Chemyx FUSION 101 High-Precision Syringe Pump

Overview

The Chemyx FUSION 101 High-Precision Syringe Pump is an electromechanically driven, single-channel volumetric displacement pump engineered for reproducible, low-flow-rate fluid delivery in research and regulated laboratory environments. Based on a high-resolution microstepping stepper motor (0.9° step angle) coupled with a precision lead-screw actuation system, the FUSION 101 achieves sub-nanoliter per minute flow control through closed-loop position feedback and calibrated syringe geometry mapping. Its operational principle relies on linear displacement of the syringe plunger at defined step intervals, enabling deterministic volume delivery without reliance on pressure-based feedback or peristaltic compression—critical for applications where pulseless, shear-sensitive, or stoichiometrically precise dosing is required. Designed for integration into automated synthesis platforms, electrospray ionization (ESI) sources, microfluidic interfacing, and controlled drug infusion protocols, the FUSION 101 meets the mechanical and metrological demands of modern analytical and preparative workflows.

Key Features

• Ultra-low flow capability: down to 0.0001 µL/min using certified 0.5 µL glass syringes—enabling nanoliter-scale reagent addition in catalytic screening or MALDI matrix deposition.
• Wide dynamic range: supports syringes from 0.5 µL micro-capillary to 60 mL standard borosilicate, with auto-scaled flow rate calculation based on user-selected units (µL/hr, µL/min, mL/hr, mL/min).
• High positional fidelity: 0.198 µm/step resolution and ≤0.05% repeatability ensure consistent delivery across repeated runs—essential for GLP-compliant method validation.
• Intelligent stall detection with audible alert: monitors motor current signature to identify occlusion, syringe binding, or air bubble obstruction without requiring external pressure sensors.
• 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen interface with intuitive icon-driven navigation; supports real-time parameter adjustment, protocol saving, and status diagnostics.
• Robust mechanical architecture: 29 lbf (13.1 kgf) linear force output accommodates high-viscosity fluids (e.g., polymer melts, nanoparticle suspensions) and maintains stability during extended unattended operation.
• Quiet operation (<35 dB(A)) achieved via optimized gear train damping and low-vibration motor drive—suitable for noise-sensitive environments including electrophysiology rigs and cleanroom gloveboxes.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FUSION 101 accommodates all standard Luer-lock and Luer-slip syringes—including borosilicate glass, polypropylene, PTFE-coated, and fused-silica capillaries—without mechanical adaptation. Its open syringe library allows users to define custom geometries (barrel ID, plunger travel length) for non-standard or OEM-specific devices. From a regulatory standpoint, the instrument conforms to CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. It also satisfies RoHS 2011/65/EU, REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, FCC Part 15 Class B, and Industry Canada ICES-003 standards. While not intrinsically certified for IEC 62304 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its RS232 and USB-B interfaces support external audit-trail logging when integrated with compliant host software—facilitating alignment with GMP Annex 11 and USP <1058> analytical instrument qualification frameworks.

Software & Data Management

The pump operates autonomously via its onboard firmware but is fully programmable via ASCII command protocol over RS232 or virtual COM port (USB-B). Chemyx provides free Windows-compatible Fusion Control Software (v3.x), which enables multi-step protocols, time-based ramping, synchronization with external triggers (TTL input/output), and export of timestamped CSV logs containing flow rate, elapsed time, and motor position. All commands are human-readable and scriptable in Python, LabVIEW, or MATLAB using standard serial libraries. For enterprise deployment, the device supports SCPI-like syntax extensions for remote calibration verification and firmware version interrogation—critical for IQ/OQ documentation during lab instrument commissioning.

Applications

• Synthesis automation: Precise stoichiometric delivery of catalysts, initiators, or monomers in flow chemistry reactors and parallel synthesizers.
• Electrospray ionization: Stable, pulse-free solvent and analyte infusion into ESI and nano-ESI sources for LC-MS and native MS applications.
• Microfluidics: Controlled priming, reagent switching, and gradient generation in droplet-based and continuous-flow chips.
• Pharmaceutical development: IV infusion simulation, dissolution testing, and pharmacokinetic sampling in preclinical models.
• Materials science: Electrospinning of nanofibers, inkjet-compatible precursor deposition, and sol-gel processing.
• Calibration traceability: Use as a primary volumetric standard in gravimetric flow verification setups per ISO 4064-2 and ASTM D3218.

FAQ

What syringe sizes are supported?
The FUSION 101 accepts syringes ranging from 0.5 µL microcapillary to 60 mL standard format. Custom syringe profiles can be added manually using internal diameter and stroke length parameters.
Is the pump compatible with corrosive or high-viscosity fluids?
Yes—provided appropriate syringe material (e.g., glass, PTFE-lined) and chemically resistant tubing are used. The 29 lbf linear force enables reliable dispensing of solutions up to ~10,000 cP at reduced flow rates.
Can multiple FUSION 101 units be synchronized?
Yes—via TTL trigger signals or coordinated RS232 commands from a master controller; no hardware daisy-chaining is required.
Does the device support audit trail functionality?
Not natively, but full command logging and timestamped output files generated via Fusion Control Software satisfy ALCOA+ data integrity principles when implemented within a validated IT environment.
What maintenance is required?
Annual verification of step accuracy using a calibrated optical encoder or gravimetric test; periodic cleaning of lead screw and guide rails with isopropyl alcohol; no lubrication required.