Page 14 - Industrial Technology EXTRA 8th February 2021

MEDICAL...

High power and smooth torque

control for medical pump

An enteral feeding pump manufacturer has selected a coreless DC brush mini

motor system to power and control its nutrition flow. Combined with a gearhead
and encoder, Portescap’s engineers integrated the customised package
to provide high power density and smooth torque control.

European infusion system provider
developing an enteral feeding pump
required a compact motion solution.
AAn enteral feeding pump, including
its feeding tube, is used to provide nutrition to
patients who are unable or unsafe to eat by
mouth, as well as those with challenges
swallowing or requiring additional
nutritional supplements.
This could include patients who have
suffered from stroke, dementia, throat
and mouth conditions, as well as
patients who are not conscious. An enteral
feeding pump is preferable to alternative
intravenous (IV) feeding due to the former’s system required that
continued dependence on the stomach, meaning the fluid had to be delivered in a smooth,
the avoidance of stomach muscle rehabilitation, continuous flow, avoiding peaks. The pump also
especially for prolonged use, associated with IV. had to generate flow across a wide range of speeds,
An enteral feeding pump needs to be compact serving patients requiring very low flow rates
and lightweight to enable portability. However, the through to requirements for relatively high speeds.
pump has to deliver sufficient torque to ensure The medical equipment manufacturer engaged with
continuous flow and this particular model needed to Portescap based on its track record of solving
deliver liquids of both low and high viscosity. precision medical pumping challenges, combined
Feeding pumps require accurate and precise flow with its technical knowledge and ability to
rate adjustment, dependent on the liquid type and customise its motion solution to meet exacting
patient requirement. A specific demand for this specification needs.

February 2021 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA • p14