Infusion Pump Testing & Micro-Flow Calibration

For accurate fluid delivery testing in infusion pumps, it's crucial to select a balance that aligns with IEC 60601-2-24 and TIR 101 standards. Key considerations include:

• Readability: This is the balance's smallest measurable unit and reflects its precision. Choose from precision (1 mg), analytical (0.1 mg), semi-micro (0.01 mg), or micro (0.001 mg) balances based on the required sensitivity and TIR 101's flow rate recommendations.
• Capacity: The balance's maximum load capacity must be sufficient for the test's duration, potentially up to 96 hours as per IEC 60601-2-24, to avoid frequent emptying and maintain measurement accuracy.
• Weighing drift sensitivity: A weighing drift, defined as an unwanted change in the weight value without additional dosing, is a well-known phenomenon that can be influenced by various environmental factors. Temperature fluctuations, which influence the weighing system, play a significant role. Humidity and vibrations also have the potential to cause weighing drift. By choosing a balance with a monolithic weighing system (like all Cubis^® II balances) the effect of a drift can be reduced or even prevented. 

Opting for the highest balance capacity and resolution ensures reliable pump performance testing.

The Sartorius Cubis^® II Balances assist microvolume pump manufacturers in testing flow rates and accuracy. For evaluating microvolume pumps, we suggest employing the latest Cubis^® II Ultra-High Resolution Balances, offering resolutions of 0.01 mg (semi-micro balance with a 220 g capacity) or 0.001 mg (high-capacity micro balance with a 61 g capacity). These balances deliver rapid and stable readings and are equipped with an integrated ionizer and a conductive coating on the draft shield to eliminate static interference. 

The Cubis^® II balances feature a monolithic weighing system that supersedes the traditional 150+ piece systems, significantly diminishing weighing drift and establishing them as the optimal choice for precise applications.

AAMI TIR  101:2021 recommends ASTM Class 3/OIML Class F1 weights. The nominal mass value of your weight should be more than 80% of the maximum capacity of your weighing instrument. Proof of traceability to national standards should be available.

Shop Now F1 Weight Set 1 mg – 5 kg with DAkks Certificate

The report from the EMPIR Metrology for Drug Delivery project details various calibration methods for assessing the response or delay time of drug delivery devices using Newtonian liquids for ultra-low flow rates from 5 nL/min to 100 nL/min. The methods explored include gravimetric, optical (meniscus tracking and pendant drop), microPIV/microPTV, and displacement methods. Each method is traceable to specific standards and involves unique model functions and uncertainty components such as volume, time, radius, and stability of motion.