Under certain conditions, a liquid solution will begin to crystallize, or form solid crystals. This typically occurs under the right combination of environmental conditions and other factors, such as vibration. Users are running into crystallizing fluids more frequently in the lab environment, which makes it difficult to process via conventional equipment. That is why it’s important to have a pump that can handle these crystallizing fluids.
However, if crystallization were to occur within the pump, it could lead to the pump stalling, leaking or breaking. What is the solution to this problem? To solve this, we need to examine why fluids crystallize in a pump.
While temperature and/or contact from another element can cause fluids to crystallize, pump material, pressure, and the reaction to variables including the air outside of the pump can all contribute to crystallization. Air specifically has a tendency to dry out fluids and help accelerate crystallization. As a result, crystals can stick to the ceramic piston.
Crystallizing fluids are particularly common in dialysis instruments that have to process heavily concentrated dialysate, which tends to crystallize very easily. Saline or salt solutions are also more prone to crystallizing.
In the event of a fluid crystallizing, the pump can seize. This can create a whole slew of issues with the pump, not to mention, lost productivity time while the pump is being serviced.
Fluid Metering has developed some effective solutions for resolving problems caused by crystallizing fluids. These include:
Fluid Metering has a number of products that can be equipped with flush ports to help reduce crystallization, including the following:
If you’re regularly having this problem with your instruments, rather than performing your own trial and error, we suggest getting in touch with one of our experts at Fluid Metering. We can help troubleshoot issues you’re having and recommend any fixes (including but not limited to the ones we’ve noted above).
Keep in mind that while the solutions listed above are viable ones, we’re also working to improve the process and continue to develop methods to prevent crystallizing.
Some of the frequently asked questions we receive when it comes to crystallizing fluids are:
As we noted above, some of the simple fixes include installing a secondary set of pump ports, treating the surface of the piston with a special coating, and/or customizing a seal and ceramic configuration to dampen crystallization.
For specifics on whether or not a pump can handle the requirements that you’re looking for, contact one of our experts at Fluid Metering today.
Again, for more information on some of the problems that crystallization may cause, how to resolve them, and how to acquire the pump that meets your specific fluid needs, contact the experts at Fluid Metering today.