Cole-Parmer 74902 Nano-Volume Syringe Pump

Overview

The Cole-Parmer 74902 Nano-Volume Syringe Pump is a precision-engineered microfluidic actuation system designed for ultra-low-flow applications in analytical chemistry, microscale synthesis, single-cell dosing, and nanoliter-scale sample introduction into mass spectrometry or capillary electrophoresis systems. Based on stepper-motor-driven linear actuation, the pump delivers highly controlled displacement of fluid through standard glass or plastic syringes via a calibrated lead-screw mechanism. Its core architecture separates the motorized pump head from the microprocessor-based controller—enabling flexible placement in confined or radiation-shielded environments while maintaining full operational fidelity. The system operates on the principle of volumetric displacement: by precisely defining syringe inner diameter and plunger travel distance per step, flow rate and delivered volume are deterministically calculated and executed without reliance on pressure feedback loops. This open-loop design ensures intrinsic stability in low-Reynolds-number laminar flow regimes typical of nanoliter dispensing.

Key Features

• Sub-nanoliter resolution capability with programmable flow rates spanning 1 nL/min to 363.7 µL/hr—optimized for high-precision reagent addition, calibration standard delivery, and microreactor feeding.
• Dual-mode operation: infuse-only, withdraw-only, or bidirectional (infuse/withdraw) sequences with independent parameter assignment per phase.
• Intuitive membrane-keypad interface paired with a backlit LCD display provides real-time visualization of setpoints (flow rate, target volume, syringe diameter), elapsed time, and remaining volume.
• Fast-forward and reverse functions simplify syringe loading and air-bubble purging without requiring manual disassembly or tool intervention.
• Modular remote pump head (17.8 × 4.4 × 5 cm) connects to the controller via a shielded 1.8 m cable—supporting installation inside gloveboxes, fume hoods, or vibration-isolated optical tables.
• CE-marked design complies with EN 61326-1 (EMC) and EN 61010-1 (safety), ensuring suitability for use in ISO 17025-accredited laboratories and regulated QC/QA workflows.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 74902 accommodates a broad range of commercially available glass and polymer syringes from 0.5 µL to 250 µL nominal capacity—including Cole-Parmer catalog numbers 07939-20 through 07939-24 (10–250 µL, 22–26s gauge needles). Luer-lock fittings ensure leak-tight connections to 1/8″ ID PTFE, FEP, or stainless-steel tubing commonly used in HPLC, CE, and microfluidic interfacing. All wetted surfaces are chemically inert (glass barrel, stainless-steel plunger rod, PTFE tip seal), supporting compatibility with aqueous buffers, organic solvents (e.g., acetonitrile, methanol), and mildly corrosive reagents. The system meets requirements for trace-level delivery under GLP and GMP-aligned protocols; audit trails are supported when integrated with validated third-party SCADA or LIMS platforms via analog/digital I/O (optional).

Software & Data Management

While the 74902 operates autonomously via front-panel programming, it supports external control through TTL-compatible trigger inputs (start/stop/pause) and analog voltage input (0–5 V) for dynamic flow rate modulation. For laboratories requiring electronic recordkeeping, the pump’s deterministic behavior enables seamless integration with data acquisition systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11—provided appropriate user access controls, electronic signatures, and change-control procedures are implemented at the host software level. No proprietary software is bundled; configuration remains fully accessible via hardware interface, minimizing validation overhead in regulated environments.

Applications

• Nanoelectrospray ionization (nESI) source priming and solvent delivery in high-sensitivity LC-MS/MS assays.
• Controlled reagent injection into microfluidic chips for kinetic studies or droplet generation.
• Calibration standard preparation for elemental analysis (ICP-MS) where sub-picomole accuracy is critical.
• Cell culture media supplementation in organ-on-chip platforms requiring pulsatile, low-shear delivery.
• Automated solvent exchange in cryo-EM grid preparation workflows.
• Low-volume titrations in electrochemical sensor characterization.

FAQ

What syringe sizes are supported?
The pump accepts syringes ranging from 0.5 µL to 250 µL, including Cole-Parmer part numbers 07939-20 through 07939-24 (10–250 µL, 22–26s needle gauges).
Is the flow rate adjustable in real time during operation?
Yes—via analog voltage input (0–5 V) or external TTL triggers, enabling synchronized modulation with detector signals or environmental feedback.
Does the system support regulatory compliance documentation?
The device carries CE marking per EN 61010-1 and EN 61326-1. Full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance depends on host software implementation and procedural controls—not inherent to the pump hardware.
Can multiple pumps be synchronized?
No native multi-pump coordination is provided; however, external master controllers with TTL output capability can coordinate start/stop timing across independent units.
What maintenance is required?
Periodic inspection of the syringe plunger seal and lead-screw lubrication (per Cole-Parmer Technical Bulletin TB-74902) is recommended every 6 months under continuous operation.