title: accuramatic

liquid
dispensing
systems

Tubing Selection

The standard Accuramatic dispenser operates with 2mm wall tubing (these pumps have red rotors, or black on some older models). Since some tubing types are only available in 1.6mm wall thickness, we have developed an alternative rotor (silver anodised aluminium) for applications always requiring such tubing. Correct thickness of tubing wall is crucial to pump operation.

Tubing bore size Delivery rate (ml/sec) Recommended for doses
1mm (twin) 1 (per tube) Up to 5ml
2.4 4 5-15ml
4 10 15-50ml
6 24 50-125ml
8 36 Over 125ml

MECHANICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN TUBING USE

SUCTION
Peristaltic pumps operate through the suction created by the flattened tubing regaining its shape. If the tubing does not recover fully before the next roller pass, the flow is diminished. There are several possible causes:
Excess head: it is not advisable to pump from a reservoir more than 1m below the level of the pump.
High viscosity product: a product at 100cP pumps 60% as efficiently as water. Keep the tubing on the suction side short. Try using a larger bore than that running through the pump.
Over-long suction tubing: if using a long suction tube, try a larger bore size (2mm on diameter) than the delivery side, with a tube connector near the pump.
Tight bends: these restrict flow through the tubing.
Wall suction: occurs where the suction end of the tubing sucks onto the wall of the reservoir, causing a massive drop in pump output and a flapping noise from the pump head where the tubing is staying flat. Rectify by cutting a V notch in tubing or using a sinker with a ridged base.

TUBING AGE
Tubing doesn’t last forever! Extend tubing life by moving it along so the pump wear is spread over different sections. Dose accuracy actually improves a little during the first hour of a tube’s use, and deteriorates spectacularly just before tubing splits at the end of its life, as the material structure starts to break down.