Precision Pumping: A Guide to Peristaltic Pumps and Tubing

Peristaltic pumps are a unique and precise type of pump that offer a wide range of benefits for specialised applications. In this guide, we’ll explore the inner workings of peristaltic pumps, their advantages and drawbacks, and the different types of peristaltic pumps available in New Zealand.

The operation of a peristaltic pump is deceptively simple. As the rotor of the pump turns, the rollers or shoes compress the pump tubing, creating a series of sealed chambers. These chambers move along the length of the tubing, pushing the fluid in the desired direction. At the same time, the relaxation of the tubing creates a vacuum, drawing more fluid into the pump.

The pulsating nature of the flow in a peristaltic pump is a result of the compression and relaxation of the tubing. While this may not be suitable for all applications, it can be advantageous in situations where precise control over the flow rate is required.

Peristaltic pumps offer a number of advantages that make them well-suited for a wide range of applications. Here are some of the key benefits of peristaltic pumps:

Precise and Controllable Flow: Peristaltic pumps offer precise control over flow rates, making them ideal for applications where accurate dosing or metering is required.

Minimal Contamination: As the fluid only comes into contact with the pump tubing, there is minimal risk of contamination from other pump components. This makes peristaltic pumps an excellent choice for handling sensitive or hazardous fluids.

Versatility: Peristaltic pumps can handle a wide range of fluids, including corrosive, abrasive, and viscous substances. This versatility makes them valuable tools for a variety of industries.

Low Shear: Peristaltic pumps operate with low shear, meaning that they are gentle on the fluids they handle. This makes them ideal for pumping shear-sensitive materials such as biological samples or certain chemicals.

Self-Priming: Peristaltic pumps are self-priming, meaning they can create a vacuum to draw in fluid without the need for additional priming or preparation.

Reversible Flow: In most peristaltic pumps, the direction of the flow can be easily reversed by changing the rotation of the rotor. This feature can be useful for tasks like clearing blockages or flushing the system.

These advantages make peristaltic pumps an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, from laboratory research to industrial processes.

While peristaltic pumps offer many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Here are a few of the potential limitations of peristaltic pumps:

Pulsating Flow: The compression and relaxation of the pump tubing in a peristaltic pump can result in a pulsating flow. While this may not be an issue for some applications, it can be undesirable in situations where a smooth and continuous flow is required.

Tubing Wear: The repeated compression and relaxation of the pump tubing can lead to wear and fatigue over time. This means that the tubing will need to be regularly inspected and replaced as part of routine maintenance.

Flow Rate Limitations: Peristaltic pumps may not be the best choice for applications that require very high flow rates. While they can handle a wide range of flow rates, there are practical limitations to the maximum flow rate that a peristaltic pump can achieve.

Peristaltic Dosing Pumps:

Dosing pumps are used to deliver precise and controllable amounts of fluid, making them ideal for applications such as chemical dosing, water treatment, and laboratory research. Peristaltic dosing pumps are valued for their ability to provide accurate and consistent dosing without the risk of contamination.

Hose pumps:

Hose pumps or tube pumps, are a type of peristaltic pump that are characterised by their use of a flexible hose as the pump tubing. Hose pumps are known for their ability to handle high viscosity fluids and abrasive materials, making them well-suited for applications such as industrial processing and wastewater treatment.

Small Peristaltic Pump:

Small peristaltic pumps are designed for low flow rate applications where precision and versatility are key. These pumps are often used in laboratory research, medical devices, and analytical instrumentation.

Industrial Peristaltic Pump：

Industrial peristaltic pumps are heavy-duty pumps designed to handle the demands of industrial processes. These pumps are typically used in applications such as chemical processing, mining, and food and beverage production.

Peristaltic pumps are used in a wide range of industries and applications due to their unique advantages. Here are a few of the most common uses for peristaltic pumps: 

Medical and Pharmaceutical 

Peristaltic pumps are widely used in the medical and pharmaceutical industries for tasks such as drug delivery, infusion therapy, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Their ability to provide precise and contamination-free fluid transfer makes them invaluable tools in these critical fields. 

Laboratory Settings

Peristaltic pumps are commonly used in laboratory settings for tasks such as sample preparation, chromatography, and reagent dosing. Their ability to deliver precise and controllable flow rates makes them ideal for a wide range of research applications. 

