Ismatec ISM934C 24-Channel Low-Flow High-Precision Peristaltic Pump

Overview

The Ismatec ISM934C is a 24-channel variable-speed digital peristaltic pump engineered for ultra-low-flow precision delivery in demanding laboratory and industrial process applications. Based on the proven principle of peristaltic displacement—where rollers compress flexible tubing to generate positive displacement—the ISM934C delivers high reproducibility and contamination-free fluid handling without valves or seals. Its planetary gear drive system minimizes pulsation amplitude and mechanical wear, extending tubing service life while maintaining consistent volumetric accuracy across all 24 independently controllable channels. Designed for continuous-duty operation under GLP/GMP-aligned workflows, the pump supports trace-level dosing (down to 0.002 mL/min per channel) with ±1% volumetric accuracy—making it suitable for applications requiring strict adherence to ASTM D1141, ISO 8573-1, or USP flow consistency standards.

Key Features

• 24 independent channels with synchronized or asynchronous control via front-panel keypad, RS-232 interface, or analog remote inputs
• Planetary gear motor architecture reducing torque ripple and flow pulsation by up to 40% compared to standard gearmotors
• Eight stainless-steel rollers per channel ensuring smooth occlusion, uniform compression, and predictable tube fatigue behavior
• Four-digit LED display showing real-time speed (rpm) and flow rate (mL/min), configurable per channel
• “MAX” instant acceleration button for rapid priming or line flushing without altering stored program parameters
• Click’n’go™ auto-occlusion pump heads with adjustable occlusion depth (optional accessory) enabling rapid tube changes and repeatable compression geometry
• Bi-directional pump head mounting configuration: co-rotating orientation reduces pulsation; counter-rotating orientation increases backpressure tolerance up to 1.5 bar (22 psi)
• Analog monitoring output (0–10 VDC) proportional to actual rotational speed for closed-loop verification in automated systems

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ISM934C accommodates a broad range of chemically resistant 2-stop peristaltic tubing materials—including PharMed® BPT, Norprene®, Viton®, and silicone—available in inner diameters from 0.1 mm to 2.4 mm. Tube selection directly determines achievable flow range (0.0004–11 mL/min at lowest speeds) and pressure rating. All pump heads comply with IEC 61000-6-2/6-4 electromagnetic compatibility requirements. The device meets CE marking criteria for laboratory equipment (2014/30/EU EMC Directive and 2014/35/EU LVD Directive). For regulated environments, the RS-232 and analog I/O interfaces support integration into FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data acquisition systems when paired with audit-trail-enabled software.

Software & Data Management

Native RS-232 (DB9 male) communication enables full command-line control using ASCII-based SCPI-like protocols—including channel enable/disable, speed ramping, mode selection (flow/time/batch/no-drip), and delay programming. Third-party integration is supported via LabVIEW™ drivers, Python pySerial libraries, or MATLAB® Instrument Control Toolbox. Analog inputs (0–5 VDC, 0–10 VDC, 0–20 mA, 4–20 mA) accept external setpoints from PLCs or process controllers (DB15 male), while discrete TTL-compatible triggers allow footswitch-initiated start/stop (3-pin DIN). All operational states—including speed, direction, occlusion status, and error codes—are accessible via serial polling or analog feedback, facilitating automated calibration logging and electronic batch record generation.

Applications

• Multi-analyte sample introduction in ICP-MS, HPLC, and ion chromatography systems
• Parallel reagent dispensing in ELISA, PCR setup, and microplate assay automation
• Controlled nutrient or inhibitor delivery in bioreactor perfusion and organ-on-chip platforms
• Calibration standard distribution in environmental water testing (EPA Method 200.8, ISO 17294-2)
• Low-flow solvent delivery in preparative SFC and chiral separation workflows
• Continuous infusion in preclinical pharmacokinetic studies requiring precise μL/min dosing

FAQ

What tubing sizes are compatible with the ISM934C?
The pump accepts standard 2-stop peristaltic tubing with inner diameters ranging from 0.1 mm to 2.4 mm. Recommended tubing families include PharMed BPT (for aggressive solvents), Norprene (for ozone resistance), and silicone (for cost-sensitive, non-critical applications).

Can all 24 channels operate at different flow rates simultaneously?
Yes—each channel features independent speed control via programmable rpm settings. Flow rate per channel is determined by selected tubing ID and calibrated speed-to-volume mapping.

Is the ISM934C suitable for sterile or aseptic processing?
While the pump itself is not autoclavable, its modular pump heads and disposable tubing path meet ISO 13485 design principles for single-use fluid paths. Validation protocols for tubing biocompatibility and extractables/leachables must be performed per application-specific regulatory requirements.

Does the pump support timed dispensing with inter-batch delays?
Yes—it offers five programmable operating modes: continuous flow, time-based dispensing (0.1 s–999.9 h), batch dispensing with user-defined volume and inter-dispense delay, no-drip stepwise delivery, and capacity-based dispensing (displayed in mL or μL).

How is occlusion adjusted, and why does it matter?
Occlusion depth determines tubing compression force and directly affects flow linearity, pulse magnitude, and tubing lifetime. The optional adjustable occlusion pump head allows fine-tuning to match tubing hardness and required pressure stability—critical for low-flow applications below 0.1 mL/min.