CerPhragm inspired by need
Some years back we were in a desperate need for the absolutely optimum pump being part of various continuous Packed-Bed-SUB processing system. Peristaltic and centrifugal pumps was out of the question! Diaphragm pumps sounded great – but none such accurately controlled pump existed! Combined with single-use capability and reasonably cost …….. we had to develop and patent this pump ourselves! We have named the diaphragm pump family for CerPhragm.
History
The basic single diaphragm pump was invented by J. Pease in 1854 (and others within the same 10 years) and saw several patents in late 20th century and many patents up through the 21st century. All which continue to support the tradition of connecting mechanically two elastic diaphragms or flexible membranes in an opposite, mirrored design for fluid transfer. Both membranes (one one each side of the pump body) are connected with a rod (passing the centre of the pump body) for simultaneous and pure mechanical operation driven by pressured air.
Pease single diaphragm from 1854. Class & Weatherhead dual diaphragm from 1885, and DrägeWerke dual diaphragm pump from 1979 each gave new input.
A major step ahead for the Alternating-Tangential-Flow was the visionary work of Jerry Shevitz in the 1990ties inventing the today best known perfusion system patented in year 2000. Jerry introduced a single non-position controlled free flowing diaphragm combined with a bioreactor and a Hollow-Fibre-Filter. Which became the most used perfusion system for upstream processing.