Peristaltic pumps are used for products that are too corrosive, abrasive or viscous for other pumps. They have no seals, valves or glands and are economical to maintain.
The only part of the pump that requires maintenance is the tube or the hose, although they do have bearings and rotors etc which do require maintenance, because of the slow rotational speeds normally associated with peristaltic pumps, the wear and tear is substantially lower than faster rotating pumps.
Ironically, peristaltic pumps are also ideal for fragile substances such as cell cultures or shear sensitive polymers due to their gentle action. Peristaltic pumps are easily sterilised because the only part of the pump that contacts the fluid is the inside of of the hose or tube.