What You Should Know About Choosing a Syringe Pump

By: Brittany Crafton

Syringe pumps are specialized devices designed to inject substances into a system with an impressive level of precision and control. These pumps operate by pushing a plunger within a syringe, enabling a consistent, controlled flow of the syringe's contents. Syringe pumps have found applications in a myriad of fields. In the healthcare field, they are indispensable in drug delivery, where precise dosing is paramount. In research and industrial settings, they provide exact measurements to facilitate experimental accuracy.

Keep reading to explore the types of syringe pumps and what factors to consider when choosing one for your applications.

Deciding which syringe pump is best for your application involves factors like the flow rate, number of channels, and precision that you require to select and appropriate system. Use a syringe pump when manual syringe handling will negatively impact the delivery of your sample, and to precisely regulate the rate of fluid dispensed from a syringe. These pumps are utilized in diverse areas, including biomedical or chemical applications, general research, healthcare, and in industrial settings. Below is a guide to assist in deciding which syringe pump is most suitable for you:

Flow Rate Range

Establish what the required flow rate is for your application. Consider the volumetric range you are working with (for example, nL, µL, mL) by time (msec, sec, min, hour). Various syringe pumps are constructed to manage different flow rate ranges. Ensure that your pump can adapt to the full range of rates you need.

Syringe Size Compatibility

Syringe pumps are frequently made to fit explicit syringe sizes. Make sure that the pump you choose is fit for the syringe size needed. Some pumps may be adapted to hold different syringe models.

Number of Channels

Determine whether you will need a single, or multi-channel syringe pump. Single channel pumps have a distinct channel per the infuse or withdraw command, where a multi-channel pump permits you to control multiple syringes concurrently, convenient for parallel processes.

Accuracy and Precision

Syringe pumps may differ regarding their accuracy and precision. If your application demands high precision, such as with cortical infusion experiments, it is best to select a pump that has high resolution, or control of ‘steps’ along the drive arm for the greatest precision of fluid delivery or collection.

Programmability and Control

Verify whether you will need a programmable device to toggle fluid handling and different pumping modes. This is useful especially for saving settings for future use. Further, consider whether higher-level programming is needed, especially when handling complex flow profiles.

User Interface

Consider whether a simple syringe pump with relatively little software will work for your set-up or if a higher-level interface is needed to execute more complex functions. Ensure that the syringe pump you choose allows for both ease-of-use while fulfilling the needed functionality for your application. Certain syringe pumps offer intuitive software with a touchscreen display for optimal control and monitoring.

Communication and Connectivity

Do you need to control your syringe pump remotely for your application? Do you need to perform other tasks while running your system? Some syringe pumps may be controlled remotely or merged with a separate automated system. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, RS-232, and USB connectivity options are available in current syringe pump models.

Accuracy Calibration

Various syringe pumps offer internal calibration to certify the accuracy of the dispensed/withdraw volume. This functionality is essential in applications where exact dosing is critical.

Smooth Flow and Pulseless Operation

Syringe pumps that offer smooth and pulse-free options are useful for applications where stable flow rates are vital, such as with chemical reactions or microfluidics.

Compatibility with Fluids

Be sure that the syringe pump you choose is compatible with the solutions you will be using. Certain syringe pumps are more appropriate for handling viscous or corrosive fluids, while others are intended for more general applications.

Maintenance and Service

Determine the level of maintenance required for your syringe pump, and accessibility to service and technical support from the manufacturer. Dependable product support is essential for troubleshooting and resolving any issues that may arise for continued success of your application.

Budget

Syringe pump prices may differ drastically based on its capabilities and components. Know your must-haves per your application to ensure you are choosing the right syringe pump that meets your needs while accounting for your set budget. Further, think about how your application may develop, and if a more advanced syringe pump should be implemented to cover all current and future needs.

Application-Specific Features

Some syringe pumps are made with application-specific features, such as pharmaceutical research, microfluidics, or chemical synthesis. If your application has distinct requirements, look for syringe pumps created and marketed exclusively for that purpose.

Before deciding on a syringe pump, reach out to your WPI team. We are very hands-on and happy to provide virtual and in-person demos, provide specifications, and answer any questions you may have! We will be sure to guide you in making an informed decision when selecting your syringe pump to meet the needs of your application.

 

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