface enables seamless integration with third-party data acquisition systems that support Modbus RTU protocol (master-slave architecture). Logged operational parameters—including start/stop timestamps, cumulative volume dispensed, average speed, and battery discharge profile—can be retrieved remotely for GLP-compliant audit trails. Though the device does not feature built-in electronic signature or 21 CFR Part 11 compliance modules, its deterministic control logic, non-volatile parameter storage, and hardware-level status outputs support traceability when deployed within validated workflows governed by ISO/IEC 17025 or ISO 9001 quality management systems.

Applications

• Automated grab sampling of surface water, groundwater, and wastewater at remote monitoring stations.
• Controlled reagent dosing in portable colorimetric analyzers and ion-selective electrode (ISE) systems.
• Low-flow purging of monitoring wells prior to VOC or metals analysis (per USGS NWIS protocols).
• Mobile QA/QC verification of flow meters and total organic carbon (TOC) analyzers using calibrated volumetric delivery.
• Integration into autonomous environmental sensor buoys or UAV-mounted sampling payloads requiring lightweight, low-power fluid handling.
• Teaching laboratories requiring robust, intuitive peristaltic pumping platforms for fluid mechanics and analytical chemistry curricula.

FAQ

What tubing sizes are supported, and how do they affect flow accuracy?
The 150F-BX accommodates tubing sizes #13 through #25. Smaller diameters (e.g., #13) provide higher resolution at low flow rates (<1 mL/min), while larger bores (e.g., #25) maximize throughput but reduce precision below 5 mL/min. Flow calibration must be performed per tubing lot and pump head combination.
Can the pump be powered continuously via DC input while charging the battery?
Yes—the unit accepts DC 25.6 V input and will operate while simultaneously maintaining battery charge state; however, full recharge requires disconnecting the load and using the dedicated charger.
Is firmware upgrade capability available?
Firmware updates are supported via micro-USB connection using Acmer’s official utility tool, distributed under NDA to authorized service partners and institutional customers.
Does the RS485 interface support Modbus TCP or only RTU?
Only Modbus RTU over RS485 physical layer is implemented; TCP/IP bridging requires an external protocol converter.
What is the expected service life of the pump tubing under continuous operation at 100 rpm?
Typical lifetime ranges from 100 to 300 hours depending on tubing material, fluid abrasiveness, and ambient temperature—silicone tubing at 25 °C and pH-neutral aqueous solutions generally achieves >250 hours before significant fatigue-induced flow drift (>3%).