Peristaltic's Role in Micro-Organism Detection

A Watson-Marlow Bredel 323S/D variable speed peristaltic pump, fitted with Pumpsil silicone tubing, is being used by Mem-teq Ventures Limited in the company’s hollow fibre membrane filtration/concentration system, CellTrap™.

The 323S/D was chosen over other pump systems because it provides a constant speed without creating high back-pressure which is of major importance in the use of CellTrap™.

The sample is pumped from source through the Celltrap™ to a collection vessel. As well as the ability to deliver a stable, highly accurate flow immediately on start up, the primary consideration is guaranteed integrity of the sample. During pumping, the liquid remains totally enclosed within the Pumpsil silicone tubing. There are no other contact components and this, together with the absence of seals or glands, eliminates any possibility of cross contamination, contamination from outside sources or by ingress of air.

The gentle, low shear pumping action and straight through flow path ensure that the sample is handled without agitation, aeration, separation or other changes in characteristics even when pumping colloidal material.

Elizabeth Keenan, Director of Technology at Mem-teq Ventures says: “The criteria when choosing Watson-Marlow Bredel was not based solely upon technical specifications. The user friendliness of the pump and in particular the ease of loading the tubing and the compactness of the system were very important factors. Watson-Marlow Bredel is a very forward thinking company and they were prepared to work in partnership with us at all stages of the development process as well as providing excellent service and adopting a very flexible, realistic approach in commercial matters.”