Date: 14 May 2025
Pump selection shapes flow control, dosing precision, and system durability. From peristaltic loops to piston-driven feeds, each design handles fluids differently—under different constraints. Choosing the right pump demands more than matching specs; it requires understanding how pressure profiles, flow stability, and solvent compatibility align with your application. This guide breaks down the critical decision points, with examples and expert tips drawn from Vapourtec’s experience designing pumps for real-world continuous chemistry.
Understand Your Fluid: Compatibility and Behaviour
Is your fluid corrosive?
If you’re working with strong acids, bases, or reactive solvents, chemical resistance is essential.
- Peristaltic pumps excel here, as only the tubing contacts the fluid. You can choose chemically resistant tubing (e.g. perfluoroelastomer, Viton).
- Piston pumps can be used if fitted with acid-resistant heads — Vapourtec offers such modules in the R-Series.
Example: Pumping 0.5 M HCl at 5 mL/min for 8 hours? A peristaltic pump like Vapourtec’s SF-10, equipped with acid-resistant tubing, is ideal.
Is your fluid viscous or particulate-laden?
- Syringe pumps may struggle with thick or gritty solutions.
- Peristaltic and gear pumps handle viscous and slurry-like fluids better.
The Vapourtec SF-10 is designed to move light slurries and even gas-liquid mixtures, making it ideal for mixed-phase reagent feeds.
Is the fluid volatile or gas-evolving?
Avoid piston or syringe pumps — vapor-lock or loss of pressure can occur.
- Peristaltic and diaphragm pumps can handle bubbles and outgassing fluids with ease.
- Vapourtec’s V-3 pump is engineered to tolerate gas-liquid flows in demanding conditions
Define Your Flow Rate and Volume Requirements
Low flow (µL/min to mL/min)?
Use a syringe pump or precision piston pump for tight control.
Scenario: Feeding 50 µL/min into a microreactor? A syringe pump delivers ultra-precise microflows.
Moderate flow (0.1–10 mL/min)?
Both peristaltic (like Vapourtec’s SF-10) and HPLC-style piston pumps are valid. The right choice depends on pressure, compatibility, and pulse tolerance.
High flow (>10 mL/min)?
Use peristaltic, gear, or centrifugal pumps depending on pressure and fluid viscosity. For even higher flow rates (>500 mL/min, piston pumps are available).
Consider Pressure Constraints
Low pressure (<2 bar)?
Most pump types will suffice.
Moderate pressure (up to 10 bar)?
- Use reinforced peristaltic pumps like Vapourtec’s V-3 or SF-10.
- Syringe pumps can manage this range briefly, but aren’t optimal for long durations.
High pressure (>10 bar)?
- Only piston pumps or specialty gear pumps should be used.
- Vapourtec’s high-pressure R-Series modules operate up to 100 bar, perfect for demanding reactions.
Evaluate Accuracy, Flow Stability, and Reproducibility
Need high precision?
- Syringe pumps and HPLC pumps are top-tier for accuracy.
- Peristaltic pumps like the SF-10 offer good precision but may require calibration.
Concerned about pulsation?
- Use dual-piston pumps or syringe pumps for pulse-free flow.
- Modern peristaltic pumps reduce pulsation significantly. The Vapourtec SF-10, for example, provides notably smooth delivery for its class.
Want reliable reproducibility?
- Choose pumps with digital control and integration options.
- Vapourtec systems allow programmable rates and data logging — ideal for reproducible flow setups.
Think About Practical Setup and Maintenance
- Peristaltic pumps: Easy tubing swaps, low maintenance.
- Syringe pumps: Minimal maintenance but limited by syringe volume.
- Piston pumps: Durable but require occasional seal and valve maintenance.
- Diaphragm pumps: Low maintenance, used more for vacuum or auxiliary needs.
Tip: For long-duration runs, choose a pump that operates continuously without constant supervision. Peristaltic and piston pumps are preferred over syringe pumps for this.
Match Your Application to the Pump Type
| Pump Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Peristaltic | Corrosive fluids, moderate flow, multi-phase fluids, ease of maintenance |
| Syringe | Ultra-low flow, microfluidics, analytical dosing |
| Piston | High-pressure needs, stable continuous operation |
| Diaphragm | Vacuum or auxiliary gas handling |
| Gear | Viscous fluids, moderate flow at medium pressure |
Final Considerations
Before choosing a pump, ask:
- Is my fluid chemically aggressive?
- Do I need high precision or just consistent flow?
- Will I operate under pressure or at ambient conditions?
- How long and how much volume will I pump?
- Do I need automation or multi-channel support?
Remember: No single pump does it all. Most labs keep two or more pump types on hand to cover different scenarios.
“If you’re unsure, Vapourtec’s team regularly advises researchers on optimal pump setups for flow chemistry and beyond — we’re here to help you find the right fit.”
Choosing with Confidence
Choosing a laboratory pump isn’t about brand — it’s about matching features to your application. But when performance, reliability, and integration matter, Vapourtec’s pump solutions — like the SF-10 and V-3 — are engineered to balance precision, resistance, and smooth delivery in even the most demanding settings.
