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Recently, I entered a discussion on APC targeted at creating a low cost auto dosing solution. All of the proposed systems (including mine) were, to some degree, clumsy and subject to errors in accuracy that I though might be prohibitive. Still, it was a fun exercise trying to concoct a cheap, easy, and accurate dosing system. In the middle of it all an APC member named Andy Ritter mentioned the success he had found with the use of medical infusion pumps. I had seen these before and thought them to be too costly. Most of the ones I had found on eBay had gone for at least $100 per channel and I considered the minimum to be a 2 channel system. Andy had mentioned his system was very economical and a more intent search found a 2 channel IMED Gemini PC-2TX system on eBay for $49.95 including shipping. I bought the unit. This Blog will be dedicated to the implementation of that unit as my first attempt to employ a full auto dosing system for both NPK and Traces.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Operating Principle: Linear peristalsis


Dimensions:10.6" x 11.9" x 7.2" (26.9 cm x 30.2 cm x 18.3 cm)

Weight:- 18.5 lbs (8.4 kg)

Power Requirements: 90 - 130 (120 nominal) VAC, 0.4A, 50/60 Hz, 3 Wire, single phase

Battery Operation: with a new, fully charged battery, approximately 5 hours with one channel operating at 125 ml/hr, or approximately 4 hours with two channels operating at 125 ml/hr.

Electrical Leakage: - Less than 100 microamps

Operating Range

Controller Mode: 0.1-500 ml/hr

Pump Mode:- 0.1-999 ml/hr

KVO (Keep Vein Open) rate: - 1 ml/hr

Volume to be Infused range: 0.1-9999 ml

Occlusion Pressure

Pump Mode: - 10 psi for rates above 30 ml/hr. For rates Below 30 ml/hr, the occlusion pressure is Rate dependent.

Advisories:- Secondary, Primary, Infusion Complete - KVO, Empty Container - KVO, Low Battery, Maintenance, Pause, Low Flow, Total Vol Infused, and Sec Vol Infused.

Prompts:- Select PC Mode, Set Rate, Set VTBI, Press Start, and Access Channel

Alarms:- Check ECD, Check IV Set, Close Door, Air-in-line, Occluded Patient Side, Occluded Fluid Side, Occluded, Partial Occlusion Fluid Side, Flow-Stop Open/Close Door, KVO Comm Tout, and KVO



An image of the unit:


The unit operates as a linear peristaltic pump. The operation is identical to the animation below:


Many thanks to Andy Ritter for his assistance so far.

More later ...

Pat