Watson-Marlow FH10/FH15/FH30 Precision Peristaltic Pump

Overview

The Watson-Marlow FH10/FH15/FH30 series represents a class of single-channel, precision peristaltic pumps engineered for low-flow, high-integrity fluid handling in life science laboratories and controlled process environments. Based on the fundamental principle of positive displacement via occlusive roller compression of elastomeric tubing, these pumps deliver contamination-free transfer without valves, seals, or internal wetted surfaces—ensuring absolute fluid isolation and eliminating cross-contamination risk. Designed for applications demanding trace-level accuracy and long-term stability—such as reagent dosing in automated assay platforms, perfusion in cell culture bioreactors, or solvent delivery in analytical sample preparation—the FH series operates across an exceptionally wide dynamic flow range (0.0002–105 mL/min) while maintaining mechanical simplicity and operational robustness. Its compact footprint (17.8 × 13.4 × 11.4 cm), fanless thermal design, and auto-ranging universal power supply enable seamless integration into benchtop workflows, cold rooms, and ISO-classified clean environments where temperature stability and electromagnetic compatibility are critical.

Key Features

• Fluid path integrity: Only the pump tubing contacts the liquid—no wetted metal, ceramics, or gaskets; fully dry-run capable with self-priming capability up to 5 m water column
• High metrological performance: Flow accuracy up to ±0.25% when used with calibrated tubing and validated flow systems (per ISO 8573-1 and ASTM D3405 guidelines)
• Multi-mode control architecture: Local manual adjustment via precision potentiometer; analog voltage input (0–5 V / 0–10 V); digital command via RS-485 Modbus RTU for PLC or SCADA integration
• Durable mechanical construction: Powder-coated steel chassis rated for continuous operation under laboratory-grade environmental stress (0–40 °C ambient, 20–80% RH non-condensing)
• Low-maintenance design: No lubrication, no valve servicing, no seal replacement—only periodic tubing replacement required per ISO 22867 lifecycle recommendations
• Gentle shear profile: Optimized roller geometry and dwell time minimizes cellular damage and polymer degradation—validated for use with mammalian cell suspensions, protein solutions, and shear-sensitive hydrogels

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FH10/FH15/FH30 accommodates standard peristaltic tubing sizes (e.g., PharMed BPT, Norprene, Viton) from 0.5 mm to 3.2 mm ID, supporting aqueous, organic, mildly corrosive, and two-phase (liquid/gas) media. It is routinely deployed in GLP-compliant analytical labs for HPLC mobile phase delivery, in GMP-regulated bioprocessing for buffer exchange, and in academic research for microfluidic priming and organ-on-chip perfusion. Regulatory alignment includes full conformance to IEC 61010-1 (safety), IEC 61326-1 (EMC), UL 61010-1, and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. Traceable calibration records and audit-ready electronic logs (when paired with optional data acquisition modules) support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance in regulated environments.

Software & Data Management

While the base unit operates stand-alone, optional firmware upgrades enable bidirectional communication via Modbus RTU over RS-485, allowing real-time speed interrogation, flow status reporting, and fault diagnostics (e.g., tubing wear alerts, motor stall detection). When integrated with Watson-Marlow’s Pump Manager software or third-party LabVIEW/Python APIs, users can log timestamped flow events, generate calibration certificates compliant with ISO/IEC 17025, and export CSV-formatted datasets for statistical process control (SPC) analysis. All configuration parameters—including ramp profiles, direction toggles, and sensor zero offsets—are stored in non-volatile memory and survive power cycling.

Applications

• Automated immunoassay and ELISA wash/dispense stations
• Continuous feeding of nutrients or inducers in microbial fermentation
• Controlled infusion in preclinical pharmacokinetic studies
• Low-flow dialysis and ultrafiltration system priming
• Gas sparging and headspace sampling in anaerobic culture setups
• Delivery of viscous formulations (e.g., hyaluronic acid, alginate) in biomaterial extrusion

FAQ

Can the FH pump handle abrasive or particulate-laden fluids?

Yes—provided tubing with enhanced abrasion resistance (e.g., Tygon E-3603 or Masterflex L/S 17) is selected and replaced according to observed wear metrics; particulate size must remain below 25% of tubing ID.

Is tubing calibration required for volumetric accuracy?

For gravimetric or timed-volume applications requiring <±1% uncertainty, tubing-specific calibration using certified reference standards (e.g., NIST-traceable balance and stopwatch) is recommended per ISO 8655-3.

Does the pump support continuous unattended operation?

Yes—the PMDC motor and sealed bearing assembly are rated for >10,000 hours MTBF at 50% speed load; ambient temperature must remain within specified operating limits.

How is flow reversal implemented?

Reversal is executed via digital command (Modbus function code 06) or analog polarity inversion; mechanical reversal occurs without delay or torque spike due to symmetrical roller cam design.

What tubing materials are validated for USP Class VI compliance?

PharMed BPT and C-Flex silicone tubing meet USP Class VI biological reactivity requirements and are supplied with full extractables documentation per USP .