Peristaltic pumps are a mainstay in the food and beverage industry in Perth and for good reason. They are good for dosing and metering flavourings, liquid ingredients and chemicals in commercial food production. They can transfer solids that are highly viscous from location to location.
They also work well for transporting food slurries and food waste. Peristaltic pumps are used in potato processing plants to ground potato skins and other wastes. This slurry is 70% solid but is easily moved by the action of a peristaltic pump.
Peristaltic pumps use positive displacement to move fluids through a tube. Imagine that you are trying to drink a milkshake through a straw, but the fluid is too thick. So, you squeeze two fingers together at one end of the straw and move them toward you in a motion that pushes the milkshake through the straw for you to enjoy.
This is the action produced by a peristaltic pump, but instead of fingers, a peristaltic pump uses rollers. Because the pumping action all happens outside the tube, there is no possibility of contamination. In the food and beverage industry, where sanitation is mandatory, this is important.
Peristaltic pumps have even been used to move live fish. The fish are in water and the peristaltic action causes a wave that washes the fish along with it. Wine manufacturers use peristaltic pump to move the seeds, peels and stems, collectively known as “cap,” to the pressing stations.
Cleaning
Peristaltic pumps are usually cleaned by running a cleaning solution through it backwards. This can also clean upstream piping. Since the only part of a peristaltic pump that ever comes in contact with whatever it is pumping is the hose and the fittings on either side, there is virtually no risk of cross contamination and it can be cleaned in place.
Pump Solutions Australasia
At Pump Solutions Australasia, we carry the full Verderflex Dura line of peristaltic pumps. Call us today 1300 922 973.