Fluid Metering Offers Video Assistance

At Fluid Metering, Inc. we have been dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality valveless metering pumps, and the best service for over 55 years.  Our metering pumps and dispensers are the industry standard for accuracy, precision, and durability, and are used for numerous applications in many industries.  To provide the best service for our customers we have created numerous videos that show how our products work, as well as offer technical support to assist you with any issues you may have.  Below are some examples.

Fluid Metering Technology Videos

This video is a 3D animation of how our valveless metering pumps work.  It shows the design and the components of the pump including the fact that it contains only one moving part which accomplishes all fluid control functions.   The video also highlights the sapphire-hard ceramic internals which are wear resistant and chemically inert.

The above video highlights the unique “One Pump Does It All” ability of our FMI CeramPump®.  This technology is the solution to a variety of fluid control requirements including aspirating, dispensing, and continuous metering.  Useful in applications including hydroponic farming and the medical and laboratory science fields, this pump will improve your accuracy and efficiency.

Precision is very important when it comes to metering pumps and dispensers.  Our products offer a high degree of accuracy for use in a wide range of medical, laboratory, analytical and industrial process applications.  In the above video we show an actual precision test that proves that Fluid Metering Technology is the best on the market.

Making sure the proper safety precautions are taken when operating a pump is essential.  In the above video our Fluid Metering Team member offers some safety precaution tips.  These include some of the safety clothing that should be worn and the checking of the MSDS manual for chemical information for the chemicals that will be used in the pump.

Tech Support Videos

Along with the above videos, the Fluid Metering Inc. website includes a section of tech support videos which demonstrate how to install a FMI pump head, how to replace piston pump lip seals, and how to identify the pumps serial number.  Our goal is to provide the best support for our customers, and along with these videos we also offer Live Chat Support for a direct connection to Fluid Metering’s experts.  For more information on how our products can meet your requirements please contact us.

FMI and the Growing Pharmaceutical and Laboratory Science Industry

One of the fastest growing industries is the pharmaceutical and laboratory science field.  With the baby boomer population growing older, more investment is being made than ever before into new medicines and pharmaceutical drugs.  This year in March, Fluid Metering will be attending and exhibiting at two events that are geared towards these industries.

First up was PITTCON Conference & Expo in Chicago, IL from March 5-9.  This event is the world’s leading annual conference and exposition on laboratory science.  Attendees included both analytical chemists and laboratory scientists among other industry professionals.  The target audience of the show was anyone who participates in any aspect of the laboratory process from someone who analyzes, tests, or identifies chemical or biological properties of a compound, to the people who manage and run these laboratories.   Our product experts were on site at our booth, and had a great time demonstrating how devices like our programmable metering pumps can make the life of an analytical chemist, or laboratory scientist easier.  With great attendance at the this show, it was a great opportunity to see what is going on around the industry.

Later in March, the Fluid Metering team will be attending INTERPHEX, at the Javits Center in New York City from March 21-23.  This is event is the premier pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device development show.  At booth #1468 our team will be answering questions and demonstrating products like our PDS-100 Programmable Dispensing System, which is the ideal system for the pharmaceutical industry.  Capable of dispensing or pumping fluids ranging from  2.5 μL per dispense, or 8 μL /min continuous, and up to 1536 mL/min into pressures ranging from 10 psi to 100 psi, this system will increase productivity and efficiency in the lab.

At Fluid Metering, we offer a wide range of reliable and efficient programmable metering pumps that can meet all the needs of the pharmaceutical and laboratory science industry.  From our FMI CeramPump® technology, to our intelligent programmable metering pumps, we offer multiple options for automated laboratory fluid & sample handling for analytical instrumentation.  Make sure to add us to your booth visitation schedule for INTERPHEX, and contact us here with any questions.

