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Home > FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Materials
Application
Maintenance |
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How fragile are the ceramic materials used ? In general, ceramic materials are sensitive to mechanical shock. In order to address this issue, a remarkably robust material, Pharmazirc, has been developed. Pharmazirc has outstanding physical properties such as strength, hardness, and fracture toughness and consequently, exhibits exceptional resistance to both impact and wear. |
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The raw materials used are very fine grained powders, selected according to the most stringent specifications available on the market. The powders are blended with proprietary additives and formed into billets, using extreme isostatic pressure. The billets are then fired, over a carefully controlled time/temperature cycle, to achieve the desired mechanical properties. Next, the billets are carefully machined, assembled with stainless steel components and mated. Product quality control measures include functional testing and leak testing. |
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What are the advantages of ceramic pumps ?
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How do you assemble ceramic and stainless steel ? High precision machine tools are used to obtain perfect geometry and surface finish on both ceramic and steel in order to ensure a fit tailored to every application. |
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Yes. Due to a low coefficient of friction, ceramic pumps can run dry without seizing. |
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Can ceramic pumps run at high temperatures ? Yes. However, the temperature of use should be communicated to the NCA sales representative prior to ordering any pump. This will facilitate material selection and the extent of the piston/cylinder clearance for optimum performance. |
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Can ceramic pumps be autoclaved ? Yes. Ceramic pumps can be autoclaved. We recommend that they be disassembled prior to autoclaving. |
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What about product compability and product contact ? Pharmalox and Pharmazirc are chemically inert and consequently, resistant to corrosion. In addition, these fine-grained, hard materials have much smoother surfaces than standard GMPs, which also make them more resistant to erosion. Sample disks of each ceramic material are available upon request. |
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Can ceramic pumps replace stainless steel pumps ? Yes. Ceramic pumps are designed to be interchangeable with stainless steel pumps without requiring any machine modification.
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What about crystallizing products and suspensions ? Ceramic pumps can run with most suspensions and crystallizing products. Nevertheless, we advise the customer to send a sample of the fluid being dispensed, along with the filling parameters, for initial in-house testing. This will enable us to design the best possible solution. |
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Can ceramic pumps be repaired ? Yes. A male or female part can be repaired or replaced; however, the part will have to be mated to the piston or cylinder of the original pump. |
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How do you clean ceramic pumps ? Ceramic pumps can be cleaned in a similar way to any other pump using WFI and detergent (basic or acidic) and can also be cleaned using an ultrasonic bath. Cleaning solutions of various strengths are available for cleaning the pumps. Usually, the use of ceramic pumps does not necessitate a change or modification to existing cleaning procedures. |
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Do ceramic pumps need special care during handling ? As with any other high precision products, ceramic pumps should be handled with care. Minor impacts during cleaning and/or autoclaving will not damage the pump components, nor cause seizure during production. Heavy duty trays can be purchased to hold the pumps, during cleaning and autoclaving to minimize handling. A user manual detailing pump assembly, handling instructions, cleaning procedures, condition of use and troubleshooting is provided. |
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