Cole-Parmer Micropump A-Mount Cavity Pump Head, Model 73011-02

Overview

The Cole-Parmer Micropump A-Mount Cavity Pump Head (Model 73011-02) is a precision-engineered, oil-free positive displacement pump head designed for continuous, pulseless fluid transfer in demanding laboratory and pilot-scale applications. Based on the proven cavity (or “cycloidal gear”) pumping principle, it utilizes a rotating PEEK gear within a precisely machined 316 stainless steel cavity to generate consistent volumetric displacement with minimal shear and zero backflow. Unlike diaphragm or peristaltic pumps, this design delivers inherently steady flow profiles—critical for applications requiring high reproducibility in dosing, recirculation, or closed-loop process control. Its magnetic coupling eliminates mechanical shaft seals, ensuring complete containment of process fluids and eliminating risk of external contamination or lubricant ingress. As a component-level device, the A-Mount pump head is intended for integration into custom fluidic systems, OEM instrumentation, or modular lab automation platforms where reliability, chemical compatibility, and maintenance accessibility are prioritized.

Key Features

• Magnetic drive architecture with single-point PTFE seal—eliminates dynamic shaft seals and prevents fluid leakage or external contamination
• PEEK (polyetheretherketone) rotor gear—provides superior wear resistance, thermal stability, and compatibility with aggressive solvents versus standard PTFE gears
• 316 stainless steel pump housing—offers high corrosion resistance, structural rigidity, and compliance with ASME BPE surface finish standards for sanitary applications
• Internal pressure-relief bypass—safeguards the pump and downstream components during line blockage or valve closure; factory-set and non-adjustable
• Wide operational speed range (150–5000 rpm)—enables precise flow modulation without flow control valves, reducing system complexity and dead volume
• Consistent volumetric displacement of 0.32 mL per revolution—ensures predictable, linear flow-rate response across the full speed range
• Oil-free, Class 0 compressed air-compatible design—meets ISO 8573-1 requirements for critical processes where hydrocarbon contamination must be avoided

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 73011-02 pump head is suitable for handling a broad spectrum of low- to medium-viscosity liquids—including aqueous buffers, organic solvents (e.g., acetone, IPA, THF), dilute acids and bases, and formulated reagents—provided wetted material compatibility is verified. All fluid-contact surfaces consist of 316 stainless steel, PEEK, and virgin PTFE, collectively offering resistance to oxidation, halogenated compounds, and polar aprotic solvents. It is not recommended for abrasive slurries, highly viscous polymers (>1500 cP), or fluids containing suspended particulates >25 µm. The pump head complies with FDA 21 CFR §177.2415 for PTFE and §177.2510 for PEEK in food-contact applications. While not certified as a standalone medical device, its material set supports GLP and GMP environments when integrated into validated systems with appropriate audit trails and calibration documentation.

Software & Data Management

As a passive electromechanical component, the 73011-02 pump head does not include embedded firmware or digital interfaces. Flow rate is controlled externally via compatible DC or stepper motor drivers (e.g., Cole-Parmer’s 74100-series controllers or third-party motion controllers supporting analog 0–10 V or PWM input). For traceability in regulated environments, users may integrate the pump into SCADA or LIMS platforms using programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that log motor speed, runtime, and fault signals. When paired with calibrated flow meters and temperature sensors, the system supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records if deployed with appropriate access controls, audit logging, and electronic signature functionality at the supervisory control layer.

Applications

• Automated reagent dispensing in analytical sample preparation (e.g., ICP-MS, HPLC mobile phase delivery)
• Closed-loop solvent recirculation in extraction or purification modules
• Continuous feed in microreactor and flow chemistry systems
• Calibration fluid delivery in sensor validation rigs
• OEM integration into environmental monitoring analyzers requiring chemically inert, pulseless flow
• Pharmaceutical process skids where oil-free operation and cleanable wetted paths are mandated

FAQ

Is the 73011-02 pump head suitable for sterile or biopharmaceutical applications?
It is compatible with SIP (steam-in-place) protocols up to 130 °F but lacks tri-clamp or hygienic port options; end-users must validate cleaning efficacy and perform extractables/leachables testing per USP and .
Can it handle high-viscosity silicone oils?
No—maximum rated viscosity is 1500 cP; oils exceeding this threshold will cause excessive torque demand and premature gear wear.
What is the expected service life under continuous operation?
With proper alignment, clean fluid, and operation within specified pressure/temperature limits, mean time between maintenance (MTBM) exceeds 10,000 hours based on accelerated life testing data.
Does the internal bypass affect accuracy during low-flow operation?
Yes—the bypass activates above ~60 psi differential; for precise low-flow metering (<5 mL/min), use the non-bypass variant (73011-00) with external pressure regulation.
Are replacement gears and seals available as spare parts?
Yes—Cole-Parmer supplies genuine PEEK gears (P/N 73011-03), PTFE seals (P/N 73011-04), and complete rebuild kits (P/N 73011-RK) with torque specifications and assembly instructions.