Fluid Metering Delivers Precision Fluid Control for Medical Instrumentation

When it comes to original equipment manufacturing (OEM), Fluid Metering, Inc. has the right capabilities and products for the medical industry. Our wide range of products can help deliver precise amounts for dispensing, aspirating, rinsing, and mixing systems. They are also frequently used for syringe pump replacement for incorporating in medical equipment designs for dialysis, diagnostic, and clinical chemistry.

Regardless of your medical application, Fluid Metering understands the importance of precision every time. Our innovative, patented “No-Valve” design means there’s only one moving part in the fluid path, so problems or errors caused by leaky or clogged valves are eliminated. Internal components are made from dimensionally stable, sapphire-hard ceramics.  When it comes to precision, accuracy, and reliability, Fluid Metering has the right products and designs for critical fluid control applications. When a unique pump is needed, Fluid Metering has the ability to get you what you need from high performance to accuracy to long-term reliability.

Over 55 years ago, Fluid Metering began offering pumps and dispensers which were valveless rotating and reciprocating piston metering pumps. Over the years, our products have evolved to meet the ever changing needs of the medical field. What remains the same is our commitment to accuracy, precision, and durability.

If your medical instrumentation design requires precision fluid control down to the microliter range, FMI’s miniature OEM metering pumps and dispensers offer displacement of 0 to 1280 microliters per revolution with continuous flow rates up to 4 L/min, 1.8° stepper motors with opto sensors, and 0.5% precision without recalibration for over millions of cycles. We have many standard OEM models available, as well as design capabilities for custom requirements.

From February 7-9 we will be exhibiting our interactive display of OEM pumps for medical and analytical application at MD&M West’17 in Anaheim, CA.  In addition to our line of precision OEM pumps, we will be displaying our PDS-100 programmable dispenser. Utilizing the same valveless technology as our OEM pump line, the PDS-100 is ideal for production dispensing used in the assembly of disposable medical components. Our team will be on hand at booth # 2383 to demonstrate our products, answer questions, and provide you with solutions for your specific application requirements.  Keep up to date on the latest Fluid Metering Tradeshow news by following us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

2017 FMI Tradeshow Schedule

Our 2017 trade show schedule kicks off with the MD&M West event in Anaheim, CA from February 7th-9th. This show is one of the largest medical design and manufacturing events in the world and annually draws over 20,000 industry professionals from leading companies in the industry. The packed schedule over three days includes product development strategy sessions, design technique presentations and in-depth workshop learning.

Fluid Metering, Inc. will be exhibiting our valveless metering pumps and dispensers at Booth #2383. Our experienced application specialists will be able to answer any questions, and work with you to discuss solutions that will meet your specific requirement and needs. We will also be holding working demonstrations of our products and our unique valveless pump technology.

Our products are uniquely designed to meet the requirements of the medical industry. Tasks such as precise dispensing, aspirating, rinsing and mixing systems can easily be performed by our intelligent programmable metering pumps. Also our products are ideal for syringe pump replacement in diagnostic, clinical chemistry, dialysis and medical equipment manufacturing. Our technology can also be used to for dispensing adhesives and lubricants used in assembly of disposable medical components.

Besides the MD&M West show we have a full schedule of trade shows that we will be attending in 2017, both in the United States and abroad. Trips to South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan and Germany make up our overseas trade show itinerary. In the United States we will be exhibiting at shows in Chicago, New York City, and San Diego. A full list of the dates of trade shows we are attending, and our exhibiting booth numbers can be found on our trade shows page.

For the latest show trade show information and news, make sure to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Valveless Ceramic Pumps Provide Essential Nutrients for Hydroponic Farming

Most people know that plants are grown in soil to take full advantage of the nutrients available.  In some climates this is not possible, so alternative farming methods had to be created. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in a water based, nutrient rich solution that does not use soil.  Instead the root system is supported using an inert medium such as perlite, rockwool, clay pellets, peat moss or vermiculite. A constant flow of water must be delivered to the roots in this system and pumps are needed to accomplish this.

