PreFluid BF200 Basic Variable-Speed Peristaltic Pump

Overview

The PreFluid BF200 Basic Variable-Speed Peristaltic Pump is an engineered solution for precise, contamination-free fluid handling in laboratory and light industrial environments. Operating on the principle of peristalsis—where rollers compress a flexible tubing segment to generate positive displacement—the BF200 delivers pulse-stable, non-invasive flow without contact between the pump mechanism and the fluid. This design eliminates risk of cross-contamination, seal leakage, or fluid degradation, making it ideal for sensitive reagents, cell cultures, buffers, and corrosive or viscous media. Its compact footprint, low acoustic emission (<45 dB(A) at 1 m), and bidirectional rotation capability support integration into automated workstations, bioreactor feed systems, and analytical sample introduction modules. The pump is designed for continuous operation under ambient laboratory conditions (10–40 °C, <80% RH, non-condensing) and conforms to electromagnetic compatibility standards for use alongside sensitive instrumentation.

Key Features

• Integrated stepper motor drive ensuring smooth acceleration/deceleration, minimal torque ripple, and high-speed stability across the full 1–600 rpm range
• Aluminum die-cast housing with electrophoretic coating—resistant to common lab solvents, acids, and alkalis; facilitates wipe-down cleaning and long-term corrosion resistance
• Bidirectional rotation control via front-panel buttons or external command (RS485 Modbus RTU), enabling reverse purge, tube priming, or backflow compensation
• Front-panel digital display with real-time rpm readout and status indicators (run/pause/direction/fault)
• RS485 communication interface compliant with Modbus RTU protocol—supports integration into SCADA, PLC, or custom LabVIEW/LabWindows environments for remote speed setpoint, direction control, and operational logging
• IP54-rated enclosure—provides protection against dust ingress and water splashes from any direction, suitable for benchtop use in wet or humid lab zones
• 24 V DC input with ≤50 W power consumption—compatible with uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and battery-backed systems for critical continuity applications

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BF200 accommodates standard peristaltic pump tubing sizes (e.g., PharMed® BPT, Tygon® LFL, Norprene® A-60-F) with inner diameters from 0.5 mm to 6.4 mm, supporting flow rates from 0.05 mL/min (with 0.5 mm ID tubing at 1 rpm) up to 1650 mL/min (with 6.4 mm ID tubing at 600 rpm). Tubing selection directly governs accuracy, pulse dampening, and chemical compatibility—users are advised to consult tubing manufacturer’s chemical resistance charts prior to deployment. The pump itself carries no fluid-wetted parts beyond the tubing, eliminating validation concerns related to material leachables or surface adsorption. It meets ISO 9001:2000 quality management system requirements and is supplied with documentation traceable to production batch and calibration verification records. While not certified to IEC 61000-6-2/6-3 or UL/CSA safety standards out-of-box, its 24 V DC architecture inherently limits electrical hazard risk per IEC 61010-1 Annex G.

Software & Data Management

The BF200 operates as a standalone device but supports supervised automation through its native Modbus RTU implementation over RS485. Register mapping includes read-only status registers (e.g., actual rpm, direction flag, error code) and writable control registers (target rpm, direction command, start/stop trigger). When integrated into larger data acquisition frameworks, it enables time-synchronized flow logging, alarm-triggered shutdown (e.g., stall detection via current monitoring), and audit-trail-capable parameter changes—aligning with GLP and basic GMP documentation expectations. No proprietary software is required; configuration and monitoring can be performed using open-source Modbus utilities (e.g., QModMaster, Simply Modbus) or custom Python scripts leveraging pymodbus.

Applications

• Automated reagent dispensing in spectrophotometric, titration, and colorimetric assays
• pH and nutrient dosing in microbial fermentation and mammalian cell culture bioreactors
• Continuous sampling for online HPLC or IC feed lines with pulse-dampened delivery
• Waste removal and media exchange in perfusion-based organ-on-chip platforms
• Calibration fluid delivery in environmental sensor validation rigs
• Low-shear transfer of shear-sensitive biological suspensions (e.g., platelet-rich plasma, microcarriers)

FAQ

What tubing sizes are compatible with the BF200?
The pump head accepts tubing with inner diameters from 0.5 mm to 6.4 mm. Recommended tubing materials include silicone, PharMed BPT, and Norprene A-60-F—selection must be validated for chemical compatibility and pressure rating.
Does the BF200 support analog (0–10 V or 4–20 mA) speed control?
No—speed control is exclusively via digital RS485 (Modbus RTU) or front-panel keypad. Analog interface requires external signal conversion hardware.
Is the BF200 suitable for sterile applications?
Yes—provided sterile-certified tubing is used and the pump housing is decontaminated per institutional biosafety protocols. The pump itself does not provide sterility assurance but introduces no additional bioburden risk.
Can the BF200 operate unattended for extended periods?
Yes—it is rated for continuous 24/7 operation under specified ambient conditions and includes thermal foldback protection to prevent motor overheating during prolonged high-rpm duty.
How is flow rate accuracy determined?
Flow accuracy depends on tubing elasticity, wall thickness consistency, roller compression geometry, and rotational speed stability. Typical volumetric repeatability is ±1.5% CV over 24 hours when using calibrated tubing and stable power supply.