Introducing the Equilibar PD Sanitary Pulsation Dampener

PCT is pleased to introduce the new Equilibar PD Series Sanitary Pulsation Dampener, developed to reduce pressure fluctuations caused by positive displacement pumps in biopharmaceutical and other hygienic processing applications.

Pulsation from equipment such as peristaltic and air-operated double-diaphragm pumps can create an uneven downstream pressure profile. This can affect flow measurement, filtration performance, chromatography processes and filling accuracy, while also placing additional stress on sensitive cells, biomolecules and process equipment.

The Equilibar PD provides responsive pulsation control while meeting the cleanability and drainability requirements of sanitary processing systems.

For a broader explanation of why these pressure fluctuations occur and the different ways they can be controlled, read our guide to pulsation in peristaltic and positive displacement pumps.

Active, double-sided pulsation control

Unlike a conventional passive pulsation dampener, the Equilibar PD uses an air-loaded, double-sided active dampening design.

Installed downstream of the pump, its two diaphragms respond to changes in process pressure. A shared pneumatic supply acts on the non-wetted side of the diaphragms, helping to reduce pressure peaks and create a smoother downstream flow profile.

The supply pressure is set using a standard gas pressure regulator and tuned to suit the individual application.

Designed for hygienic processing

The Equilibar PD combines active pulsation control with a hygienic, fully drainable construction suitable for multi-use bioprocessing installations.

Important design features include:

• Line sizes from ¼ inch to 3 inches
• Sanitary Tri-Clamp connections
• 316/316L stainless-steel body as standard
• Optional 1.4435 stainless steel and HC-22 body materials
• USP Class VI and FDA-compliant PTFE wetted materials
• Pressure ratings up to 150 psig (10 bar[g])
• Temperature ratings up to 135°C
• Cleanable and drainable construction supporting CIP and SIP processes

Vertical installation is recommended to achieve maximum drainability.

Protecting sensitive processes and equipment

By reducing the pressure fluctuations generated by positive displacement pumps, the Equilibar PD can help provide more stable flow to downstream equipment.

Potential benefits include:

• Protecting filtration membranes and chromatography columns
• Reducing shear-related damage to sensitive cells
• Supporting more consistent process conditions
• Improving the stability of downstream flow measurement
• Supporting product quality, process yield and equipment life

Typical applications include cell-culture media transfer, perfusion systems, tangential flow filtration, chromatography, buffer preparation and pharmaceutical filling operations.

Engineers developing dosing or filling systems may also find our 25-step guide to peristaltic pump dispensing useful when considering the wider factors that influence dispensing performance.

Application support from PCT

Correct sizing, installation and pneumatic adjustment are important when applying an active pulsation dampener. PCT can help customers assess their process conditions, select a suitable configuration and obtain pricing for the Equilibar PD Series.

View the Equilibar PD Sanitary Pulsation Dampener or contact our team to discuss your application. We aim to respond to enquiries within one hour.

Published: 7th September 2026
Page updated: 7th September 2026