A technique for automatic tubing occlusion in response to air bubble detection when using a centrifugal pump.

A double acting pneumatically powered cylinder, energized by an electrically activated solenoid valve, is used to occlude the outflow line from a Bio-Medicus (a) constrained vortex pump. The cylinder is mounted on a tubing guide that is fastened to a pole clamp. A Sarns (b) air bubble detector, placed on the pump inflow line is used to provide the signal to activate the solenoid valve. The outflow occluder is capable of 100% occlusion of 3/8 x 3/32 inch Tygon tubing up to pressures of 2586 mmHg. The occluder system is able to work with many types of bubble detectors and is applicable to any form of non-occlusive pump.