Peristaltic hose pumps are a type of positive displacement pump that move fluids through a flexible hose or tube, using rotating rollers or shoes to compress the hose in a wave-like motion. This “peristaltic action” mimics biological systems like the human digestive tract, delivering precise, low-shear, and contamination-free pumping.
Key Takeaways
- Peristaltic hose pumps use rotating rollers or pressing shoes to compress a flexible hose, mimicking natural biological systems for fluid movement.
- Key characteristics include contact only with the inner hose surface and no seals or valves in the flow path.
- Advantages include dry-run capability, self-priming, accurate dosing, and low maintenance requirements.
- These pumps are suitable for various applications, including mining, industrial uses, food & beverage, and water & wastewater.
- Selection tips involve choosing appropriate hose materials, designs, and considering optional add-ons for enhanced performance.
Principle of Operation
A circular housing contains a reinforced rubber hose.
Rotating rollers or shoes compress the hose against the pump casing.
As the roller passes, the hose returns to its original shape, drawing in fluid.
This cycle creates a strong vacuum and pushes the fluid forward.
Key Characteristics:
- Only the inner hose surface contacts the fluid.
- No seals, valves, or glands in the flow path.
- Flow is created by compression and relaxation of the hose.
Advantages
- Dry-run capable: No damage from running without fluid.
- Self-priming: Suction lift up to 9m depending on model.
- Accurate dosing: ±1% flow repeatability in many models.
- Handles abrasives and solids: Ideal for slurries and viscous fluids.
- Gentle on shear-sensitive fluids: Great for food, chemicals, and biologicals.
- Reversible flow: Flow direction can be changed by reversing motor.
- Low maintenance: No seals, glands, or check valves to service.
Applications
Mining
- Thickener underflow
- Flocculant and reagent dosing
- Tailings transfer
- Grit/sludge pumping
Industrial
- Pigments and paints
- Lime slurry dosing
- Waste handling and chemical neutralisation
- General batching and other transfer
Food & Beverage
- Fruit concentrates
- Yeast, mash, and culture transfer
- Cleaning agents (CIP chemicals)
- Viscous sauces or pastes
Water & Wastewater
- Polymer dosing
- Sludge transfer
- pH adjustment chemicals
Selection Tips
- Choose reinforced hoses for high pressure and abrasion.
- Consider roller vs. shoe design based on duty cycle and hose life.
- Use lubricated casings for heavy-duty industrial use.
- Check compatibility between hose material and fluid (e.g., NR, EPDM, NBR Nitrile, Hypalon).
Optional Add-Ons
- Hose life monitoring sensors
- Pulsation dampeners
- VFDs for flow control
- Quick-change hose assemblies