Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group’s (WMFTG) range of peristaltic cased pumps for upstream and downstream bioprocessing tasks include a wide range of flow pumps to ensure plants looking to upscale research projects or production can do so without changing or impacting the process.

Among the main features of the pumps is an enhanced operator and control system interface that contributes to step-change improvements in validated process security. Significantly, the new models are backed by a five year warranty, which gives users the confidence and assurance needed in validated, critical processes.

Secure, accurate, and intuitive

WMFTG’s 120, 530, 630, and 730 process pumps share the same functionality to enhance compliance with current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and ensure final product quality. The expanded range offers the availability of pumps to cover a wide spectrum of bioprocessing tasks. Flow range extends from microlitre up to 33l/min with the 730, simplifying scaling.

Impressive accuracy and process integrity are assured via a new, simple-to-use human-machine interface (HMI) requiring minimal key presses to reduce the opportunity for costly errors. Furthermore, users will benefit from enhanced process security with the addition of a 3-level PIN lock. Control options include manual, remote, analogue, and RS485 digital communications, along with integrated PROFIBUS networking capabilities.

The new cased pumps are ideal for use with single-use fluid path assemblies, helping to eliminate the cost and time associated with cleaning regimes, while the extremely low-shear pump action means that product can be moved without degradation or damage.

Applications

Among biopharmaceutical tasks, benefits include buffer and media preparation. Here, pumps used for handling buffers must deliver accurate flows with intuitive operation to avoid expensive mistakes. Large volumes of buffer are often required, so pumps must also provide the option to be easily up-scaled using the same validated fluid contact materials.

With live cell transfer, pump benefits such as process integrity via visual status indication, the maintenance of cell viability through low-shear pumping, zero contamination and rapid fluid transfer are invaluable, while pump accuracy and gentle handling are crucial when harvesting/extracting proteins.