Crystallization Issues

The proprietary nutrient formulations used by hydroponic farmers contain a variety of minerals that tend to crystallize.  This can create problems in metering pump technologies that rely on check valves or flexible peristaltic tubing. Crystallization would eventually cause the check valves to fail and the hardened crystals would cause the elastomer tubing to break down. This would prevent vital nutrients reaching the plants which many times are unattended for several weeks at a time.

Valveless Pump Solution

The CeramPump Valveless Piston Pump from Fluid Metering, Inc. meets all the needs of the hydroponic farming industry.  It utilizes only one moving part in the fluid path which accomplishes both the pumping and valving functions, which eliminates check valves and the associated reliability and maintenance concerns.  The CeramPump also has internal components made of sapphire-hard ceramics which are chemical inert, dimensionally-stable and abrasion-resistant which limits the chance of pump failure.  To make sure that fluid crystallization is not an issue; the CeramPump is also available with a special wash gland feature which essentially isolates crystal forming fluids from the atmosphere.

FMI’s CeramPump has been successfully used in hydroponic farming for the growing of endives, which are grown unattended for 21 days in the dark.  Also flowering plants grown from bulbs are an additional area where FMI’s Valveless Piston pump can deliver nutrient and mineral enriched formulations accurately and maintenance free, even when left unattended for extended periods of time.

For more information on how FMI’s valveless metering pump technology can meet your hydroponic needs, please reach out to product specialist’s here.

The Importance of Denitrification of Effluent Wastewater

Water is the one of the most important resources on planet Earth.  It is vital that we protect the quality of our water, and make sure it is safe for everyone who needs it throughout the world.  At Fluid Metering Inc. we understand the seriousness of making sure water is treated properly, and offer valveless piston pumps for the complete denitrification of effluent wastewater.  The amount of fresh water that is available on our planet is limited, so it is important to treat it properly.

Hazards of Nitrogen in Untreated Wastewater Effluent

In untreated wastewater effluent, nitrogen is present that in high concentrations can pose major environmental concerns when released into bays and watersheds.  As nitrogen is an end-product of the bacterial metabolism of ammonia, it can deplete dissolved oxygen in receiving water.  It also stimulates the growth of aquatic plant and algae growth which causes hypoxia and also blocks sunlight from reaching submerged marine life which creates a condition known as eutrophication.  Nitrate compounds in drinking water can also cause the human health condition known as methemoglobinemia which alters the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin.  Due to these hazards, it is important that the levels of nitrogen created during the wastewater treatment process be reduced before the effluent is discharged into the environment.

Denitrification Using Methanol

Using a process known as denitrification, water facilities convert the excess nitrates into nitrogen gas, which is then vented into the atmosphere instead of being released into waterways.  One of the most cost-effective denitrification options is with the use of methanol.  Methanol is used in wastewater applications as the carbon source that breaks down the nitrates.  Because methanol is volatile, wastewater treatment facilities need specific metering pumps that are specially designed to dispense the chemical.  Our CeramPump® line of valveless metering pumps is ideally suited for this.  Constructed from inert and corrosion resistant ceramic parts, with only one moving part in the fluid path, it is highly reliable and extremely precise with an output variation of only ±1% of set value.  The use of sapphire-hard, dimensionally stable, ceramic internal components allows precision manufacturing with tight clearances and the elimination of multiple check valves provides a metering pump that can self-prime down to the micro-liter range and never lose prime.

WEFTEC 2016

This year we will be at WEFTEC 2016 in New Orleans, LA from September 26-28.  This is the premier water quality conference for professionals looking for water quality solutions and the latest industry innovations focusing on protecting our water and environmental resources.  At booth #7416 our product experts will be on hand displaying our unique valveless pump technology and answering questions.  For more information visit our tradeshow section or contact us.

