Peristatic pumps: Technical Overview

This article aims to describe the main technical features of peristaltic pumps, explain how they work, the advantages and disadvantages of this technology, and where they are most commonly used. Finally, we will make a brief mention of Fluid-o-Tech peristaltic pumps.

The following are the specific points we will cover:

• How does a peristaltic pump work

• Main fields of application

• Advantages

• Disadvantages

• Fluid-o-Tech peristaltic pumps

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How a peristaltic pump works

The technology of peristaltic pumps is part of the world of positive-displacement pumps, i.e. all those types of pumps that exploit the volume variation in a pump chamber to move and pressurize a fluid. In positive-displacement pumps, the flow rate is always directly proportional to the speed.

Principle of operation of peristaltic pumps: peristaltic pumps use the principle of peristalsis, whereby the alternating deformation and compression of a soft hose transports the fluid. This is done by means of a rotating roller that deforms the hose. Once the roller is passed, the tube regains its original shape, creating a vacuum that forces the fluid to move.

Main applications of peristaltic pumps

Peristaltic pumps, due to their design, are ideal for all applications where the fluid needs to be dosed with precision and any possibility of contamination must be excluded, such as for food, pharmaceutical, and analytical applications. This technology, regardless of size, is able to pump the fluid without coming into contact with it, creating perfect isolation between fluid and pump.

Advantages of peristaltic pumps

• the tube is the only part of the pump that wears out and can be changed rapidly
• excellent suction capabilities
• tolerance to small particles in suspension
• the lack of valves and seals/gaskets means less maintenance
• self-priming design
• the peristaltic pump can handle corrosive and slightly viscous fluids
• can also be used with delicate fluids. The dispensing is gentle thanks to the low shear forces, making them suitable for use with cutting-sensitive fluids
• lower backflow
• dry operation is possible under certain conditions without damage
• reversibility

Disadvantages of peristaltic pumps

• due to the variability of the tubing, the pump system must be calibrated to reach an acceptable accuracy.
• due to wearing the tubing must be changed over time
• if used extensively or without replacement, the tube may leak
• a slight pulsation is unavoidable during operation
• the flow rate is sensitive to changes in differential pressure conditions

Fluid-o-Tech peristaltic pumps

The Fluid-o-Tech peristaltic pumps of the TP series have a compact design that eliminates the need for a speed reduction gear motor, thus reducing noise, costs, space, and footprint typical of classic peristaltic pumps. It also offers maximum precision, outstanding mechanical characteristics, and perfect isolation.

The patented tube bed design minimizes pump pulsation and facilitates rapid tube replacement, inherently eliminating cross-contamination concerns. These features make Fluid-o-Tech peristaltic pumps ideal for equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The positive displacement nature of peristaltic pumps allows consistent control of pump flow rates, which is proportional to speed.

Fluid-o-Tech recommends DC, BLDC, or stepper motors with its peristaltic pumps however other motor options may be used. We have experience in developing customized solutions to meet your specific needs.

Contact us for more information or fill out our information form.