Masterflex® I/P® Brushless Process Pump

Overview

The Masterflex® I/P® Brushless Process Pump is an industrial-grade peristaltic pump engineered for continuous, reliable fluid transfer in demanding laboratory, pilot-scale, and light manufacturing applications. Utilizing the well-established principle of peristaltic pumping—where rollers compress flexible tubing to create a positive displacement seal—the I/P® system isolates the fluid path entirely within the pump tubing, eliminating valves, seals, or wetted metal components. This design ensures contamination-free operation, precise flow repeatability, and compatibility with aggressive solvents, abrasive slurries, shear-sensitive biologics, and sterile media. The brushless DC motor delivers consistent torque across its full speed range without commutator wear, significantly extending service intervals and reducing long-term operational cost compared to brushed alternatives.

Key Features

• 1/3-horsepower brushless DC motor provides high starting torque and stable speed regulation under variable load conditions—ideal for viscous fluids or elevated backpressure scenarios.
• IP55-rated steel housing with durable, chemical-resistant epoxy coating offers protection against dust ingress, splashing water, and common laboratory reagents including diluted acids, bases, and organic solvents.
• Compact, ergonomic footprint enables benchtop integration or mobile cart mounting; unit weight permits single-hand lifting and repositioning without mechanical assistance.
• Dual-head capability supports parallel flow paths or redundancy—stacking two I/P Easy-Load® pump heads achieves up to 26 L/min total flow while maintaining independent control via shared drive shaft architecture.
• Sealed membrane keypad with tactile feedback enables start/stop and direction reversal in humid or splash-prone environments—no exposed switches or vulnerable PCB traces.
• Three-position potentiometer allows rapid, repeatable speed selection across calibrated ranges (e.g., low, medium, high), while the digital LED display shows real-time motor output as a percentage of maximum rated RPM (5–100%).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The I/P® pump is compatible with all standard Masterflex® PharMed® BPT, Norprene®, and Viton® tubing formulations—each certified to USP Class VI, FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, and ISO 10993-5 for biocompatibility. Tubing selection directly governs flow rate, pressure rating, and chemical resistance; typical configurations support pressures up to 30 psi and viscosities up to 10,000 cP. The system meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (LVD Directive 2014/35/EU). Its sealed electronics and non-invasive fluid path support compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) documentation workflows, particularly when paired with optional analog/digital I/O modules for audit-trail-capable process recording.

Software & Data Management

While the base I/P® drive operates as a standalone analog-controlled unit, it is fully compatible with Masterflex’s optional SmartControl™ interface module (sold separately), enabling RS-485 Modbus RTU communication, remote speed setpoint adjustment, runtime logging, and fault diagnostics. When integrated into SCADA or LIMS environments, the pump supports time-stamped event logging—including run hours, direction changes, and overtemperature alerts—for regulatory traceability. All firmware updates are performed via USB port using validated configuration files, satisfying 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records when deployed with appropriate access controls and audit trail settings.

Applications

• Continuous feed of culture media, buffers, or harvest streams in upstream bioprocessing
• Accurate dosing of reagents in automated titration or ICP-MS sample introduction systems
• Recirculation of cleaning solutions during CIP (Clean-in-Place) validation protocols
• Transfer of food-grade syrups, dairy products, or pharmaceutical suspensions where product integrity and cleanability are critical
• Low-shear perfusion of 3D cell cultures or organ-on-chip microfluidic platforms
• Environmental lab applications including wastewater sampling, leachate extraction, and groundwater monitoring

FAQ

What tubing sizes are supported by the I/P® pump head?
The standard I/P Easy-Load® pump head accommodates tubing inner diameters from 0.125″ to 0.375″ (3.2 mm to 9.5 mm), with optimal performance achieved using Masterflex-certified tubing series such as PharMed® BPT (for USP Class VI compliance) or Norprene® (for ozone and UV resistance).
Can this pump be used in explosion-proof environments?
No—the I/P® Brushless Process Pump is not intrinsically safe or ATEX-certified. For hazardous area deployment, consult Masterflex’s dedicated XP-series peristaltic pumps with appropriate certifications.
Is calibration required before use?
Peristaltic pumps do not require volumetric calibration if tubing dimensions and rotational speed are known; however, flow verification using a gravimetric or timed-volume method is recommended for critical applications and should be documented per internal SOPs.
How often does the brushless motor require maintenance?
The brushless DC motor has no brushes to replace and no lubrication points; routine inspection includes visual check of tubing wear, roller alignment, and housing integrity—typically performed every 500–1,000 operating hours depending on duty cycle and fluid characteristics.