Industrial Peristaltic Pumps: Types, Applications & Working Principle

Industrial peristaltic pumps are incredibly versatile, handling everything from water to slurries to highly sensitive chemicals. Whether you need a solution for the chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, or food and beverage production, peristaltic pumps provide a reliable, efficient, and low-maintenance option.

What Are Peristaltic Pumps?

Peristaltic pumps, also known as hose pumps or tube pumps, use a mechanism that mimics natural peristalsis — the same process that pushes food through your digestive system. These pumps are ideal for moving fluids that require gentle handling, or where contamination from internal pump parts must be avoided.

How Do Peristaltic Pumps Work?

Industrial peristaltic pumps operate by compressing and releasing a flexible hose or tube. Here’s a quick breakdown of the working principle:

1. Compression and Release: Rollers or shoes squeeze the flexible tubing as they rotate. This squeezing action forces the fluid inside the tubing to move forward.
2. Suction Created: After the roller moves past a section of tubing, the tubing returns to its original shape, creating a suction that draws in more fluid.
3. No Fluid Contact with Pump: Only the inner surface of the tubing comes in contact with the fluid, making these pumps suitable for applications that require contamination-free operation.

This simple (yet effective) design makes peristaltic pumping versatile and reliable in a variety of industrial processes.

Benefits

• Peristaltic pumps provide contamination-free operation. The fluid is entirely isolated within the tubing or hose, making it ideal for sterile environments.
• Peristaltic pumps have self-priming capabilities. These pumps can self-prime, meaning they can begin pumping without needing to be filled with fluid first.
• Peristaltic pumps are built to handle viscous and abrasive fluids. These pumps are designed to manage high-viscosity and abrasive fluids that would wear out other pump types.
• Peristaltic pumps offer low maintenance. With fewer moving parts and no internal components exposed to the fluid, maintenance is straightforward and infrequent.

Types of Peristaltic Pumps

There are two main types of industrial peristaltic pumps: hose pumps and tube pumps. While they share the same basic operating principle, their designs and applications differ slightly.

HOSE PUMPS

Hose pumps use a thick, heavy-duty hose to transport fluids. These are typically used in more demanding industrial applications due to their ability to handle higher pressures and more abrasive fluids.

Working Principle: As rollers compress and release the hose, fluid is moved through the system. The hose is reinforced to handle the added stress from higher pressures, making these pumps particularly suited for heavy-duty applications.

TUBE PUMPS

Tube pumps, as the name suggests, use a smaller, more flexible tube instead of a heavy-duty hose. They are better suited for low-pressure applications where precision is key.

Working Principle: Tube pumps follow the same operating mechanism as hose pumps but operate at lower pressures. They’re ideal for precise fluid dosing and applications requiring gentle fluid handling.

Applications of Peristaltic Pumps

Due to their unique design, industrial peristaltic pumps can handle a wide range of fluids, making them incredibly versatile. Here are a few industries and applications where they are commonly used:

1. Chemical Processing

In chemical industries, the ability to move corrosive, abrasive, or highly viscous fluids without damaging the pump or contaminating the fluid is crucial. Peristaltic pumps excel in chemical processing applications due to their contamination-free operation and compatibility with a wide range of chemicals.

2. Water Treatment

Peristaltic water pumps are often used for dosing chemicals in water treatment plants. The accurate dosing capabilities of these pumps ensure precise delivery of chemicals like chlorine and other disinfectants, making them a reliable solution in water treatment systems.

3. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

In the pharmaceutical industry, where hygiene is a top priority, peristaltic pumping is ideal. Since the fluid only comes into contact with the tubing, there is no risk of contamination from the pump itself. This makes medical peristaltic pumps the go-to option for transferring delicate fluids, including liquid medications and vaccines.

4. Food and Beverage Industry

Peristaltic pumps are widely used in food and beverage processing due to their ability to handle viscous and shear-sensitive products, like sauces, dairy, or juices. Their contamination-free design ensures that food-grade standards are met.

5. Mining and Slurry Handling

The mining industry often deals with abrasive slurries that can wear down traditional pump components. Hose pumps, in particular, are built to withstand these harsh conditions and can efficiently transport slurries without suffering significant wear and tear.

Need Help Finding the Right Pump?

At PumpWorks, we supply industrial peristaltic pumps designed for various applications. Our team of experts can help you select the perfect pump for your needs, ensuring you get the most efficient solution for your operation.

Talk to our team today to learn more about our pumps.