Interscience FlexiPump Pro Peristaltic Liquid Dispenser

Overview

The Interscience FlexiPump Pro is a precision-engineered peristaltic liquid dispenser designed for reproducible, traceable, and compliant volumetric dispensing in microbiological, food safety, pharmaceutical, and clinical laboratories. Based on the well-established principle of peristaltic pumping—where rollers compress flexible tubing to propel fluid without contact between the pump mechanism and the sample—the FlexiPump Pro eliminates cross-contamination risks and ensures full compatibility with aggressive, viscous, or particulate-laden liquids. Its dual Watson Marlow™ pump head architecture delivers low-pulsation flow, high repeatability, and extended tubing life, while its compact 304L stainless steel chassis supports rigorous cleaning protocols and long-term durability in regulated environments. The system is explicitly validated for use in applications governed by ISO 7218 (microbiology — general requirements and guidance for microbiological examinations), ISO 6887 (preparation of microbiological samples), and the U.S. FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM), making it suitable for GLP- and GMP-aligned workflows.

Key Features

• Dual independent Watson Marlow™ peristaltic pump heads enabling simultaneous or staggered dispensing with minimal pulsation and high mechanical stability.
• Full 304L stainless steel construction (IP31-rated enclosure) for corrosion resistance, ease of decontamination, and compliance with laboratory hygiene standards.
• Three dispensing modes: continuous flow, single-volume dispensing (with pre-set target volume), and multi-step dispensing (with programmable inter-dispense delay from 0.1 to 99.9 seconds).
• 32 user-programmable protocols stored onboard, each configurable for volume, tubing ID, speed, mode, and delay—ideal for routine media preparation, dilution series, or plate inoculation.
• High-accuracy volumetric delivery across an exceptionally wide range: from 50 µL to 99 L per operation, with certified accuracy of ±0.4% at 225 mL using 3.2 mm ID tubing.
• Integrated traceability framework: automatically logs operator name, date/time, calibration status, selected protocol, tubing specification, rotational speed, and actual dispensed volume—exportable in CSV format via USB-A (to printer or USB drive) or USB-B (to PC/LIMS).
• Ergonomic interface featuring a large backlit LCD display and intuitive rotary encoder for rapid parameter navigation and real-time feedback during operation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FlexiPump Pro accommodates a broad spectrum of laboratory containers—including test tubes (e.g., 9 mL), Petri dishes (e.g., 18 mL), sterile sample bags (up to 220 mL), flasks, and bottles—via interchangeable nozzle assemblies and GL45-compatible connectors. It supports standard biocompatible tubing materials: Tygon™ (for pump head compression zones) and medical-grade silicone (for fluid path connections). All configurations maintain sterility integrity when used with Interscience Steriwater—a rapid, integrated solution for on-demand sterile water generation—ensuring that media preparation steps remain contamination-free. Regulatory alignment includes full adherence to ISO 7218 and ISO 6887 for microbiological sampling and preparation, as well as methodological compatibility with FDA BAM Chapter 1 (media preparation and quality control). The device meets CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive and RoHS compliance for hazardous substance restriction.

Software & Data Management

No proprietary software installation is required: the FlexiPump Pro operates as a plug-and-play USB device. Data export occurs directly to Excel™-compatible CSV files via USB-A port (supporting thermal printers and USB flash drives) or USB-B port (enabling direct connection to laboratory PCs or LIMS servers). Each exported record contains timestamped metadata—including operator ID, calibration verification status, tubing inner diameter, selected program number, and real-time speed setting—supporting audit readiness under 21 CFR Part 11 where electronic signatures and secure data archiving are implemented at the host system level. Internal memory retains all 32 protocols even after power loss, and firmware updates are performed via USB without external tools.

Applications

• Preparation of serial dilutions for microbial enumeration (e.g., ISO 4833-1, AOAC 977.27).
• Accurate dispensing of molten agar, broth media, or selective enrichment broths into Petri dishes, tubes, or filter bags.
• Automated filling of diagnostic reagent vials or sample collection kits under controlled environmental conditions.
• Standardized addition of wash buffers or extraction solutions in nucleic acid or protein purification workflows.
• Supporting ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs through documented, repeatable dispensing processes with full metrological traceability.

FAQ

What tubing sizes are supported, and how does tubing selection affect accuracy?
The FlexiPump Pro ships with calibrated kits for 3.2 mm and 6.4 mm inner diameter tubing. Accuracy specifications are validated per tubing ID; switching tubing requires reselection of the corresponding ID in the menu to ensure correct volumetric calculation.
Can the FlexiPump Pro be integrated into automated lab workflows?
Yes—via USB-B connection, it functions as a HID-compliant peripheral. Trigger signals can be sent from third-party software or PLCs to initiate predefined protocols, supporting semi-automated batching in QC environments.
Is calibration traceable to national standards?
While the device itself does not include built-in gravimetric calibration, its firmware supports user-performed calibration routines using NIST-traceable balances. Calibration events—including date, operator, and reference standard ID—are logged and exported with all dispensing records.
How is maintenance handled over the instrument’s lifecycle?
Interscience guarantees spare parts availability for 10 years post-manufacture. Critical components—including pump heads, tubing clamps, and encoder modules—are field-replaceable without specialized tools, minimizing downtime.
Does the system support multi-user access control?
Operator identification is manually entered at startup and embedded in all traceability logs. While role-based permissions are not managed internally, integration with external LIMS or ELN systems enables centralized user authentication and audit trail consolidation.