Interscience FlexiPump Peristaltic Liquid Dispenser
| Brand | Interscience |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Model | FlexiPump |
| Construction | 304L Stainless Steel Housing |
| Dispensing Range | 50 µL to 99 L per cycle |
| Tube ID | 3.2 mm |
| Accuracy | ±1.8% at 9 mL, ±1.0% at 18 mL, ±0.5% at 225 mL |
| Dispensing Modes | Continuous, Single-Dispense, Multi-Dispense (up to 32 programmable protocols) |
| Inter-Dispense Interval | 0.1–99.9 s adjustable |
| Max Flow Rate | 1.25 L/min (single Watson Marlow™ pump head) |
| Pump Head Speed | 10–550 rpm |
| Tubing Material | Tygon™ (pump head), Silicone (interconnect) |
| Power Supply | 100–240 V∼, 50–60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 50 W |
| IP Rating | IP31 |
| Compliance | ISO 7218, ISO 6887, FDA BAM |
| Warranty | 1 year (registration required) |
| Spare Parts Availability | ≥10 years |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 16.1 × 27.3 × 20.8 cm |
| Net Weight | 5.40 kg |
Overview
The Interscience FlexiPump is a precision-engineered peristaltic liquid dispenser designed for reproducible, contamination-controlled volumetric dispensing in microbiological and general laboratory workflows. Operating on the principle of positive displacement via roller compression of flexible tubing, it eliminates fluid contact with internal mechanical components—ensuring sterility integrity, chemical compatibility, and minimal carryover between samples. Its compact 304L stainless steel chassis supports rigorous cleaning protocols and complies with international standards for food, pharmaceutical, and clinical microbiology laboratories—including ISO 7218 (microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs), ISO 6887 (preparation of sample dilutions), and the U.S. FDA’s Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM). The FlexiPump is not a generic fluid handler; it is purpose-built for validated sample preparation tasks such as serial dilution, media dispensing into Petri dishes, broth tubes, sterile bags, and flasks—where accuracy, repeatability, and audit-ready traceability are non-negotiable.
Key Features
- Three dispensing modes: Continuous flow for rinsing or bulk transfer; single-dispense for fixed-volume aliquoting (e.g., 9 mL into test tubes); multi-dispense with user-defined interval timing (0.1–99.9 s) for high-throughput plate or bag filling.
- 32 programmable protocols, each storing volume, mode, interval, and tube calibration data—enabling rapid method switching without manual reconfiguration.
- High-precision peristaltic drive using a Watson Marlow™ pump head with optimized roller geometry and brushless DC motor control, delivering stable flow rates from 1.5 mL/min to 1.25 L/min across the full speed range (10–550 rpm).
- Verified volumetric accuracy: ±1.8% at 9 mL, ±1.0% at 18 mL, and ±0.5% at 225 mL—validated per ISO 8655-3 for piston-type dispensers and adapted for peristaltic systems via gravimetric calibration against certified reference weights.
- Ergonomic human-machine interface: Backlit LCD display with intuitive rotary encoder navigation; tactile feedback and logical menu hierarchy reduce training time and operator error.
- Modular accessory integration: Compatible with handheld dispensing guns, height-adjustable support arms, and footswitches—enabling hands-free operation and adaptation to diverse container geometries (GL45 bottles, Petri dishes, stomacher bags, conical tubes).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FlexiPump accommodates a broad spectrum of laboratory containers without modification: standard 9 mL screw-cap tubes, 18 mL Petri dishes, 220 mL sterile filtration bags, and up to 99 L carboys. Its 3.2 mm ID tubing system—comprising Tygon™ for pump head resilience and medical-grade silicone for low-adsorption interconnects—resists degradation from aqueous buffers, ethanol solutions, and common microbiological media (e.g., TSB, PCA, mFC). All wetted materials comply with USP Class VI and EU Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 for food-contact safety. The device meets IP31 ingress protection requirements for resistance to vertically falling water droplets and solid objects >2.5 mm—suitable for benchtop use in ISO Class 5–8 cleanrooms. Documentation includes full Declaration of Conformity (CE), factory calibration certificate, and compliance statements referencing ISO 7218 Annex A (validation of dilution equipment) and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when paired with Interscience’s optional LIMS-integrated software module.
Software & Data Management
While the FlexiPump operates autonomously via its embedded firmware, its protocol memory and real-time status logging support GLP/GMP-aligned recordkeeping. Each executed program logs timestamp, total dispensed volume, number of cycles, and active calibration profile—exportable via USB to CSV for inclusion in lab notebooks or electronic batch records. When integrated with Interscience’s optional LabLink Pro software suite (sold separately), the FlexiPump enables remote parameter configuration, audit trail generation with user authentication, and automated report generation compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature requirements. Firmware updates are delivered via signed .hex files with SHA-256 verification—ensuring integrity and version control across multi-site deployments.
Applications
- Preparation of serial dilutions for colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration per ISO 7218 and AOAC Official Methods.
- Accurate dispensing of molten agar into Petri dishes for membrane filtration or pour-plate methods.
- Fill-and-seal operations for pre-sterilized media bags used in environmental monitoring or pharmaceutical water testing.
- Routine inoculation of broth tubes in clinical microbiology labs following CLSI M02-A12 guidelines.
- Automated addition of sterile water (via Steriwater-compatible modules) to dehydrated culture media—reducing manual handling and moisture variability.
- Support for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs requiring documented equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) and periodic performance verification.
FAQ
What tubing sizes and materials are validated for use with the FlexiPump?
The FlexiPump is calibrated and validated exclusively for 3.2 mm inner diameter tubing. Tygon™ LFL-400 is supplied for the pump head; silicone tubing (3.5 mm OD, 3.2 mm ID) is recommended for interconnects and sterile barrier applications.
Can the FlexiPump be used for viscous or particulate-containing media?
It is optimized for low-to-medium viscosity liquids (≤500 mPa·s) without suspended solids. For viscous broths or media with precipitates, pre-filtration or alternative dispensing technologies (e.g., positive displacement pipettors) are advised.
Is calibration traceable to national standards?
Yes—factory calibration uses NIST-traceable analytical balances and certified reference weights per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures. Users may perform field verification using gravimetric methods outlined in ISO 8655-3.
How is maintenance performed, and what is the expected service life of consumables?
The Watson Marlow™ pump head requires roller replacement every 12 months under typical usage (8 h/day, 5 days/week). Tubing lifespan varies by chemical exposure but averages 200–500 hours of continuous operation. Full spare parts documentation and 10-year availability are guaranteed.
Does the FlexiPump support network connectivity or Ethernet/LAN interfaces?
No native Ethernet port is included; communication is limited to USB 2.0 for data export and firmware updates. Integration into centralized lab networks requires external USB-to-Ethernet gateways compatible with CDC ACM class drivers.
