The latest issue off PII is out now!

Read here!
Fluids HandlingFluids Handling

Peristaltic Pumps Embody Versatility and Flexibility

By Patrice Scribe - Technical Products Manager - PCM TECHNOLOGIES S.A.S

Listen to this article
Patrice Scribe
Patrice Scribe – Technical Products Manager – PCM TECHNOLOGIES S.A.S

Functioning of Peristaltic Pumps

Peristaltic pumps are positive-displacement pumps based on the peristaltic principle, which is defined as the movement of a content generated by successive deformations and compression of a soft container.

In the case of peristaltic pumps, the fluid is pumped through a malleable elastomer hose, which deforms and takes back its initial shape to transfer the fluid from point A to point B.

Peristaltic pumps have a self-priming on start-up system that allows pumping to begin without the need of being previously filled.

Peristaltic pumps are composed of different elements. First, a mechanical system, which contains a motor, a stator and a cover. Inside this mechanical system, a rotating mechanism with a rotor and rollers or skids, constricts to generate successive deformations on the flexible tube. The soft hose is made of elastomers and is seal-less. Unlike other types of pumps, peristaltic pumps contain no valves or seals.

Handling a wide variety of fluids

A peristaltic pump operates in three stages when pumping a fluid: suction, transfer and delivery.

  • First, the product is aspirated into the soft elastomer hose as it returns to its initial shape, using the self-priming system.
  • Then, it is transferred from the inlet to the outlet of the tube by the turning and squeezing movements (crushing and then regaining its initial shape) created by the rotation of the mechanism consisting of the rotor and the rollers or skids.
  • Finally, the product is pushed out of the hose by the same circular movement. The peristaltic principle ensures that fluids are treated without degradation, since only the soft elastomer hose is in contact with the product being pumped. The fluids only encounter the elements placed at each extremity of the pump tube.
“The principle of peristaltic pumps allows them to operate dry (without product in the tube) and can be used for continual flow rates or disbursement of smaller quantities.”

The principle of peristaltic pumps allows them to operate dry (without product in the tube) and can be used for continual flow rates or disbursement of smaller quantities.

Peristaltic pumps can be easily adapted to different industrial processes. They can be used at low or high pressure, at different speed settings, and can be used in reverse (as the pumps are symmetrical): the rotation of the rotary mechanism can be reversed to make the fluid flow in the other direction through the system. Peristaltic pumps are used in the chemicals and environment industries to dose or transfer products.

Product integrity and sustainability of equipment

Peristaltic pumps have numerous advantages for the processing industry. Each pump adapts to the specific characteristics of the fluids it operates with, which can be fragile (delicate or emulsion), volatile, corrosive, abrasive, viscous, up to certain limits (even slurries) or acidic or basic.

The elastomer composition of the hose adapts to each specific fluid needs. The pump mechanism can also be shaped and adapted to suit the product, making these pumps extremely versatile and flexible for different range of applications.

The design of these pumps ensures the integrity of the products being pumped. The properties of the fluids are not damage through the transfer. Passage through the pump does not cause any stirring or agitation of the liquid, and the fluid only encounters the soft elastomer hose and the connecting components at each end.

“Maintenance costs and Life Cycle Costs are also reduced because the soft elastomer hose, which is in direct contact with the product, is the only part which requires regular replacement.”

Maintenance costs and Life Cycle Costs are also reduced because the soft elastomer hose, which is in direct contact with the product, is the only part which requires regular replacement. Without mentioning the fact that the elastomers are particularly resistant to abrasion and that the low running speed strengthen the resistance to abrasion.

More generally, the materials used in peristaltic pumps are treated to withstand the pumping of corrosive or abrasive products, making them particularly robust. Furthermore, seal-less pumps and lack of valve require less upkeep.

Thanks to their high suction capacity, peristaltic pumps can be integrated into complicated pumping processes. This makes it possible to transfer highly concentrated fluids, or highly solid particles or dry matter, reducing then water consumption and the associated infrastructure costs.

peristaltic pumps

Different types of peristaltic pump

Because of their different mechanisms and elastomer tubes, PCM DelascoTM peristaltic pumps can cover a wide range of applications requiring versatility and flexibility. Simple to use and with an ease of maintenance, PCM DelascoTM peristaltic pumps adapt to different needs.

The PCM DelascoTM range is divided into three different ranges to meet the expectations of different markets:

  • The PCM DelascoTM PMA range is designed for various dosing and fluid transfer applications at very low flow rates, from 10 l/h.
  • PCM DelascoTM Z pumps offer operating versatility. They can transfer products from 40 l/h to 20 m3/h, while being mobile within the installation.
  • Thanks to its robust design and reinforced hose, the PCM DelascoTM DX pump is an effective solution for applications requiring higher pressures (15 bar) and high flow rates (100 m3/h).

FAQs: Peristaltic Pump Technology

What is a peristaltic pump?
A pump that transfers fluid by compressing and releasing a flexible elastomer hose

Can peristaltic pumps run dry?
Yes they can operate without fluid in the tube without damage

What types of fluids can they handle?
They handle fragile abrasive corrosive viscous and even slurry-type fluids

Why is product integrity maintained?
Only the hose contacts the fluid preventing agitation or contamination

Are peristaltic pumps reversible?
Yes they can pump fluids in both directions by reversing rotation

What are the maintenance requirements?
Only the hose needs regular replacement making upkeep simple and cost-effective

Where are they commonly used?
In chemical environmental and industrial sectors for dosing or transferring fluids

What makes PCM Delasco pumps versatile?
They offer multiple models for low high flow and high-pressure needs with robust design and easy integration

Show More

    Would you like further information about this article?

    Add your details below and we'll be in touch ASAP!


    Input this code: captcha

    Patrice Scribe

    Patrice Scribe has a diploma in Mechanical and Production Engineering. He is Technical Product Expert at PCM Technologies SAS. He has been a PCM employee for more than 30 years, specialised in pumps and their commercialisation. He first joined PCM as a Dosing Pump Product Technician and then held various positions: Series Life Monitoring Manager for PCM products, Post-Sales Manager for PCM products, Order Processing Manager, Post-Sales and Technical Expert and Technical Manager for Industrial Products. He thrives to share his expertise in product management and maintenance with the customer departments in PCM.
    Back to top button

    Join 25,000 process industry specialists and subscribe to:

    PII has a global network of suppliers ready to help...