February 01, 2006

Micro Analytical Valves, Pumps and Dosing Systems

Bürkert Fluid Control Systems has introduced a range of modular micro-components that are ideal for use in laboratory, medical and scientific related equipment manufacturing industries.

Bürkert's premium range of micro-sized valves, pumps and valves have been engineered for maximum quality and minimum size, with all units incorporating compact dimensions for applications in which space is limited.  These include the Type 6604 solenoid valve, the 7616 micro dosing unit and the 7604 pump.

Manufactured with advanced engineered thermoplastic polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and stainless steel, Bürkert's micro-range is rated for neutral to pure aggressive organic and inorganic fluidic media, and certified for use in high-grade, hygienic and hostile environments to 55°C.  Many units are bidirectional, to enhance flexibility of system design.

Managing Director Mr Chris Hoey says that Bürkert's range of valves, pumps and dosing equipment is broad, catering to the array of fluid applications used across industry.

"While some industrial processes require low accuracy and size attributes, the medical and pharmaceutical industries need minute fluid control with high precision and accuracy. 

"Bürkert caters to this need with a premium range of modular components that can be combined to address laboratory system solutions, miniaturised components for manufactured goods and more, on a large or small scale," he says, "And as one of the only suppliers in this industry directly supported by the manufacturer, we are able to offer unprecedented application and custom design support, rather than just choose the closes thing from a catalogue".

The Type 6604 micro solenoid valve with orifice DN 0.6mm offers fast and precise switching technology with reliable media separation.  Energy consumption of 1.5W makes the unit ideal for battery powering in stand-alone form, or as part of a multi-station manifold.  The 6604 has an internal chamber from 15µm, and operates with fluids to 21mm2/s.  Design advances have introduced a gap-free internal design and reduced heat transfer and dead volume to negligible levels.

The quiet 7604 micro-pump delivers a continuous laminar flow 1mL/min to 5 mL/min, with minimal pulsation.  The pump integrates an electronic isolator and runs with low 1.5W power, ideal for mobile and battery operated systems.  The 7604 can alternatively operate at a single externally set rate without power.  Just 11mm wide, the 7604 has a 1000-million cycle lifespan and high reliability.

The 7616 micro dosing unit offers high repeatability, and is ideal for the precise dosing of micro-amounts of liquid and gas.  The unit doses amounts of 0.5µm to 5µm, at up to 900 cycles per minute.

With significant ongoing R&D programmes in place worldwide, Bürkert Fluid Control Systems has invested in the development of high-tech micro solutions to compliment its partnership with global leaders including Switzerland's Roche RIC, Japan's Nihon Medi-Physics and Australia's SGE water quality analysers. 

Bürkert's micro range is ideal for the medical, analytical and laboratory technology industries for applications involving continuous low flow, micro dosing, probe or sample preparation (eg for HPLC).  The componentry is also applied in the replacement of peristaltic pumps and replacement of syringes in pipetting.

"Bürkert has decades of global experience working with field leaders in laboratory, medical and pharma industries, and the knowledge base to cost effectively custom develop system solutions and multi-component parts for manufacture," says Mr Hoey.

With a global network spanning offices in 34 countries and operational outposts in an additional 80, Bürkert Fluid Control Systems is an established and mature global organisation celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2006.