Peristaltic pumps move fluids by squeezing elastic polymer pump tubes. For aseptic biopharmaceutical processes, the advantage of these pumps is that the fluid only comes into contact with the pump tubing and fittings, rather than the pump itself. The same pump tube can be used in the same biopharmaceutical production process, but when producing new products, the pump tube needs to be replaced.

To prevent damage to the pump tubing during prolonged use, we should monitor its lifespan and develop relevant preventive maintenance plans. In response to these issues, Pharmaceutical Technology conducted an interview with Gregg E. Johnson, the product line of Colpaard peristaltic pumps.

泵管寿命

PharmTech：How long can pump tubes usually be used?

Johnson：The service life of a pump tube depends on its usage conditions - speed, pressure, fluid, and fluid temperature. Some new formulations of biopharmaceutical silicone tubes can be used continuously for 200 to 1000 hours or more. The Pharmed pump tube made of thermoplastic elastomer can have a lifespan of thousands of hours!

PharmTech：How can a company monitor the lifespan of pump tubing?

Johnson：In our testing laboratory, we monitor the service life of pump tubes by recording the frequency of malfunctions. Once we master this detection method, we can set up some preventive maintenance based on specific equipment. Due to the different fluids, pumping systems, and other devices in the fluid path, the preventive maintenance of each device is different.

Once we have a pattern, we can set up preventive maintenance based on specific devices.”——Johnson， cole parmer

maintenance

PharmTech：What are the experience rules for implementing preventive maintenance?

Johnson：Preventive maintenance (PM) and its frequency of execution are determined by the peristaltic pump operator. A simple suggestion is to refer to the pump tube life data provided by the peristaltic pump manufacturer. Before we determine a reliable testing method, we may start with between 75% and 80% of the pump tube life data provided by the manufacturer. The detection method for each device is different. Once the detection method is determined and we require a longer PM cycle, the operator can choose to extend the cycle to meet their needs.

PharmTech：How to extend the lifespan of a pump tube by moving it to a new position?

Johnson：If the operator is performing a long-term production process and is concerned about the service life of the pump tube, he can extend the pump tube and prevent it from breaking by moving it to a new position. This is achieved by adjusting the pump tube outside the outlet of the peristaltic pump. Once this production cycle begins, the operator can periodically (once a week or once a month) pause the peristaltic pump operation, open the pump head, slide an unused pump tube (an additional part of the pump head outlet), and move the used pump tube from the pump head to the inlet side. Then turn off and restart the peristaltic pump. This step is easy to operate using a pump that is easy to load with tubing, such as the Masterflex Easy Load pump head.