Peristaltic pumps also called hose pumps are versatile and reliable for many industrial uses. These pumps compress a hose or tube to create a vacuum that consequently creates a consistent flow of fluid, making them ideal for handling liquids with different properties. We look at the features, performance and benefits of peristaltic pumps in industry.
Discover how a peristaltic pump works.
Main Features of Peristaltic Pumps
Flow Rate Range
Peristaltic pumps typically offer flow rates ranging from as low as a few milliliters per minute up to several cubic meters per hour. This wide range allows them to be used in both precision dosing and bulk fluid transfer applications.
Pressure Range
These pumps handle usually pressures of 10 and up to 16 bar, making them suitable for applications that require high-pressure delivery. The pressure capability varies with the hose material and pump design.
Hose Sizes
Peristaltic pumps come with various hose sizes, typically ranging from a few millimeters in diameter for low-flow applications to 200 and even 300 mm diameter for heavy duty and high-flow tasks.
Material Compatibility
The hoses used in peristaltic pumps are available in a variety of materials, such as natural rubber, nitrile, EPDM, and silicone, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of chemicals, abrasive fluids, and slurries.
What are the Main Benefits of the Peristaltic Pumps
Ideal for Viscous, Abrasive and Shear-Sensitive Fluids
No internal valves, seals, or rotating parts means highly viscous liquids and fluids with high solid content can be transferred without clogging or wear.
As a matter of fact, living fish transfer is made with peristaltic pumps, as the fish are simply push true the hose towards the outlet.
Chemical-Resistant
As the hose is the only point of contact with the fluid, unlike other pump types, the correct choice of hose material garanties a safe operation.
Peristaltic pumps are made from a variety of hoses that can handle strong chemicals, corrosive substances, and solvents.
They are suitable for industries such as chemical processing, wastewater treatment and mining, biogas or food processing.
Self-Priming and Dry-Running Capability
Peristaltic pumps can create suction lifts of up to 9 metres. They can also run without fluid, making them reliable in applications where the fluid supply may be inconsistent.
Gentle Pumping
Their gentle action prevents fluids from being subjected to excessive shear forces, which is crucial when handling delicate fluids. Peristaltic pumps are great for the food and drink industry and for handling sensitive polymers and bio-slurries.
Precision Dosing and Metering
Peristaltic pumps are very accurate. This precision is essential in applications like chemical dosing, water treatment, and the manufacture of specialty chemicals.
Low Maintenance and Long Hose Life
Peristaltic pumps have no seals, valves, or moving parts in contact with the fluid, so they need little maintenance. The hose needs replacing regularly, but modern hoses last longer even in harsh conditions.
ideal for Contamination-Sensitive Applications
Peristaltic pumps are ideal for contamination-sensitive applications since the fluid only contacts the inside of the hose. This is important in industries like pharmaceuticals, food processing, and cosmetics, where maintaining fluid purity is essential.
Reversible Operation
Peristaltic pumps can be used in both directions, which makes them useful for cleaning and clearing blockages.
Peristaltic Pumps vs Eccentric Screw Pumps
To provide a comprehensive overview, it is notable that peristaltic pumps typically exhibit lower energy consumption than eccentric screw pumps when delivering comparable flow and pressure.
However, while peristaltic pumps offer energy efficiency, eccentric screw pumps often present a lower initial investment cost. When deciding between these two technologies, it is essential to carefully assess the total Life Cycle Cost (LCC) of each option.
In many cases, the cost of spare parts and ongoing maintenance can significantly impact the overall LCC, making it an important factor in your decision-making process.
Applications of Peristaltic Pumps
Chemical Processing
Handling aggressive chemicals, slurries, and abrasive fluids.
Water and Wastewater Treatment
Dosing chemicals, sludge transfer, and sampling.
Food and Beverage
Pumping syrups, sauces, and other shear-sensitive ingredients.
Mining and Mineral Processing
Transferring abrasive slurries, tailings, and reagents.
Pharmaceuticals
Sterile fluid transfer and precise dosing of active ingredients.
Biogas
Pumping high solid content slurries and manure to feed digestors.
Discover the benefits of a peristaltic pump in biogas with a real-life testimonial.
Food Retail Wastes
Pumps the food retails wastes including plastic and glass content to filter and treatment processing units.
SPS Pumps is There to Help
SPS Pumps is known for its engineering excellence in industrial pumps, especially peristaltic pumps. We combine technical expertise with support, ensuring you receive reliable and efficient systems tailored to your needs.
We also sell spare parts for all peristaltic pump brands, helping you keep your pumps working well and avoid downtime.
SPS Pumps is your trusted partner for success and long-term reliability.
Call us now at +32 2 657 23 53 or email us at info@sps-pumps.com.
