How to load tubing into Masterflex L/S standard pump heads

Video Summary

Video demonstrating how to propely load Silicone and Tygon Lab tubing into a Masterflex L/S standard pump head.

The Steps

Preloading

  • Choose a L/S standard pump head: for thin-wall tubing or for thick-wall tubing
  • Make sure the "thrust washers" are on either side of the rotor
  • Locate the tubing key and set to the side
  • The tubing key applies proper stretch to and centers the tubing

Masterflex L/S Standard Pump Heads for High-Performance Precision Tubing

Loading Silicone or Tygon Lab Tubing

  1. Choose desired length of tubing
  2. Insert tubing connectors and clamps
  3. Remove one of the head's "end bells"
  4. Rotate it so ports are at the palm of the hand
  5. Place tubing into port using the natural curve
  6. Rest it against the first two rollers
  7. Insert the tubing key between the tube and the rotor plate
  8. Turn key and slide across the tubing to the other side while holding tubing in place
  9. Remove the key when finished
  10. Replace the end bell and align both
  11. Squeeze the two halves together. Do not pinch the tubing with your fingers or between the two halves.
  12. If closing the pump head is difficult, insert tubing key into the slot and turn 1 - 2 times
  13. Check that the tubing centered in the pump head

TIP: With Tygon tubing, if turning the key or closing the pump is difficult, use a drop of water and run it across the edge of the tube. This will help the key to slide across the tubing with ease.

ADDITIONAL TIP: When ready to change out the tubing, insert the tubing key into the slot and turn a 1 - 2 times to push the pump head slightly apart and make it easier to remove the tubing.

Video Transcript

Before Loading

These are the L/S Standard Pumps. Each pump head is designed for one size tubing, ensure optimal inclusion and performance. Today I will be demonstrating the proper way to load a Masterflex L/S standard pump head. But first let's review the two types of L/S Standard Pumps. This pump head uses thin wall tubing, It has rollers that extend slightly passed the plate. This pump head uses thick wall tubing. It has rollers located just inside the plate. Notice the "thrust washers" on either side and make sure that both thrust washers are on the rotor. This is a tubing key. We will be using this in the process of loading the pump. Using the tubing key applies the proper stretch to the tube as well as centers the tube on the rollers and inside the pump. Now let's load the pump head!

How to Load Silicone Tubing into a Standard Pump Head

First, select a desired length of tubing that you're going to be placing into the pump. Insert tubing connectors and tubing clamps to hold the connectors in place. This is a silicone material. Notice how the tubing has a natural curve. And you're going to load this natural curve with the rotor. Remove one of the "end bells". Rotate it so the ports are at the palm of the hand. Take the tubing, with the natural cuve place it into the port, rest it against the first two rollers, and take this tubing key and insert it between the tube and the rotor plate. Notice how the key presses the tubing into the housing. Now I'm going to start turning this key all the way to other side while holding the tubing in place with my thumb. Using the key, it's going to press the tubing uniformly into the pump. Move my thumb over slightly and remove the key. Replace the end bell and be careful so to not pinch the tubing and line it up. Squeeze the two halves together, all the while watching to be sure not to pinch the tubing between the two halves. Notice how the tubing is now in the center of the pump head

How to Load Tygon-Lab Tubing into a Standard Pump Head

Tygon tubing is a bit stiffer material than the silicone. Repeat the same loading procedure as with the silcone tubing above. Here's a little trick to help in loading this type of material. If you find turning the key or closing the pump a little difficult, use a drop of water and run it across the edge of the tube. This will help the key to slide across the tubing with ease. Sometimes when you put the pump head back together, it's a little bit difficult. Take the key and put it in the slot and turn it one or two rotations. This will stretch the tubing a little bit and relax it. The pump should close a little bit easier. Make sure you don't pinch the tube and see that it is centered. If it's not quite all the way centered, don't worry because once you mount it on the pump drive and run it - it will automatically center it inside the pump - because you used the key and stretched the tube properly.

One more trick to share, an easy way to open the pump when you're ready to change the tubing. Using the tubing key again, insert it into the slot turn it a couple times. This will push the pump head slightly apart. So it will be easier to take the tubing out

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