Peristaltic Pump Functioning Explained

Peristaltic pumps, a type of positive displacement pump, have gained popularity due to their versatility and reliability in pumping various fluids. These pumps, named after the mechanism of peristalsis - a series of muscle contractions, are widely used in several industries.

At the heart of a peristaltic pump lies an elastic tube that contains the fluid being pumped. The tube is sandwiched between a roller and the housing of the pump head. The wall thickness of the tubing must align with the space between the roller and the housing for the pump to work properly.

One of the benefits of peristaltic pumps is their ability to eliminate contamination hazards. This is particularly useful in the medical field where maintaining sterility and reducing contamination is crucial.

The size of a peristaltic pump affects its capacity. Smaller pumps, suitable for laboratory use, deliver less fluid compared to larger ones. However, the flow rate can be controlled or adjusted by the size of the pump or the rate of rotation of the pump head. Liquids with higher viscosity generally have lower flow rates and require tubing with greater wall thickness.

Peristaltic pumps can handle toxic, viscous, or shear-sensitive media. For chemically corrosive media, fluoro elastomeric materials are often used to protect the tubing from corrosion.

The flexible tube in peristaltic pumps can be made from materials like silicone, natural rubber, fluoropolymer, or PVC. Natural rubber offers the most resistance in the tubing material among other materials.

Manufacturers of peristaltic pumps must adapt to the evolving needs of the customer. Vantage MedTech, a trusted partner in the medical device industry with over 25 years of experience in FDA-approved device manufacturing in the U.S., recommends Watson-Marlow as a reliable manufacturer.

Peristaltic pumps require routine cleaning and maintenance to ensure their longevity. Tubing/hoses in peristaltic pumps can leak over time, resulting in reduced efficiency. Special consideration should be given to the diameter of the tubing to maximise its life.

Multi-channel peristaltic pumps allow different media to be pumped simultaneously through different tubes. However, they require careful consideration to avoid cross-contamination. These pumps may have features that allow adjustment of pressure levels, such as when transitioning between different tubing materials.

Variable speed peristaltic pumps are used for continuous pumping at a variety of motor speeds. They are particularly useful for applications that require precise control over the flow rate. Peristaltic pumps can deliver a precisely measured volume of liquid material.

Peristaltic pump suppliers cater to various industries, including food and beverage, biopharmaceutical, water and waste treatment, chemical, print and packaging, and ceramics. The concept of a peristaltic pump was born out of a mechanism called peristalsis, a series of muscle contractions.

Four common types of motors for peristaltic pumps are DC motor, BLDC motor, AC motor, and stepper motor. The number of rollers used in a peristaltic pump affects its handling of fluids and the level of pulsation.

In conclusion, peristaltic pumps offer flexibility for transferring fluid, maintaining sterility, and reducing contamination, especially in the medical field. Their ability to handle a wide range of fluids, combined with their low maintenance requirements, make them an ideal choice for many industries.