Under specific conditions, a liquid solution can form solid crystals, often due to environmental factors like temperature shifts, concentration changes, or air exposure. In life science OEM and laboratory research applications, crystallizing fluids pose a significant challenge, as conventional equipment often struggles to process them efficiently.
Image Credit: Fluid Metering, Inc.
That’s why selecting a pump designed to handle these fluids with ease is essential for maintaining reliable performance.
Why You Need a Pump to Handle Crystallizing Fluids
Pump users are increasingly experiencing crystallization concerns, not only with traditional high-salt fluids but also with more diluted solutions that do not typically produce deposits.
As a precaution, many industry professionals utilize buffer solutions in their equipment to keep the fluid's pH steady while mixing it with the buffer.
This approach, however, is not always sufficient. If crystallization occurs within the pump, it could cause a variety of issues:
- Clogged and disrupted flow
- Costly, messy, and hazardous leaks
- Increased wear due to abrasion
- Limited efficiency, consistency, and accuracy
- Expensive downtime and maintenance
- Pump stalling or breakage
- Reduced system lifespan
To address these challenges, we must investigate what causes fluids to precipitate in a pump.
Why Do Fluids Crystallize?
Temperature changes, pressure variations, contact with pump materials, air exposure, mechanical stress, and vibrations can all trigger fluid crystallization. Air, in particular, accelerates drying and precipitation, making it a common culprit in crystallization issues.
This phenomenon is a frequent challenge across various applications. Dialysis instruments, for example, handle highly concentrated dialysate, which crystallizes easily.
Sodium hypochlorite, commonly used in disinfectants and bleaching agents, tends to become supersaturated in closed systems and can crystallize in cooler temperatures. Similarly, hard water, salt water, and saline solutions used in industrial, environmental, and medical applications are especially prone to crystallization due to the strong ionic bonds in salt.
While fluid crystallization may seem inevitable, there are effective strategies to minimize its occurrence and maintain smooth system operation.
How Fluid Metering Solves for Crystalizing Fluids
Fluid Metering has created some efficient techniques to avoid and reduce the problems produced by crystallizing fluids. This includes:
- Valveless Design – Avoids a common place for deposit buildup and blockages.
- Secondary Flush Ports - Users can flush viscous or crystallizing fluids through the second set of ports using gravity or pressure. These ports produce a liquid barrier between the crystal-forming chemical and the air, preventing air exposure. Flush ports are available on several Fluid Metering devices, including Q Pump Heads and RH Pump Heads.
- Hydrophobic Piston Coating - Reduces crystal adherence to the piston
- Custom Seal and Ceramic Configurations - Corrosion-resistant ceramics and seals to fight abrasive wear.
- Optimized Internal Geometry- Reduces the amount of dead volume where crystalizing fluids might precipitate and collect.
- Consistent Flow - Keeping the fluid in constant motion eliminates stagnation and reduces the possibility of precipitates accumulating.
- Routine Flushing - Appropriate flushing with compatible solvents, such as isopropyl alcohol, clears residuals and prevents crystallization during downtime.
These customized setups have a high success rate in reducing seepage and eliminating crystallization.
Is Crystallization Clogging Your Path to Success?
Don’t allow crystallizing fluids to keep you from achieving your goals. Contact one of Fluid Metering’s technical specialists to learn about the latest fluid handling technologies and tailored solutions.
Fluid Metering can assist you in troubleshooting current issues or getting a jump start on your new application. For additional information and to locate pumps that fit your specific fluid requirements, visit Fluid Metering now.
About Fluid Metering, Inc.
Fluid Metering, Inc. (FMI) is a worldwide leader in life science pumps and dispensers, having pioneered the first valve-less piston pump over 64 years ago. With specialized expertise in fluidics and applications, Fluid Metering, Inc. supports instrument developers in tackling complex fluidic challenges.
Committed to innovation through collaboration, Fluid Metering, Inc. advances health, sustainability, and quality of life. ISO 9001:2015 certified.
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