Masterflex Tubing Pump Systems FAQs
- How does a Masterflex tubing pump work?
- What flow rates are attainable?
- What flow precision can I expect?
- Are measured volumes repeatable?
- What is the effect of fluid viscosity on flow?
- What is the maximum obtainable pressure?
- What is the maximum inlet pressure?
- What is the maximum suction lift?
- Are check valves required?
- Can Masterflex pumps run dry?
- Are Masterflex pumps self-priming?
- Are Masterflex pumps positive displacement type pumps?
- Are Masterflex pumps nonsiphoning?
- Can slurries or abrasive solutions be pumped?
- Why are so many pump heads and tubing sizes offered?
- Is flow reversible?
- Is the tubing important?
- What temperature ranges of materials can be pumped?
- What is the chemical resistance?
- What determines tubing life?
- What tubing formulation gives longest life?
- How does pump speed affect tubing life?
- Is the tubing compatible for food and sterile applications?
- Is the tubing difficult to replace?
- Why are pump heads available without drives in the L/S, I/P, and B/T pump groups?
- Can more than one pump head be used with a single drive?
- Are drive systems other than those shown in our general catalog available?
Each pump system is divided into three parts: pump head, drive, and tubing. The pump head consists of the rotor and housing; the drive creates the force needed to move the rotor; and the tubing acts as the pump chamber. These three parts pump fluid by following these steps:  - The tubing is placed into the tubing bed—between the rotor and housing—where it is occluded (squeezed).
- The rollers on the rotor move across the tubing, pushing the fluid. The tubing behind the rollers recovers its shape, creates a vacuum, and draws fluid in behind it.
- A "pillow" of fluid is formed between the rollers. This is specific to the ID of the tubing and the geometry of the rotor. Flow rate is determined by multiplying speed by the size of the pillow. This pillow stays fairly constant except with very viscous fluids.
View our simple animation that demonstrates a Masterflex tubing pump in motion. Go to Top
Our C/L systems deliver flow rates from 0.0011 to 46 ml/min. L/S systems deliver flow rates from 0.0006 to 3400 ml/min. I/P systems deliver flow rates from 0.012 to 13 LPM and B/T systems deliver flow rates from 0.3 to 45 LPM. Go to Top
You can obtain a flow precision of better than ±0.5% with calibrated flow systems. For other systems, you can obtain ±3% precision for general transfer applications. Go to Top
Volumes are repeatable with accuracies of ±0.25% or better using calibrated systems. Go to Top
All flow rates are based on water. Increasing the fluid viscosity will decrease the flow rate. See pages 804-805 of our general catalog for more information. Go to Top
Depending on the tubing you choose, the maximum obtainable pressure is 40 psi (2.7 bar); nominal pressure is 25 psi (1.7 bar). Go to Top
Typically 40 psi (2.7 bar), depending on tubing ID, wall thickness, and formulation.. Go to Top
The maximum suction lift is 29 ft (8.8 m) H20. Go to Top
No. Our unique designs eliminate this need. Go to Top
Yes. They can pump gases, liquids, or mixed phases. Go to Top
Yes. They can develop a vacuum in excess of 26" Hg (660 mm Hg). Go to Top
Yes. The flow rate with water is directly proportional to the rotor speed up to the maximum capabilities of the drive. Go to Top
Yes. One roller is always squeezing the tubing closed, so you don't get any backflow. Go to Top
Yes. The limitations are viscosity and particle size relative to selected tubing ID. Go to Top
To provide maximum flexibility in achieving desired flow at optimum rpm. Go to Top
Yes. Specifications apply in either clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. Go to Top
The tubing is the pump chamber. The elasticity of the tubing provides suction lift; its strength provides pressure handling ability; its flexible characteristics determine pumping life; its bore determines the flow rate, and its wall thickness determines pumping efficiency. Go to Top
Optimum temperature range is from 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C). The max. temperature range is from -100 to 460°F (-73 to 232°C) for tubing and from -148 to 230°F (-100 to 110°C) for the pump head. Go to Top
Depends on tubing style (see Tubing and Chemical Compatibility Table). Go to Top
Pump speed and pressure, tubing material and chemical compatibility, and abrasiveness of the liquid (media) being pumped. For life expectancy, see Tubing Life Technical Data. Go to Top
Norprene*, PharMed*, Tygon LFL*, silicone, C-FLEX**, Tygon*, and Viton***, in that order. For more information, see Tubing Life Technical Data. Go to Top
Tubing life is inversely proportional to pump speed. Minimum speed gives maximum life. Go to Top
Yes. Some tubing formulations meet NSF specifications and FDA and USDA requirements for food handling. Many can be sterilized. For more information, see specific tubing’s Formulation Specification Sheets. Go to Top
No. The EASY-LOAD, EASY-LOAD II, High-Performance, cartridge, RAPID-LOAD, and QUICK-LOAD pump heads make tubing changes quick and easy. With the Standard pump head, tubing is easy to change using the loading key provided. Go to Top
The modular concept lets you customize your system for maximum flexibility and economy. Go to Top
Yes. Any number (typically two to four) can be stacked together in any combination using Standard or EASY-LOAD heads up to the maximum torque capability of the drive. Go to Top
Yes. Our Engineering Department can customize, design, or modify a drive or drive package to your specifications for quantity purchases and OEM applications. Call 800-323-4340 or (from outside the U.S.) 847-549-7600; press 9-6092. Go to Top
* Norprene, PharMed, Tygon—Registered Trademark Norton Co.
** C-FLEX—Registered Trademark Consolidated Polymer Technologies, Inc.
*** Viton—Registered Trademark of DuPont Dow Elastomers L.L.C.
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