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 method for mixing, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a first plunger with a first piston in a first cylinder containing a first substance;
providing a second plunger with a second piston in a second cylinder containing a second substance;
whereby the first cylinder is in fluid communication with the second cylinder;
transferring the second substance from the second cylinder to the first cylinder through movement of the first plunger, whereby the second substance mixes with the first substance and forms a mixture; and
transferring the mixture from the first cylinder to the second cylinder through movement of the second plunger;
whereby the first cylinder, the first piston, the second cylinder, and the second piston have a fluoropolymer coating.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first substance is a dry medicine and the second substance is a liquid.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first and second cylinders comprise cyclic olefin copolymer (COC).
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first and second cylinders comprise cyclo-olefin polymer (COP).
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first cylinder has approximately a 1 cc capacity and whereby the static friction between the first cylinder and the first piston is less than about 2.5 N.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first cylinder has approximately a 3 cc capacity and whereby the static friction between the first cylinder and the first piston is less than about 4.0 N.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first plunger has a first end and a second end, and 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 method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:
providing a check valve; and
coupling the check valve between the first cylinder and the second cylinder.
9. The method of claim 8 further comprising the steps of:
providing a third cylinder with a third plunger; and
coupling the third cylinder to the check valve.