How a peristaltic pump works

Peristaltic pumps for liquid transfer

Peristaltic pumps are positive displacement pumps used to transfer liquids in a wide variety of industrial, pharmaceutical and food applications. These pumps are called "peristaltic" because of the wave-like compression movement that occurs when a flexible tube is pressed between a rotor and a stator. In this article we will take a closer look at what a peristaltic pump is and how it works.

What is a peristaltic pump ?

A peristaltic pump is a type of progressive cavity pump that uses a series of rotating rollers to press liquid through a flexible tube. Pressure is created by exerting a force on the tube, which creates a low-pressure area that draws in the liquid. This process is often referred to as "compression". The tube is pressed between a rotor and a stator, creating a wave-like compression action that pushes the liquid through the tube. The liquid is transferred without any contact with the internal parts of the pump, which is ideal for applications that require gentle handling or corrosive liquids. In addition, the tubes can be easily replaced, allowing for flexibility in applications and the use of different types of liquids.

How does a peristaltic pump work ?

A peristaltic pump consists of three main parts: a rotor, a stator and a flexible tube. The rotor is a rotating disc with rollers or rollers that press on the flexible tube. The stator is a fixed part with a U shape that holds the tube in place and creates a compression chamber. The flexible tube is placed between the rotor and the stator.
As the rotor rotates, the rollers or rollers compress the flexible tube, creating a wave-like compression action that pushes the liquid through the tube. As the roller or roller passes, the tube returns to its original shape, creating suction and absorbing the liquid into the pump. This process is repeated continuously with each revolution of the rotor, creating a steady flow of liquid.

Advantages of peristaltic pumps

Peristaltic pumps offer several advantages over other types of pumps. Firstly, they are ideal for corrosive or sensitive liquids without the risk of contamination, as the liquid does not come into contact with the pump's internal parts. Since peristaltic pumps have no moving parts in contact with the liquid, there is no risk of cross-contamination or liquid leakage. Secondly, they are easy to clean and maintain, as the flexible tubing can be easily replaced, allowing them to be used in a wide variety of applications and for different types of liquid. They have good dosing accuracy, can run dry without damaging the pump and therefore have low operating and maintenance costs. Thirdly, they are accurate and reliable, as the flow rate is directly proportional to the rotational speed of the rotor, perfect for applications that require precise liquid distribution.

Applications for peristaltic pumps

Peristaltic pumps are used in a wide variety of industrial applications, including
industrial applications, including wastewater treatment, food processing, pharmaceutical
pharmaceutical production, chemical handling and the transfer of sensitive liquids. They are also used in metering pumps, high pressure pumps and vacuum pumps.

The use of peristaltic pumps in the wine industry

In the wine industry, peristaltic pumps are used to transfer wine and grape must with precision and delicacy. They allow liquids to be transferred without altering or oxidising them, unlike other types of pumps which can alter the taste of the wine or disrupt fermentation.
Peristaltic pumps are particularly useful for transferring grape must during fermentation, as they allow the liquid to be transferred gently without disturbing the suspended solids or the fermentation. They are also useful for transferring wine from tank to bottle, as they allow the liquid to be transferred smoothly without disturbing the quality or clarity of the wine.

In the wine industry, the addition of a hopper to a peristaltic pump facilitates the transfer of whole grapes or late harvest in bulk. The hopper allows a large quantity of grapes or late harvest to be stored and transferred by the peristaltic pump. The grapes are gently transferred by the peristaltic technology, which allows them to be transported without crushing or damaging them. This configuration is particularly useful for late harvest or whole grapes, as the hopper reduces loading and unloading time. In addition, having a large quantity of grapes stored in the hopper allows for continuous transfers without having to stop the pump to reload.

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In conclusion, a peristaltic pump is a volumetric pump that uses a flexible tube to transfer liquids. It works by compressing the flexible tube between a rotor and a stator, creating a wave-like compression action that pushes the liquid through the tube. Peristaltic pumps offer many advantages over other types of pumps and are ideal for corrosive, sensitive or delicate liquids. If you need to transfer liquids accurately and efficiently, a peristaltic pump could be the perfect solution for your application.