Peristaltic pump

A peristaltic pump is a type of positive displacement pump used for pumping a variety of specialized fluids. The fluid is contained in a flexible hose fitted inside a circular pump casing. A rotor with a number of cams (also called 'shoes' or 'wipers') attached to the external circumference compresses the flexible tube. As the rotor turns, the part of tube under compression rotates thus forcing the fluid to be pumped to move through the tube. This process is called peristalsis and is used in many biological systems such as the gastrointestinal tract. The pump casing is typically filled with lubricant to prevent abrasion of the exterior of the pump tube.

Since the only part of the pump in contact with the fluid being pumped is the interior of the tube, it is easy to sterilise and clean the inside surfaces of the pump. Furthermore, since there are no moving parts in contact with the fluid, peristaltic pumps are inexpensive to manufacture.

Typical applications

• Dialysis machines
• Food manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical production
• Sewage sludge
• tabletop decorative fountains and waterwalls