Clearing air from the tubing of a micro gear pump during priming is essential to ensure proper pump operation and accurate fluid dispensing. The mechanism for clearing air typically involves a process known as priming, during which air is displaced from the system and replaced by the liquid to be pumped.
Here are the general steps and mechanisms involved in clearing air from the tubing of a micro gear pump:
- Priming Process:
- Priming is the initial setup process where the pump is prepared for operation. This involves filling the tubing and pump chamber with the liquid to be dispensed, eliminating any air pockets.
- Tubing Connection and Inspection:
- Ensure that the tubing is properly connected to the micro gear pump, and inspect it for any kinks, twists, or blockages that could trap air.
- Pump Chamber Filling:
- Open the pump chamber or housing and manually fill it with the liquid to be dispensed. This is done to ensure that the pump is initially filled with the fluid and not air.
- Venting Air:
- Some micro gear pumps may have a venting or priming feature designed to expel air from the tubing. This can involve opening specific valves or ports temporarily to allow air to escape while liquid fills the system.
- Pump Operation in Reverse:
- Some micro gear pumps have a reversible operation mode. Running the pump in reverse briefly can help push air out of the tubing, especially if there are any trapped pockets.
- Gradual Operation:
- Start the pump at a low speed initially to allow any remaining air to be displaced gradually. This helps prevent the introduction of additional air bubbles into the system.
- Monitoring and Adjustments:
- Monitor the fluid flow and check for the presence of air bubbles. If air is still present, adjustments may be needed, such as adjusting the tubing, venting ports, micro gear pump or using specific priming procedures provided by the pump manufacturer.
- Repeat if Necessary:
- If air bubbles persist, the priming process may need to be repeated until the system is entirely free of air. This may involve a combination of manual adjustments and pump operation.
- System Calibration:
- After successful priming, it’s advisable to calibrate the micro gear pump if necessary, especially if precise volumetric dispensing is required.
- Routine Checks:
- Regularly check and maintain the micro gear pump to ensure that air is not reintroduced into the system during ongoing operation. This includes monitoring tubing integrity, replacing worn tubing, and inspecting for potential sources of air ingress.
It’s important to note that the specific priming mechanism and procedures can vary among different micro gear pump models and manufacturers. Always refer to the pump’s user manual and manufacturer’s instructions for accurate and model-specific guidance on priming and clearing air from the tubing.
