Tecan Cavro High-Torque XC Pump (HT-XC)
| Brand | Tecan Cavro |
|---|---|
| Origin | Malaysia |
| Model | HT-XC |
| Pump Type | Micro-syringe Pump |
| Step Resolution | 3,000 full steps (24,000 microsteps) |
| Valve Configuration | 6-port distribution valve with ceramic rotor |
| Compatible Syringe Volumes | 50 µL, 100 µL, 250 µL, 500 µL, 1.0 mL, 2.5 mL, 5.0 mL |
| Torque Enhancement | ~4× during initialization (low-speed valve actuation), ~3× during normal operation (high-speed valve actuation) |
| Gearbox Integration | Integrated high-ratio planetary gearbox optimized for NGS library preparation workflows |
| Chemical Resistance | Validated for saline solutions and viscous reagents |
Overview
The Tecan Cavro High-Torque XC Pump (HT-XC) is an electromechanically engineered microfluidic actuator designed for precise, repeatable liquid handling in automated laboratory systems—particularly in next-generation sequencing (NGS), clinical diagnostics, and high-throughput assay development. Based on a stepper motor-driven syringe displacement architecture, the HT-XC employs a closed-loop torque management system to maintain consistent volumetric delivery across variable fluid viscosities and backpressure conditions. Unlike conventional syringe pumps relying solely on positional feedback, the HT-XC dynamically modulates motor current and gear reduction ratios to sustain valve actuation integrity under load, enabling reliable operation with saline buffers, glycerol-containing master mixes, and low-volatility organic solvents. Its compact form factor (78 × 58 × 72 mm) integrates seamlessly into OEM instrument platforms while meeting IEC 61000-6-2/6-3 EMC immunity and emission requirements.
Key Features
- High-torque planetary gearbox: Delivers up to 4× increased holding torque during valve initialization and ~3× sustained torque during rapid port switching—critical for reproducible reagent distribution in multi-step NGS library prep protocols.
- Ultra-fine microstepping capability: 24,000 microsteps per revolution ensures sub-nanoliter resolution when paired with 50 µL glass syringes, supporting applications such as single-cell RNA-seq reaction setup and digital PCR partitioning.
- Ceramic-rotor 6-port distribution valve: Chemically inert, low-dead-volume design minimizes carryover (1 million actuation cycles in aggressive media including 1 M NaCl and 30% DMSO.
- Multi-syringe compatibility: Supports calibrated glass syringes from 50 µL to 5.0 mL without mechanical recalibration—enabling flexible volume range adaptation within a single instrument configuration.
- Extended operational durability: Optimized stator winding and thermal management allow continuous operation at ambient temperatures up to 40 °C, with validated performance stability over 12-month idle intervals when stored under nitrogen purge.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HT-XC demonstrates broad compatibility with aqueous, polar aprotic, and moderately viscous liquids (up to 250 cP at 25 °C), including Tris-EDTA buffers, ethanol precipitation solutions, and enzymatic master mixes. It complies with ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 4 compressed air quality standards for internal pneumatic subsystems (where applicable) and meets RoHS 2015/863/EU material restrictions. For regulated environments, the pump supports deterministic run-time logging and can be integrated into systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with Tecan’s FluentControl™ or third-party LIMS middleware that implements electronic signature and audit trail functionality.
Software & Data Management
The HT-XC communicates via RS-485 (Modbus RTU) or TTL-level UART, enabling direct integration with PLC-based controllers or host PCs running Windows/Linux. Native drivers are available for LabVIEW, Python (PySerial + Modbus libraries), and MATLAB Instrument Control Toolbox. All motion parameters—including step rate, acceleration profile, valve dwell time, and syringe calibration coefficients—are programmable through ASCII command sets conforming to Tecan’s XC Pump Communication Protocol v3.2. Firmware updates preserve non-volatile parameter storage and support field-upgradable calibration tables traceable to NIST-traceable flow standards.
Applications
- NGS library normalization and pooling workflows requiring precise stoichiometric mixing of indexed adapters and fragmented DNA.
- Automated ELISA and immunoassay plate washing where consistent aspiration/dispense timing reduces inter-well CVs below 2.5%.
- Microfluidic chip priming and reagent loading in point-of-care diagnostic cartridges.
- Cell culture media exchange in bioreactor automation systems operating under sterile laminar flow hoods.
- Calibration transfer standards for gravimetric verification of pipetting accuracy per ISO 8655-5.
FAQ
What syringe sizes are supported—and are calibration coefficients pre-loaded?
The HT-XC supports seven standard glass syringe volumes: 50 µL, 100 µL, 250 µL, 500 µL, 1.0 mL, 2.5 mL, and 5.0 mL. Factory-provided calibration coefficients are embedded in firmware for all sizes; user-defined coefficients may be uploaded via serial command.
Can the HT-XC operate unattended for extended periods in humid environments?
Yes—its conformally coated PCB and sealed ceramic valve housing meet IP54 ingress protection specifications. Long-term idle testing shows no degradation in torque response after 12 months at 85% RH, provided the syringe is purged with inert gas prior to storage.
Is the planetary gearbox serviceable in the field?
No—the gearbox is permanently sealed and lubricated for life. Replacement requires return to authorized Tecan service centers per warranty terms.
Does the pump support bidirectional flow control for recirculation loops?
Yes—full reversible motor control enables both push-and-pull dispensing modes, essential for bubble-free priming of capillary networks and closed-loop fluid recirculation in analytical microsystems.
