The Quick and Dirty Guide to Peristaltic Pumps

Knowing which pump to choose for your application can be challenging! That's why we've put together quick guides for several types of positive displacement pumps (internal gear, external gear, rotary lobe) along with the advantages, disadvantages, and best applications for each. In this post, we dive into the peristaltic pump, how it functions, so you can decide if it fits your application.

PERISTALTIC PUMP OVERVIEW

HOW IT WORKS

WHAT THEY'RE GREAT FOR

These pumps are great for clean and sterile or aggressive fluids where cross contamination with exposed pump components cannot occur. Peristaltic pumps are a critical component when isolating a fluid from the environment, and the environment from the fluid. You'll find these pumps in a wide variety of industrial and food additive applications, including those for abrasive and viscous fluids.

DISADVANTAGES

Peristaltic pumps do generate pulsations. This can be controlled, but not completely eliminated; therefore if a smooth flow is desired, this pump may not be your best choice. They can also be hazardous if the tube or hose breaks, unless the unit is equipped with a "leak protection" feature. Checking the hose for wear regularly can help to prevent leakage.

BEST APPLICATIONS
Below is a short list of the best applications for this pump:

• Food manufacturing
  • Beverage dispensing
    
    
• Chemical handling
  • Printing, paint and pigments
  • Pharmaceutical production
  • Hazardous chemicals
    
    
• Water & Wastewater
  • Chemical process metering
  • Chemical transfer
    
    
• Engineering & manufacturing
  • Pulp & Paper applications
  • Concrete

Think this pump might be right for your application? Make sure you get the right pump for the job by talking to an experienced engineer. If you need help selecting the right pump for your application, ask us about it! We gladly provide technical assistance to businesses in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.