IPS-13 vs IPS-14: Synchronized vs Independent Dual Channel Syringe Pumps Explained
IPS-13 vs IPS-14:
Synchronized vs Independent Dual Channel Syringe Pumps Explained
The IPS-13 and IPS-14 are both dual-channel syringe pumps from Inovenso. They look nearly identical, share the same flow range, and cost similarly. But they are fundamentally different instruments — and choosing the wrong one can make your protocol impossible to run correctly.
The difference comes down to one word: motors.
The IPS-13: Synchronized Dual Channel
The IPS-13 uses a single stepper motor to drive both syringe pusher blocks. This means Channel A and Channel B always move together — same displacement, same timing, same flow rate.
This synchronization is not a limitation; for many applications, it is exactly what you want. Co-axial electrospinning is the classic example: the inner and outer needle solutions must be delivered simultaneously and consistently. Using one motor guarantees they stay in step.
Gradient mixing is another ideal use case. If you want to blend two solutions in a fixed ratio, the IPS-13 holds that ratio perfectly without any software coordination between two independent motors.
IPS-13 models available: IPS-13, IPS-13R, IPS-13S, IPS-13RS — infusion, withdrawal, and recipe save variants. All four operate on the same synchronized single-motor platform.
The IPS-14: Fully Independent Dual Channel
The IPS-14 has two separate stepper motors — one per channel. Each channel is completely autonomous. You can run Channel A at 10 µL/min infusion with a 10 mL syringe while Channel B runs at 500 µL/min withdrawal with a 50 mL syringe.
This level of independence opens protocols that are simply not possible on a synchronized pump. Drug-drug interaction studies, sequential fluid layering, competing reaction delivery, or any experiment where two fluids must be delivered at different rates or on different timelines.
IPS-14 models available: IPS-14, IPS-14R, IPS-14S, IPS-14RS — the same four-model structure as the IPS-13 series. The RS variant adds both withdrawal and recipe save/recall capability to Channel A and Channel B independently.
Direct Specification Comparison
| Specification | IPS-13 Series | IPS-14 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Motors | 1 (shared) | 2 (independent) |
| Channels run independently | — | ✓ |
| Different flow rates per channel | — | ✓ |
| Different syringes per channel | — | ✓ |
| Simultaneous infusion + withdrawal | — | ✓ |
| Synchronized co-axial delivery | ✓ | ✓ |
| Flow range | 17.89 pL – 121.51 mL/min | 17.89 pL – 121.51 mL/min |
| Dimensions | 200×250×143 mm | 200×257×137 mm |
| Weight (base model) | 2.9 kg | 3.3 kg |
Which Applications Require IPS-13 vs IPS-14?
Choose IPS-13 if your protocol involves:
Co-axial electrospinning (inner + outer needle simultaneous delivery), co-axial electrospraying, fixed-ratio gradient mixing, parallel identical dosing to two locations, or any workflow where both channels must always move in perfect lock-step.
Choose IPS-14 if your protocol involves:
Drug-drug interaction delivery at different concentrations, multi-fluid microfluidic chip experiments, sequential infusion and simultaneous withdrawal, reactions requiring two reagents at different flow rates, or any experiment where Channel A and Channel B need to operate on independent timelines.
Quick Decision Guide
→ IPS-13
→ IPS-14
→ IPS-13 (unless core and shell need different rates → IPS-14)
→ IPS-14 gives more headroom
Compare IPS-13 and IPS-14 Side by Side
Full specifications, model variants, datasheets, and store links for both series.
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