Learn how multi-channel peristaltic pumps support sample introduction, internal standard delivery, and waste drainage in ICP spectroscopy. The Kamoer KMC57 features 3/4 channels, a 12-roller low-pulsation design, and a 0.01–29 mL/min/channel flow range for analytical instrument integration.

In elemental analysis, even the most advanced analytical instrument depends on one fundamental requirement: the sample must enter the system in a stable and repeatable way.

ICP spectroscopy is widely used in environmental monitoring, food testing, pharmaceutical research, materials analysis, geochemistry, and scientific laboratories because of its high sensitivity, wide analytical range, and ability to measure multiple elements.

Before a sample reaches the plasma and generates a measurable signal, however, it must first pass through the sample introduction system.

This is where the peristaltic pump plays an important role.

By continuously transferring sample, internal standard, waste, and other liquids through dedicated tubing, a multi-channel peristaltic pump helps maintain stable fluid handling throughout the analysis process.

How Does Sample Introduction Work in an ICP System?

For liquid samples, the sample introduction process can be simplified as:

Sample Solution → Peristaltic Pump → Nebulizer → Spray Chamber → Plasma → Optical Detection

The process starts when the liquid sample is delivered to the nebulizer.

The nebulizer converts the liquid into a fine aerosol. The spray chamber then removes larger droplets, allowing the finer aerosol to enter the high-temperature plasma.

Inside the plasma, the sample undergoes desolvation, vaporization, atomization, and excitation. The excited atoms and ions emit light at characteristic wavelengths, which are then measured by the detection system.

For reliable analysis, the amount of sample entering the nebulizer should remain as stable and repeatable as possible.

That makes sample transport an important part of overall analytical stability.

Why Use a Peristaltic Pump for ICP Sample Introduction?

Samples used in ICP analysis can vary significantly in viscosity, acidity, salt concentration, solvent composition, and matrix characteristics.

These differences may affect the way liquids move through the sample introduction system.

A peristaltic pump generates flow by continuously compressing flexible tubing with rotating rollers. This provides active liquid transfer and helps maintain a more controlled delivery rate instead of relying only on passive aspiration.

Another important advantage is that the liquid contacts only the tubing.

This makes peristaltic pumps well suited to analytical instruments where different chemicals may be handled, tubing may need to be replaced regularly, and maintenance access is important.

The tubing size and material can also be selected according to the required flow rate and chemical characteristics of the liquid.

Why Does an ICP Instrument Need Multiple Pump Channels?

An ICP fluidic system normally involves more than one liquid line.

One channel may deliver the sample to the nebulizer, while another transfers an internal standard solution. A separate channel can be used to continuously remove waste liquid from the spray chamber.

Depending on the instrument design, an additional channel may also be used for rinse solution or auxiliary reagents.

This is why multi-channel peristaltic pumps are particularly useful in analytical instruments.

Instead of installing several separate pumping systems, multiple fluid paths can be managed within one compact pump assembly.

Stable Sample Delivery

Sample transport is one of the most important functions of a peristaltic pump in an ICP system.

The pump transfers liquid from a sample container or autosampler to the nebulizer.

If the sample flow fluctuates significantly, the amount of liquid entering the nebulizer may also vary, which can influence the stability of the downstream sample introduction process.

For this reason, the goal is not simply to move the liquid.

It is to provide stable, continuous, and repeatable sample delivery.

This is also why low-pulsation pumping performance is particularly valuable in precision analytical instruments.

Internal Standard Delivery

Internal standardization is commonly used in high-precision elemental analysis.

An internal standard solution can be introduced together with the sample to help compensate for variations associated with sample introduction, matrix effects, and instrument conditions.

With a multi-channel peristaltic pump, the sample line and internal standard line can operate at the same time.

Different tubing dimensions can be selected according to the flow requirements of each fluid path, allowing the system to deliver both liquids in a controlled manner before they enter the downstream sample introduction system.

Continuous Waste Drainage

Not all liquid introduced into the nebulizer reaches the plasma.

After nebulization, larger droplets are separated inside the spray chamber and become waste liquid.

This waste must be continuously removed.

If drainage becomes unstable, liquid may accumulate inside the spray chamber and interfere with normal operation.

For this reason, many ICP fluidic systems include a dedicated drain channel.

A multi-channel peristaltic pump can therefore handle sample introduction and waste drainage simultaneously, helping maintain stable fluid conditions throughout the system.

Kamoer KMC57: Designed for Multi-Channel Analytical Fluid Handling

The Kamoer KMC57 Multi-Channel Peristaltic Pump is designed for applications requiring multiple fluid lines, low flow rates, low pulsation, and reliable operation.

It is driven by a 57 mm stepper motor and is available in both 3-channel and 4-channel configurations. The KMC57 product manual identifies optical analysis instruments, medical instruments, and micro-flow dispensing as typical application areas.

