How do peristaltic dosing pumps work?

Peristaltic pumps are a type of positive displacement pump used for pumping a variety of fluids. The fluid is contained within a flexible hose or tube fitted inside the pump casing. The actual pumping principle, called peristalsis, is based on alternating compression and relaxation of the hose or tube, drawing content in and propelling product away from the pump. This process makes a peristaltic pump an accurate dosing pump or metering pump. With an equal amount of liquid dosed each time.

The liquid being pumped never comes into contact with any moving parts because it is totally contained within the re-enforced hose or tube. A rotating shoe or roller passes along the length of the hose or tube creating a total seal between the suction and discharge sides of the pump. As the pump’s rotor turns this sealing pressure moves along the tube or hose forcing product to move away from the pump and into the discharge line. Where the pressure has been released the hose or tube recovers creating a vacuum, which draws the product into the suction side of the pump, the priming mechanism.

Combining these suction and discharge actions results in a self-priming positive displacement pump, the peristaltic pump.

The perfect seal between the two sides of the pump means that there is no product slip, when coupled with the pump’s linear speed-flow characteristic it makes peristaltic pumps ideal for dosing.

Additionally, as the pumped liquid is totally contained within the hose or tube, this makes a peristaltic pump a hygienic pumping solution with zero chance for contamination. This also reduces maintenance time as the hose or tube is the only wearing part.