Where to Find FMI in 2016

2016 has been a busy year for Fluid Metering, Inc. as we have been attending great tradeshows all around the world, with still more to go!  We will be continuing to exhibit our valveless metering pumps, dispensers and our many other products at shows during the rest of 2016.  Locations where we will be attending shows include Shenzhen, China; Goyand, Korea; New Orleans, LA; Shanghai, China; Chicago, IL; and Dusseldorf, Germany.

The remaining shows we will be attending this year are centered towards a wide range of industries including shows for medical device manufacturers, automation systems, water quality solutions, laboratory technology and processing and packaging.  At these shows we will be exhibiting the many uses of our products.

On hand at each show will be experienced application specialists available to answer questions and provide product demonstrations.  Our Fluid Metering product specialists will also be available to review your specific requirements and recommend a solution that will meet your needs.

We will be at the International Component Manufacturing & Design Show at booth #H3-E19 in Shenzhen, China from August 30-September 1.  This show is for medical device manufacturers and upstream product suppliers.

From September 6-9 Fluid Metering will be in Goyang, Korea for the KOFAS 2016 (KINTEX) – International Factory Automation System Show.  This show is an exhibition specializing in automation systems and includes machinery companies and factory automation system manufacturers.

At the end of September we will be at WEFTEC 2016 in New Orleans, LA.  This is a water quality conference for professionals who are looking for water quality solutions.   Our application specialists will be on hand at booth # 7416 to demonstrate our water treatment products.

In October we will be at Analytica China in Shanghai in Hall N2, booth #2276.  This is an international trade fair for laboratory technology and biotechnology.

We will finish our 2016 tradeshow schedule in November with two shows.  First we will be at the PACK EXPO which is a joint venture with the Pharma EXPO from November 6-9.  This tradeshow is taking place in Chicago, IL and we will be at booth W-581.  After that we will be attending Medica/COMPAMED 2016 in Dusseldorf, Germany from November 14-17.  This is the world’s largest medical marketplace and a leading trade fair for the medical supplier industry.

For more information about the remaining shows we will be attending and exhibiting at, as well as any changes or updates, visit our tradeshow page.

Using FMI Metering / Dosing Pumps and Dispensers to Combat the Spread of Zika Virus

Few things strike fear in the hearts of people like the prospect of a contracting a deadly virus.  Many virus epidemics are due to mosquitos carrying the virus and transmitting it to humans.  One virus currently being spread by mosquitos is the Zika virus, whose spread has pushed the World Health Organization to issue a Public Health Emergency of International Concern warning.

Zika not only proves to be life threatening to the first point of contact (the original patient), it also causes brain abnormalities in the fetus if it happens to afflict pregnant women.  Widespread in South America, concern has risen with the upcoming summer Olympic Games that will be taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Steps can be taken to stop the spread of mosquitos carrying the virus, such as using Fluid Metering’s pumps to administer insectide.

Two ways to prevent Zika infected mosquito bites are: 

• Use of the right kind of mosquito repellent in areas of lush vegetation. Yards turn into great breeding grounds because the soil is moist and they have more greenery than concrete roads. Fluid Metering Inc.’s ULV Spray Equipment can dispense insecticides that attack both adult mosquitoes, as well as mosquito larvae.

• The rigorous practice of draining standing water. A teaspoonful of standing water can breed up to 300 mosquitoes. Imagine how many of these insects can call stagnant water in your gardens, around your house or in your back yard their home? Fluid Metering Inc.’s powerful drainage and utility pumps solve this problem, sucking the liquid from your property and disposing it in ditches and trenches that can later be filled up with sand.

Fluid Metering Inc. has always pioneered innovations in the field of pumps and dispensers. Its top quality products serve myriad industries including medicine, diary and food processing, manufacturing and pollution control. Using its twin strengths of precision and power, the fight against mosquitos and the Zika virus can also be taken forward. Please contact us at pumps@fmipump.com to learn more.