For ICP instruments, this configuration can be used for sample introduction, internal standard delivery, waste drainage, rinse solution, or other auxiliary fluid paths, depending on the system design.

12-Roller Design for Lower Pulsation

Flow pulsation is an inherent characteristic of peristaltic pumps.

As the rollers compress and release the tubing, the liquid flow changes periodically.

In precision analytical instruments, reducing these fluctuations can help provide a more stable fluid delivery condition.

The KMC57 uses a 12-roller pump head design.

A higher number of rollers increases the frequency of tubing compression during each revolution and helps reduce flow pulsation.

The KMC57 product manual specifically highlights 12 rollers, low pulsation, and high precision as important product characteristics.

This makes the KMC57 well suited to analytical applications where smooth and repeatable liquid transport is required.

3- or 4-Channel Configuration

The KMC57 is available with either 3 channels or 4 channels in one pump assembly.

This allows multiple fluid paths to be driven by the same motor system, helping simplify the internal design of analytical instruments.

For example, the channels may be assigned to sample delivery, internal standard transfer, waste drainage, and rinse or auxiliary liquid transfer.

The exact configuration depends on the fluidic architecture of the instrument.

The channels are mechanically driven together, while different tubing sizes can be selected to meet different flow requirements.

Flow Range from 0.01 to 29 mL/min per Channel

The KMC57 provides a specified flow range of 0.01 to 29 mL/min per channel.

At 80 rpm, the product manual gives reference flow rates of approximately 2.1 mL/min with 0.51 × 2.31 mm tubing, 12 mL/min with 1.42 × 3.10 mm tubing, and 29 mL/min with 2.79 × 4.49 mm tubing.

These values were measured using water at 20°C, standard atmospheric pressure, and no back pressure.

Actual flow may vary depending on the fluid, tubing condition, inlet and outlet pressure, rotational speed, and operating environment.

For analytical instrument designers, the availability of different tubing dimensions provides flexibility when matching the pump to sample, internal standard, drain, or rinse-line requirements.

Quick Tubing Replacement for Easier Maintenance

Tubing is a consumable component in every peristaltic pump.

Repeated compression gradually changes the mechanical properties of the tubing, which can eventually affect pumping performance.

For laboratory instruments that operate frequently, convenient tubing replacement can help reduce maintenance time.

The KMC57 uses a quick tubing replacement design, making routine service easier.

Because the transported liquid contacts only the tubing, the tubing material can also be selected according to the chemical characteristics of the fluid.

The KMC57 supports PVC, PU, and multiple microbore tubing configurations. Chemical compatibility should always be verified before using the tubing with aggressive or corrosive liquids.

Stepper Motor Drive for Controlled Operation

The KMC57 uses a 24 V stepper motor with a rated power of 40 W.

The product manual specifies a motor life of 6,000 hours, a recommended maximum continuous operating speed of 80 rpm, and a short-term maximum speed of 100 rpm.

Stepper motor drive provides a stable basis for controlled rotational speed, which is useful in analytical applications requiring repeatable fluid delivery.

An optional driver can also support MODBUS RS485 communication and 0–10 V analog speed control for instrument integration.

Designed for OEM Integration

The KMC57 is designed as an OEM peristaltic pump for integration into analytical equipment.

It uses a panel-mount structure and includes three M4 mounting studs, allowing it to be integrated into instrument enclosures and fluidic assemblies.

Instrument manufacturers can configure the pump according to their requirements for installation space, fluidic layout, number of channels, tubing size, required flow rate, motor control, and maintenance accessibility.

For ICP spectrometers and other analytical systems, this type of integrated design can help simplify internal fluid handling.

More Than Just Sample Transfer

In an ICP instrument, the peristaltic pump does more than move liquid from one container to another.

It can participate throughout the sample introduction process, from sample delivery and internal standard transfer to spray chamber drainage and rinse-fluid handling.

For instrument manufacturers, factors such as channel count, roller configuration, tubing size, tubing material, flow range, and motor control can all influence the performance of the fluidic system.

The Kamoer KMC57 combines a 3- or 4-channel design, 12-roller pump head, 0.01–29 mL/min per-channel flow range, quick tubing replacement, stepper motor drive, and 6,000-hour motor life in an OEM-oriented configuration.

For ICP spectrometers, elemental analyzers, and other precision analytical instruments, it provides a practical multi-channel fluid handling solution for applications where stable and repeatable liquid delivery is required.

About Kamoer

Kamoer develops miniature fluid-handling technologies for analytical instruments, medical equipment, environmental monitoring systems, and industrial applications.

Its product portfolio includes peristaltic pumps, diaphragm pumps, and customized fluid-handling solutions designed for OEM integration.

For analytical instrument projects, Kamoer can support pump selection based on actual flow requirements, channel count, tubing material, installation space, control method, and fluidic system design.

If you are developing an ICP-OES, ICP-MS, elemental analyzer, or other laboratory analytical instrument, contact Kamoer to discuss a fluid-handling solution matched to your application.

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