Water and Wastewater Treatment

Peristaltic pumps are often used in water and wastewater treatment facilities for tasks such as chemical dosing, pH control, and disinfection. Their ability to provide accurate and consistent dosing without the risk of contamination makes them well-suited for these critical applications. 

Food and Beverage Industry

The food and beverage industry relies on peristaltic pumps for tasks such as ingredient dosing, flavouring, and filling. Their ability to maintain product integrity and hygiene, while providing precise and contamination-free fluid transfer, makes them valuable tools for food and beverage manufacturers. 

Industrial Processes 

Peristaltic pumps are used in a wide range of industrial processes, including chemical processing, mining, and pulp and paper production. Their ability to handle corrosive, abrasive, and viscous fluids makes them well-suited for these demanding applications. 

 Peristaltic pumps are valued for their ability to provide precise and contamination-free fluid transfer, making them invaluable tools in industries where product integrity, hygiene, and safety are of the utmost importance. 

When selecting a peristaltic pump for your specific application, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure that you choose the right pump for the job.

Flow Rate: The required flow rate for your application is one of the most important factors to consider. Be sure to choose a peristaltic pump that can deliver the flow rates you need, while also considering any potential future changes in flow rate requirements.

Fluid Compatibility: Consider the type of fluid you will be pumping and ensure that the pump tubing material is compatible with your specific fluid. Some fluids may be corrosive, abrasive, or reactive, so it’s important to choose a pump with the right tubing material to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Pressure and Head: Take into account the pressure and head requirements of your application. Ensure that the peristaltic pump you choose can provide the necessary pressure to overcome any resistance in your system and deliver the fluid to its intended destination.

Tubing Size and Material: Peristaltic pumps come in a range of sizes and can accommodate different types of pump tubing. Be sure to choose a pump that can accommodate the tubing size needed for your application, and select the appropriate tubing material based on the compatibility with your fluid.

Control and Automation: Consider whether you need any specific control or automation features for your application. Some peristaltic pumps offer advanced control options for precise dosing and flow rate modulation, which can be beneficial for tasks that require a high degree of accuracy.

By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose the right peristaltic pump for your specific application, whether it’s in the medical, industrial, or laboratory setting.

Peristaltic pump tubing, also known as hose or tube, is a critical component of peristaltic pumps. The tubing is responsible for coming into direct contact with the fluid being pumped, and as a result, it plays a key role in ensuring the purity and integrity of the fluid being transferred.

Peristaltic pump tubing is designed to be highly flexible and resilient, allowing it to be repeatedly compressed and relaxed by the pump’s rollers or shoes without compromising its structural integrity. This flexibility is what enables peristaltic pumps to provide the precise and pulsation-free fluid transfer that they are known for.

One of the key considerations when it comes to peristaltic pump tubing is the material from which it is made. Different materials offer varying levels of compatibility with different types of fluids, so it’s important to choose the right tubing material based on the specific requirements of your application. Common materials for peristaltic pump tubing include silicone, PVC, and various types of elastomers.

Silicone tubing is often chosen for its flexibility and biocompatibility, making it a popular choice for applications in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. PVC tubing is known for its chemical resistance and affordability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in industries such as water treatment and industrial processing. Elastomeric tubing materials offer excellent durability and compatibility with a wide range of fluids, making them a versatile choice for many different applications.

In addition to material selection, the size and wall thickness of the tubing are important factors to consider. The size of the tubing will impact the flow rate that the pump can achieve, so it’s essential to choose a size that aligns with the requirements of your application. Thicker-walled tubing can offer increased durability and resistance to wear, which may be beneficial for applications with high-pressure or abrasive fluids.

When using peristaltic pump tubing, it’s important to monitor its condition over time, as repeated compression and relaxation can lead to wear and fatigue. Regular inspection and replacement of the tubing as part of a maintenance schedule will help to ensure the continued performance and integrity of your peristaltic pump system.

Peristaltic pumps and pump tubing are valuable tools for a wide range of industries and applications in New Zealand. Whether you’re in the medical, industrial, or laboratory setting, the precise and contamination-free fluid transfer offered by peristaltic pumps can make a significant impact on the efficiency and reliability of your processes. By choosing the right peristaltic pump and tubing for your specific needs, you can ensure that you’re well-equipped to handle the demands of your application with confidence.