We are often asked to explain the differences between a traditional “Syringe Pump” and our “IVEK Ceramic Displacement Pumps”. This question most often comes up when customers are deciding which Liquid Dispensing Pump type is best for their OEM Instrument to continue to perform precise aspirating and dispensing of samples and reagents. Since both of these can be used to do the similar functions, let's look at the pros and cons of each.

Syringe Pump

A traditional “Syringe Pump” is a liquid dispensing pump mechanism that utilizes a glass barrel, gas tight syringe as the essential pump for the mechanism. Using a “replaceable syringe” can have the advantage of replacing the syringe when its seal fails and it starts to leak or loss vacuum. You can also change syringe sizes to accommodate different volumes. The majority of “Syringe Pumps” work in conjunction with a motorized “plug”valve, which the syringe connects to. The timing of the syringe movements and the valve movements (two motors required) are controlled by the built-in firmware and special software provided by the Syringe Pump manufacturer. Syringe Pumps require periodic syringe and valve replacement over the life of the instrument.

Ceramic Displacement Pump

In contrast to a Syringe Pump that requires two motors, an IVEK Ceramic Displacement Pump uses a single motor, linear actuator mechanism attached to an internal ceramic piston, to precisely aspirate and dispense fluids. This style of pump is much simpler and less expensive than traditional Syringe Pumps. Since a glass barrel syringe is not used, there are no replacement parts required with this style of pump. The internal seals combined with the highly polished ceramic piston are generally designed to last the entire life of the instrument, often exceeding 10 million cycles! With internal valving available as an option (using 2 or 3 Way Solenoid Valves), Ceramic Displacement Pumps are easily specified to do exactly what is required for each individual dispensing application within the instrument.

Considerations When Choosing A Pump

IVEK currently provides three different families of Ceramic Displacement Pumps to further broaden the range of both internal volumes and physical size (and weight) in order to better accommodate the newer, smaller footprint instruments.

So, which style of Pump should you choose? This depends on your application(s) but here are some general guidelines.