Applications in Universities and academia

Instruments used in Universities

Universities in the UK and Ireland are leading centres for research and innovation, requiring precise and reliable solutions for fluid handling, flow measurement, and pressure control. From chemical engineering labs to food science facilities, accurate control of liquids and gases is essential for experiments, pilot plants, and teaching environments.

PCT provides advanced technologies that support these critical processes, ensuring compliance, repeatability, and efficiency in academic and research settings.

Typical applications for Universities

Chemical Dosing and Reagent Preparation

Chemical dosing ensures accurate formulation and repeatability in university laboratories. It is critical for analytical chemistry, material science, and process engineering.

Automated dosing reduces human error and supports compliance with safety standards. Integration with digital platforms allows real-time monitoring and data logging for research validation.

Relevant products:

Alicat CODA Coriolis Flow Meter – Provides exceptional accuracy for dosing liquids and gases, even in challenging conditions.
Key benefits:
- ±0.2% accuracy for liquids
- Handles corrosive fluids
- Digital connectivity for data capture
- Stable performance under varying pressures

Longer L100-1F Peristaltic Pump – Ideal for controlled reagent dispensing with programmable profiles.
Key benefits:
- Programmable flow rates
- RS485 communication
- Easy tubing changeover
- Suitable for sterile environments

Bioprocessing and Fermentation Control

Bioprocessing involves precise gas and liquid control for cell culture and fermentation studies. Maintaining optimal conditions for growth requires accurate flow regulation and sterile handling.

Relevant products:

BIO Series Mass Flow Controllers - Designed for bioreactor gas control, ensuring accurate oxygen and CO₂ delivery.
Key benefits:
- Multi-gas capability
- Fast response time
- Digital interface for automation
- Compact footprint for lab setups

Fluid Transfer in Laboratory Experiments

Fluid transfer is essential for sample preparation, reagent mixing, and analytical processes. Universities need pumps that offer precision and hygiene.

Relevant products:

Longer Peristaltic Pump Heads (YZ Series) - Reliable for continuous fluid transfer in lab setups.
Key benefits:
- Adjustable occlusion
- High flow capacity
- Easy maintenance
- Compatible with various tubing

Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Sanitary System Maintenance

CIP systems ensure hygiene in food science and pharmaceutical labs. Automated cleaning reduces contamination risk and meets regulatory standards.

Relevant products:

Steriflow Mark 96AA Sanitary Pressure Regulator - Maintains stable pressure during CIP cycles.
Key benefits:
- FDA-compliant materials
- Electropolished finish
- Air-augmented control
- Fully automated operation

Gas Flow Measurement for Research Setups

Gas flow measurement is critical for calibration and experimental accuracy in physics and engineering labs.

Relevant products:

Alicat CODA Coriolis Flow Meter - Provides precise gas flow measurement for research setups.
Key benefits:
- High accuracy for low-flow gases
- Digital outputs for data logging
- Robust design for lab environments

Liquid Chromatography and Sample Handling

Chromatography requires smooth, pulse-free flow for accurate separation and analysis.

Relevant products:

Micro Gear Pumps - Deliver continuous, precise flow for chromatography systems.
Key benefits:
- Compact design
- Low pulsation
- High chemical compatibility

Pilot Plant Operations for Chemical Engineering

Pilot plants bridge the gap between lab-scale and industrial processes. Accurate flow and pressure control are essential for scale-up studies.

Relevant products:

Coriolis Flow Meters - Ensure robust control for pilot-scale operations.
Key benefits:
- High turndown ratio
- Stable pressure control
- Suitable for aggressive chemicals

Sterile Fluid Handling in Pharmaceutical Research

Sterile handling is critical for GMP compliance in pharmaceutical research.

Relevant products:

Aseptic Peristaltic Pumps - Designed for sterile fluid transfer.
Key benefits:
- Gamma sterilisation option
- ISO cleanroom manufacturing
- Easy tubing replacement

Environmental Simulation and Test Rigs

Environmental test rigs require stable pressure and flow for accurate simulation of conditions.

Relevant products:

Back Pressure Regulators - Maintain consistent pressure during simulation tests.
Key benefits:
- Precise control
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Compact design

Food Science and Hygienic Process Development

Food science labs need hygienic fluid handling for safe product development.

Relevant products:

Sanitary Valves & Pumps - Ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Key benefits:
- Hygienic design
- Easy cleaning
- FDA-approved materials

University Application Selection Guide

Application	Recommended Technologies	Why It Helps
Chemical dosing	Coriolis Flow Meter, Peristaltic Pump	High accuracy for aggressive chemicals
Bioprocessing	BIO Series Mass Flow Controller	Precise gas control for cell growth
Fluid transfer	Peristaltic Pumps	Hygienic, pulse-free transfer
CIP	Sanitary Pressure Regulators	Compliance with cleaning standards
Gas flow measurement	Mass Flow Meters	Reliable calibration for research
Liquid chromatography	Micro Gear Pumps	Smooth flow for analytical systems
Pilot plant	Coriolis Meters & Regulators	Robust control for scale-up
Sterile handling	Aseptic Pumps	GMP compliance
Environmental simulation	Back Pressure Regulators	Stable pressure for test rigs
Food science	Sanitary Valves & Pumps	Hygienic design for safe processes

FAQs

What is the best pump for sterile fluid transfer?

The best choice for sterile fluid transfer is an aseptic peristaltic pump, as it uses disposable tubing that can be gamma sterilised and replaced easily without contaminating the system. These pumps comply with GMP standards and are ideal for pharmaceutical and biotech research environments.

How do Coriolis meters improve dosing accuracy?

Coriolis flow meters measure mass flow directly, unaffected by changes in temperature, pressure, or fluid properties. This ensures highly accurate dosing for both liquids and gases, even in complex research setups where precision is critical.

Can peristaltic pumps handle aggressive chemicals?

Yes, peristaltic pumps can handle aggressive chemicals when fitted with compatible tubing materials such as PTFE-lined or chemically resistant elastomers. This makes them suitable for chemical dosing and reagent preparation in university labs.

What standards apply to CIP systems in universities?

CIP systems in research and food science labs typically follow EHEDG and FDA guidelines for hygienic design. Components such as sanitary valves and regulators should be electropolished and made from FDA-compliant materials to ensure safety and cleanliness.