Valveless Piston Pumps are Ideal for Hydrogen Peroxide Metering

At Fluid Metering, Inc. our valveless, ceramic metering pumps have proven to be reliable, useful pieces of machinery that are effective across a wide range of industries.  For applications that need a precise dose, over millions of repeating cycles, without regular need for repair or recalibration, the best choice available are our valveless ceramic metering pumps.

Working with Hydrogen Peroxide

One area where our pumps excel is in metering concentrated hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is used across a variety of applications, including:

• Use during the aseptic packaging process for a variety of foods and products
• Low-temperature sterilization for clean rooms and hospital operating rooms
• Component and instrument sterilization
• Sporicidal activity
• Cosmetic applications including hair and teeth bleaching
• Production of sodium percarbonate and sodium perborate

Unreliable or imprecise metering of hydrogen peroxide can lead to issues.  These include failure to properly sterilize, or an overdose of hydrogen peroxide that could cause contamination.

Our pumps utilize a ceramic piston as the only moving part, meaning that it is the only moving part that is in contact with the fluid. We use ceramic because it is chemically inert and dimensionally stable, which ensures that over time it can withstand chemicals, as well as any wear and tear. The pumps use our CeramPump® pumping principle that uses the ceramic piston for both pumping and valving functions, allowing for a compact design that does not require check valves. This in turn reduces the need for maintenance, while allowing for the precision you require without a need for regular recalibration.

Of course, working with hydrogen peroxide is not the only way that our metering pumps can be used. At Fluid Metering, Inc., we provide a variety of pumps, available in a wide range of laboratory, production, process, and OEM instrumentation applications and can help you figure out the right pump for your need. Simple, complex, fixed, or variable, we can help you choose the correct equipment, including hazardous duty pumps.

Intelligent Programmable Metering Pump

Modern metering pumps and dispensers are highly advanced, and have come a long way since the basic reciprocating piston metering pumps. The latest generation of pumps are built to be intelligent and programmable, to provide increased control as well as increased feedback on performance and processes.

The Advantages of an Intelligent Programmable Metering Pump

While standard metering pumps are still technologically advanced, the Intelligent Programmable Metering Pump from Fluid Metering Inc. provides some distinct advantages. In addition to the wide speed range of 10 to 1200 RPM, along with a flow rate of 25 microliters per minute up to 240 milliliters per minute these advantages include:

• 5 programmable inputs and 2 programmable outputs
• Application configurable so you can mix and match inputs and outputs
• Multiple programming platforms supported, including Visual Basic and C++
• Display comprehensive data for monitoring, recording, and tracking
• CANopen protocol supported
• EtherCAT communication possible with optional extension module
• Increased flexibility within a system

On top of these advantages, our pumps at FMI are known for quiet operation, known to be free of vibration that can affect your system, are energy efficient, and run cool to reduce heat buildup.

Applications for Intelligent Programmable Metering Pumps

Programmable metering pumps can be used anywhere where you may use a standard metering pump, but they do allow for increased control. These pumps are perfect for use in:

• Medical – Dispensing solvents, lubricants and adhesives for disposable medical component assembly, as well as, dispensing reagents for diagnostic test kit packaging.
• Laboratory – Automated laboratory fluid & sample handling for analytical instrumentation
• Pharmaceutical – Low & micro-volume production dispensing into vials, ampules, & syringes; sterilization chemical metering; dissolution system chemical addition
• Industrial & Process – Nutrient, flavor, and preservative addition, as well as dispensing aseptic packaging agents for food processing; performance additives for petroleum production; chemical metering for pilot plants

Here at Fluid Metering, we produce not only some of the most reliable and efficient Programmable Metering Pumps on the market, but we have 55 years of experience in the field. This means we can quickly, efficiently, and accurately develop a plan for your pump needs, and help to put it into action. We will utilize our comprehensive, searchable database to match your application to our pumps and systems, matching up your details to a tee. So get in touch with us today to find out about seeing the Intelligent Programmable Metering Pump in action in your system!