Technical Note
Technical Note: PendoTECH Process Control Systems: Pump Calibration
Revision 0
Page 2 of 5
Figure 2.2 Back Panel of TFF Control System
3. Calibrating Pumps
There are two primary parameters that determine the performance of a particular pump; the maximum
rotations per minute (RPM) of the pumps drive and the amount of liquid that is moved per revolution. The
first parameter is labeled in PendoTECH control systems as Max RPM and the second is labeled as
mL/rotation. These parameters must be input on the “Maintenance View” tab of the control system
software each time a new pump is connected to the system. Once the pump calibration parameters are input
they will be saved to the internal memory of the control system. The parameters are also stored within the
PC program and re-sent to the control system each time the PC software is opened. This is done to confirm
the correct settings are stored in the control system.
The following screenshot from the NFF control system software shows where the max RPM and mL/rot
values are entered. The control system has a drop-down menu that allows the user to select from a list of
standard pump offerings and will populate the nominal performance values for each pump across all four
trains. The user can also select “Custom Settings” if their pump is not listed or if they want to tweak the
nominal settings for more accurate flow control. Refer to section 4 for the process of verifying the
calibration of each pump.
Figure 3.1 NFF GUI "Maintenance View" Tab
Calibrating pumps on the TFF Process Control System software is done in a similar manner. The
calibration parameters are entered on the “Maintenance View” tab however, there is no drop-down pump
selector. Users normally connect different models of pumps to serve as the circulation pump and
diafiltration feed pump in order to achieve optimal flows. Therefore, each pump calibration must be input
separately into the fields noted below. Selection guides available from PendoTECH for popular peristaltic
pump models that provide this information based on tube size.