2 min read

Fluid Delivery Face-Off: Fluid Metering vs. Solenoid Pumps

Fluid Delivery Face-Off: Fluid Metering vs. Solenoid Pumps

Fluid Metering pumps and solenoid pumps are two popular microfluidic management options, so how can you tell which one will be better suited for your project requirements? Let's explore how their notable differences fair when these two industry-leading pumps face off in key application scenarios.

 

Round 1: Precision & ReliabilitySolenoid
The primary difference between Fluid Metering and solenoid pumps is their operating mechanisms. Solenoid pumps are controlled by a solenoid - an electromagnet formed by a copper wire wrapped around a metal plunger. Once electrical current passes through, the copper wire creates a magnetic field which moves the plunger up and down with the assistance of a spring. Fluid Metering pumps use a motor to move a rotating, reciprocating piston that delivers fluid.

Results: By nature, the internal valves of the solenoid pump are predisposed to clogging, resulting in compromised precision and pump seizures. Furthermore, the solenoid springs can weaken and break with wear and tear, trap debris and contaminants, and negatively affect pump performance over time as they lose their tension. Fluid Metering pumps have simpler, valveless designs to prevent clogging and defy the odds in long-term reliability. In addition, their high-precision Cerampump® construction and patented adjustment method gives Fluid Metering pumps the needed boost to achieve higher precision in fluid delivery and allow for more accurate and consistent fluid dispensing compared to solenoid pumps.


Round 2: Flow Rate Ranges
Solenoid pumps can achieve different flow rates depending on their size, ranging from a few milliliters per minute to a few liters per minute. Fluid Metering pumps typically operate from a few milliliters per minute to just over 1 liter per minute.

Results: When dealing with flow rate ranges for microfluidic applications, solenoid and Fluid Metering pumps at first glance appear to be evenly matched. However, solenoid pumps must be made in size to accommodate different flow rates, whereas Fluid Metering pumps knock out a wider range of flow rates with the same single pump, saving the hassle of using multiple pumps for different flow rates.


Round 3: Pulsation Levels
Solenoid pumps inherently produce significant pulsation due to their spring-plunger design. Although Fluid Metering pumps also produce a certain amount of pulsatile flow, several effective system alteration strategies can be implemented to help minimize their pulsation.

Results: The high and unavoidable pulsation levels produced by solenoid pumps makes them unusable for certain applications. However, the pulsation levels of Fluid Metering pump systems can be significantly decreased, resulting in smoother operation.


Round 4: Fluid Compatibility
Solenoid pumps are typically made with standard plastics and rubber diaphragms, while Fluid Metering pumps feature a chemically inert ceramic construction.

Results: Solenoid pumps offer limited chemical compatibility and struggle with viscous fluids due to increased resistance to flow and clogging of internal valves. On the other hand, Fluid Metering pumps can handle harsh chemicals more effectively, as well as fluids of varying viscosities - all the way up to that of peanut butter!


Round 5: Long-Term Maintenance
Solenoid pumps require routine valve inspection and frequent diaphragm replacements to ensure proper operation and prevent clogging. Fluid Metering pumps maintain 0.5% precision for millions of cycles without maintenance or recalibration.

Results: While solenoid pumps may have a lower initial cost, their maintenance requirements and down time rack up costs and yield a lower lifespan of only a few years. Fluid Metering pumps require little to no maintenance and flaunt an extended lifespan to ensure they last for the life of the instrument they’re in. This one-two punch proves them to be more cost-effective in the long run.


Pioneering Champion
Although solenoid pumps can be built to handle similar flow rates, Fluid Metering pumps handle wider ranges with the same pump and are the top contender in applications requiring high accuracy, reliable precision, long life, chemical inertness, and pumping viscous fluids at high pressure. Ready to give your OEM device a fighting chance at success? Call us today to secure your next engineering win!

 

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