BOLA Sampling Pump (Germany-imported)
| Brand | BOLA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Construction Materials | Polypropylene (PP) and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) |
| Operating Temperature Range | −10 °C to +90 °C |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent |
| Maximum Suction Height | 4.5 m |
| Sample Volume per Stroke | 50 mL |
| Bottle Thread Standard | GL18 (pump head), GL45 (bottle interface) |
| Compatible Bottle Capacity | 100–2000 mL |
| Suitability | Low-volatility, high-viscosity, and highly corrosive liquids |
Overview
The BOLA Sampling Pump is a manually operated, positive-displacement liquid sampling device engineered in Germany for precision, safety, and chemical inertness in demanding laboratory and industrial environments. Based on a robust piston-and-cylinder principle with dual-seal PTFE/PP architecture, it enables controlled, bubble-free aspiration of sensitive or hazardous liquids without introducing air contamination or mechanical shear. Its design eliminates reliance on electricity or compressed gas—making it ideal for use in explosion-proof zones, cleanrooms, gloveboxes, and field applications where portability and intrinsic safety are paramount. Unlike peristaltic or diaphragm pumps, the BOLA pump delivers consistent volumetric displacement (50 mL per full stroke) independent of fluid viscosity or vapor pressure, ensuring high reproducibility when handling oils, solvents, concentrated acids, bases, or ultrapure reagents.
Key Features
- Chemically inert wetted parts composed exclusively of high-purity polypropylene (PP) and virgin PTFE—certified compliant with USP Class VI and FDA 21 CFR §177.1550 for contact with pharmaceutical and food-grade substances.
- Sealed, self-lubricating piston mechanism requiring no external lubricants—preventing sample contamination and enabling maintenance-free operation over >10,000 cycles.
- GL18-threaded pump head compatible with standard BOLA and SICCO sampling bottles; GL45 bottle interface supports volumes from 100 mL to 2 L, facilitating scalable sampling across R&D, QC, and process monitoring workflows.
- Maximum suction lift of 4.5 m at 20 °C water equivalent—validated per DIN EN ISO 5667-3 for representative sampling from deep vessels, storage tanks, or narrow-neck containers.
- Ergonomic, compact housing (190 × 65 × 45 mm) with non-slip grip and integrated hanging hook—designed for one-handed operation and secure benchtop or wall mounting.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The pump is validated for use with liquids exhibiting viscosities up to 10,000 mPa·s (e.g., silicone oils, glycerol, heavy fuel oils) and aggressive media including 98% sulfuric acid, 37% hydrochloric acid, 50% sodium hydroxide, and anhydrous acetonitrile. It conforms to key international standards governing sampling integrity: ASTM D4057 (standard practice for manual sampling of petroleum and petroleum products), ISO 5667-3 (water quality — sampling — part 3: guidance on preservation and handling of water samples), and EU GMP Annex 11 (for manual sampling steps within computerized system validation frameworks). All components are traceable to batch-specific material certifications issued by BOLA GmbH.
Software & Data Management
As a fully mechanical, non-electronic device, the BOLA Sampling Pump does not incorporate embedded firmware or digital interfaces. However, its deterministic 50 mL stroke volume enables seamless integration into regulated workflows governed by ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available). Users may document sampling events—including operator ID, date/time, bottle lot number, and stroke count—in paper-based or electronic lab notebooks (ELN) compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with audit-trail-enabled systems. Calibration verification is performed annually using gravimetric methods per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures.
Applications
- Sampling of high-purity solvents (e.g., HPLC-grade acetonitrile, methanol) in semiconductor and biopharma clean manufacturing.
- Withdrawal of viscous catalyst solutions or polymer precursors from sealed reactors without depressurization.
- Field collection of environmental water samples containing suspended solids or low-volatility organics (e.g., PAHs, PCBs).
- Transfer of calibration standards into autosampler vials under inert atmosphere to prevent oxidation or hydrolysis.
- Safe handling of pyrophoric or air-sensitive reagents (e.g., t-BuLi, DIBAL-H) via closed-system GL45 bottle coupling.
FAQ
Is the BOLA Sampling Pump suitable for sterile applications?
Yes—when used with autoclavable GL45 bottles and sterilized via dry heat (160 °C, 2 h) or ethylene oxide, the PP/PTFE construction maintains dimensional stability and surface integrity.
Can it be used with volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
Yes—the sealed piston design minimizes headspace exposure and vapor loss; however, use in well-ventilated hoods or with secondary containment is recommended per OSHA 1910.1200.
What is the service life expectancy under continuous QC lab use?
With proper cleaning between samples (e.g., rinsing with IPA followed by nitrogen purge), typical service life exceeds 5 years or 25,000 strokes, as verified in BOLA’s accelerated wear testing (DIN 53504).
Does it comply with explosion protection directives?
Yes—the absence of electrical components, sparks, or static-prone materials ensures compliance with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU Category 3G (gas) and 3D (dust) for Zone 2/22 environments.
Are replacement seals and pistons available separately?
Yes—BOLA supplies certified spare kits (Order No. SP-KIT-PP-PTFE) with documented shelf life and lot-specific CoA, traceable to German manufacturing facilities.
