Cambridge research centre's microbiological media unit is one of the first to use this new model, chosen after extensive comparative trials
The Hutchison/MRC research centre in Cambridge is among the first to use the new Sci-Q 323 peristaltic pump from Watson-Marlow Bredel, after installing one of the machines in its microbiological media unit.
The pump was chosen following an extensive comparative trial, where it excelled in three main areas: the ease of tube replacement, its straightforward software set-up procedure, and the large LCD display, which was found to be particularly useful during training when demonstrating how to set up the equipment.
Karen Hébert, the media unit supervisor at Hutchison, commented: "An important requirement was the ability to swap tubes quickly and simply.
Tubes are autoclaved between jobs and also, because we often deal with media that needs to be kept within specific temperature ranges under aseptic conditions, we sometimes need to change tubes in seconds - to start dispensing before the media cools.
"The wide range of tube diameters available with the 323 is also a major benefit, allowing us to optimise flow rates for jobs that involve dispensing volumes of between just a few millilitres and up to 20 litres, keeping dispensing time to a minimum and reducing waste " The media unit at Hutchison/MRC supplies 11 separate laboratories and a number of other facilities with a wide range of media that are used to grow cultures for research into cancer. Vessels including bottles, bijou tubes, petri dishes, and conical flasks are filled, sometimes with novel media that might include components costing hundreds of pounds for a few millilitres.
With a choice of five drive types and five pumpheads, the Sci-Q 323 range gives users the ability to choose the precise combination to meet their needs without over-specifying and paying for unwanted features.
The 323 pump supplied to Hutchison/MRC is optimised for dispensing, allowing size of dose, delivery interval and number of doses to be specified.
It is fitted with a 501RL pumphead, which is a single channel twin-roller pumphead, accepting tubing in seven different sizes and six materials for compatibility with most fluids.
Finally, it is also equipped with a foot operated switch to control stop/start dose or batch operation.
Richard Green, group product manager for Watson-Marlow Bredel, commented: "Hutchison has been one of the first to take delivery of the new Sci-Q 323, which it selected as the best in the market.
With its large LCD display, membrane keypad, stylish and hygienic case and wide-ranging functionality, the Sci-Q 323 has been designed specifically for scientific and laboratory applications, bringing power and performance to the benchtop."
