The Blue-White FLEXFLO® M4 is a variable speed peristaltic metering pump designed for precise fluid dispensing in various applications.
Function Description
The FLEXFLO® M4 pump is engineered for accurate and controlled metering of fluids. It operates on the peristaltic principle, where rollers compress a tube to move fluid, ensuring that the fluid only contacts the inside of the tube, preventing contamination and wear on pump components. The pump offers several input modes for flexible control:
- Manual Speed Adjust: Allows users to set a specific motor speed (percentage, RPM, or flow rate) for continuous operation until stopped.
- 4-20mA Input: Enables remote control of the pump's motor speed, flow rate, or RPM based on an incoming 4-20mA signal. Users define four points on a slope (low mA value, output rate at low mA, high mA value, output rate at high mA) to configure the control range.
- Frequency Input: Similar to 4-20mA input, this mode allows remote control using an incoming high-speed frequency signal. Four points on a slope (low Hz value, output rate at low Hz, high Hz value, output rate at high Hz) are defined for configuration.
- Pulse Input: Triggers the pump to dispense a measured amount of chemical (Amount Per Trigger) over a specific period (Pump On Time) after a set number of pulses (Pulses Count Trigger).
- Remote Start/Stop: Provides remote control for starting and stopping the pump using a dry contact closure. It supports both primary and secondary remote switches, with configurable "closed=stop" or "open=stop" signals.
- Flow Verification System (FVS): Monitors the pump's fluid input. If the pump head rotor turns but no fluid is dispensed, the pump enters an alarm mode and stops. It requires a sensor (MS6 or MICRO-FLO Flow Meter) connected to the inlet.
- Prime the Pump: Allows users to run the pump at 100% motor speed for sixty seconds to prime the system.
- Auto-Prime: Enables remote priming of the pump using a dry contact, with configurable prime duration and motor speed percentage.
- Time of Day: Configures the pump to run at a specific motor speed for a specific duration, starting at a predetermined time of day.
- Revolution Alarm: Sets an alert based on the number of revolutions the pump tube has operated, indicating when servicing is due. The pump will display "Revolution Count Exceeded" but will not stop.
The pump also provides output capabilities for integration with other systems:
- 4-20mA Output: Sends a configurable 4-20mA signal to control other pumps, data logging systems, or external devices for plant automation. Users define four points on a slope for output configuration.
- Frequency Output: Sends a configurable high-speed frequency signal for controlling other pumps, data logging systems, or external devices. Four points on a slope are defined for output configuration.
- Relay & Contact Output: Assigns alarms to relay and contact closures, indicating various pump statuses such as run/stop, input/output monitor, run/fail, active input modes, prime active, FVS/TFD triggers, and revolution alarm.
For industrial integration, the FLEXFLO® M4 supports several protocols:
- EtherNet/IP: Configurable with IP Address, Subnet Mask, Gateway, and an "Always On" option to maintain an active connection even when the mode is inactive.
- Modbus TCP/IP: Configurable with IP Address, Subnet Mask, Gateway, and an "Always On" option.
- Profibus: Configurable with IP Address, Subnet Mask, Gateway, and an "Always On" option.
Important Technical Specifications
- Maximum Working Pressure (excluding pump tubes): 125 psig (8.6 bar). Note: Refer to individual pump tube assembly maximum pressure ratings.
- Maximum Fluid Temperature (excluding pump tubes): 185 °F (85 °C). Note: Refer to individual pump tube assembly max. temperature ratings.
- Maximum Viscosity: 12,000 Centipoise.
- Maximum Suction Lift: 30 ft. Water, 0 psig (9.14 m, 0 bar).
- Ambient Operating Temperature: 14 °F to 115 °F (-10 °C to 46 °C).
- Ambient Storage Temperature: -40 °F to 158 °F (-40 °C to 70 °C).
- Operating Voltage:
- 115VAC/60Hz, 1ph (2.0 Amp Maximum)
- 230VAC/60Hz, 1ph (1.0 Amp Maximum)
- 220VAC/50Hz, 1ph (1.0 Amp Maximum)
- 240VAC/50Hz, 1ph (1.0 Amp Maximum)
- Motor: Brushless DC, 1/4 hp.
- Motor Speed Adjustment Range: 10,000:1 (0.01% - 100% motor speed) Max RPM = 125.
- Motor Speed Adjustment Resolution: 0.1% increments > 1% motor speed and < 100%; 0.01% increments < 1% motor speed.
- Display: 5" touchscreen color LCD, UV resistant.
- Display Languages: English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese selectable.
- Maximum Overall Dimensions: 12-1/8"W x 15-1/4"H x 16-1/2"D (30.8W x 38.8H x 41.9D cm).
- Product Weight: 45.5 lb. (20.64 Kg).
- Security: Programmable 6-digit password.
- Approximate Shipping Weight: 50 lb. (22.68 Kg).
- Enclosure: NEMA 4X (IP66), Polyester powder coated aluminum & Noryl.
- RoHS Compliant: Yes.
- Standards: CETLus, CE, NSF61.
Usage Features
- Pre-configured Tubing: The pump ships with pre-configured tubing, and the assembly has an identification number for easy re-order.
- User-Friendly Interface: Features a 5" touchscreen color LCD for intuitive operation and configuration.
- Language Selection: Supports multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese).
- Pump Name & Chemical Name: Allows customization of the pump name and chemical being pumped for better identification.
- Unit of Volume & Time: Configurable units for volume (milliliters, ounces, liters, gallons) and time (minutes, hours, days) to match application requirements.
- Pump Rotation Direction: Users can change the rotational direction of the pump to shift the wear point in the tube, extending tube life. This also reverses the inlet and outlet sides.
- System Time: Adjustable local time display.
- Passcode Protection: Offers a programmable 6-digit passcode with adjustable lockout time for security.
- Factory Reset: Restores the pump to its original factory configuration, erasing all user settings.
- System Information: Provides detailed information about the pump, including model, firmware versions (I/O Port, Motor, Industrial Protocol), system build, manufacturing data, serial number, and lifetime run hours & revolutions.
- Firmware Update: Supports firmware updates via USB using the Blue-Central® program.
Maintenance Features
- Routine Inspection: Weekly inspection of the pump and accessories is recommended, especially when pumping aggressive chemicals. Components should be checked for signs of leaking, swelling, cracking, discoloration, or corrosion.
- Cleaning and Lubrication: The pump head chamber, roller assembly, and pump head cover should be wiped clean of dirt and debris when changing the pump tube. 100% silicon lubrication can be used on the roller assembly.
- Tube Replacement: A tube installation tool is provided to facilitate safe and easy tube replacement. The pump detects when the head cover is removed and enters MAINTENANCE MODE, rotating the rotor at a maximum of 6 RPM for safety during replacement. The pump prompts the user to confirm tube replacement and reset the revolution counter.
- Tube Failure Detection (TFD): A patented system that stops the pump and triggers an alarm if the tube ruptures and chemical enters the pump head. It detects a wide range of chemicals but is not triggered by water or silicone oil.
- Back Flow Prevention: Periodically clean the back flow prevention check valve assembly to prevent clogging and maintain tube life.
- Motor Maintenance: The motor does not require maintenance or lubrication.