At Pump Solutions Australasia, we offer a variety of pumps for many different industrial, commercial and domestic applications. Peristaltic pumps are some of the most versatile pumps in the industry for a wide variety of fluids. Here are the basics.
Peristaltic Pumps: How they Work
For those of you who took biology or anatomy and physiology in school, “peristaltic” probably sounds familiar. It refers to a process called “peristalsis,” which is how we and all animals swallow and move food and beverages in the digestive tract.
When we swallow, muscles contract in sequence, forcing food and beverages down to our stomach. The tube gets smaller behind whatever is being swallowed, forcing it to move through the tube.
With a peristaltic pump, the tube is fitted within a circular pump casing. A rotor pushes a number of shoes or rollers against the tube and pinches the tube off. This pushes the fluid within in the direction the rollers are moving. In addition, when the tube returns to its normal state behind the rollers, it causes what is known as restitution flow to the hose behind the roller. The end result is that the fluid is moved towards the end of the tube.
The first known peristaltic pump was patented in the US in 1881. They became popular thanks to a heart surgeon in 1932 when he was studying medicine.
Advantages of Peristaltic Pumps
The biggest advantage of a peristaltic pump is that the tubing is the only part that comes in contact with the liquid. This keeps the pump from contaminating the fluid and keeps the fluid from corroding the pump. In addition, there are more than 20 different sizes and configurations for tubing. This provides optimum performance for a wide variety of liquids.
Peristaltic pumps are self-priming, meaning they can start while dry. This prevents the possibility of contamination or spills that occur when priming other types of pumps. While a peristaltic pump can provide plenty of power, the pumping action is gentle. This allows transport of delicate fluids containing large proteins and cells with no damage to any of the contents.
Peristaltic pumps can be operated at various speeds, making them perfect for dosing applications. Since the fluid doesn’t actually contact the pump itself, no cleaning is necessary for seals, diaphragms, valves and other parts. The only real maintenance is cleaning or replacing the tubing. Also, peristaltic pumps are non-siphoning; this keeps fluids from flowing back into the system. This provides the ultimate in accuracy for dosing applications.
Applications of Peristaltic Pumps
As we mentioned, peristaltic pumps are extremely versatile. Food applications include pizza sauce dispensing, juice production and injection of Vitamin A and Vitamin D. They can be used to circulate cell suspension during the fermentation process. They absorb tissue in culture media. They can also be used to harvest cell media.
Some other laboratory applications: supplying nutrients to cultures, dispensing sterilised media, dispensing acid or base materials and manufacturing IV bag dispensing. They are also used for dispensing spray coating, transferring lubricants and fuels, dispensing glue emulsions, adhesives for cement and even circuit board manufacturing.
Verderflex Peristaltic Pumps: Our Manufacturer of Choice
At Pump Solutions Australasia, we carry Verderflex Peristaltic Pumps. Verderflex Pumps, known as “The Green Peristaltic Pumps,” are manufactured by the Verder Group. The Verder Group was established in 1959 in the Netherlands. They now consist of over 40 wholly owned subsidiaries across the globe. Verder employs more than 850 people and create $200 billion Euros in business annually.
The Verder family still manages the Verder Group.
Verderflex peristaltic pumps feature a sealless design, ensuring that there are no dangerous leaks of corrosive or aggressive chemicals. Since the tubing is the only part that needs maintenance and replacement, they save customers time and money. The hoses or tubing of Verderflex Peristaltic Pumps is resistant to abrasive fluids. If there is a rare failure, it is usually due to chemical action or fatigue.
Call Pump Solutions Australasia Today
To learn more about peristaltic pumps or any other variety we carry, call Pump Solutions Australasia today on 08 9408 1544.