Systems and methods related to fluid pumping
Systems for a plastic pump/actuator capable of containing and pumping organic solvents and lubricants and having a more desirable lubricity within the system. The system has at least two cylinders, with plungers therein, oppositely disposed from each other and configured to operably connect to a pump.
1. A reciprocating actuator assembly comprising:
a first cylinder;
a first plunger with a first piston configured to translate within and in frictional contact with the first cylinder;
a second cylinder configured to be coupled to and in fluid communication with the first cylinder;
a second plunger with a second piston configured to translate within and in frictional contact with the second cylinder; and
a fluoropolymer coating applied within the first cylinder, within the second cylinder, and to the first piston and the second piston.
2. The actuator assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second cylinders comprise cyclic olefin copolymer (COC).
3. The actuator assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second cylinders comprise cyclo-olefin polymer (COP).
4. The actuator assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first cylinder has approximately a 1 cc capacity and whereby the static friction of the frictional contact between the first cylinder and the first piston is less than about 2.5N.
5. The actuator assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first cylinder has approximately a 3 cc capacity and whereby the static friction of the frictional contact between the first cylinder and the first piston is less than about 4.0N.
6. The actuator assembly of claim 1 further configured to be operatively coupled to a pump.
7. The actuator assembly of claim 6 , wherein the first plunger has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the plunger is received within the first cylinder and the second end of the plunger is received within a pump cylinder.
8. The actuator assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a check valve coupled between the first cylinder and the second cylinder.
9. The actuator assembly of claim 8 , wherein the check valve is configured to be removably coupled to a third cylinder with a third plunger.