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A photo of a Peristaltic Pump from behind

Your Guide to Selecting The Right Peristaltic Pump

Michael Carter
written by:

Michael Carter

BBA Product Sales Manager

Michael Carter, BBA Product Sales Manager at Tapflo Pumps UK, brings over a decade of combined engineering and sales experience to the process industry, with a background as a field engineer and Automotive Diagnostic Technician. He applies this hands-on technical expertise to specifying and supplying premium BBA portable pumps for UK dewatering, construction, sewage, and flood control applications.

19/02/2020

Peristaltic Pumps are a versatile Positive Displacement Pump renowned for their self-priming capabilities up to 9.8 meters and pressure up to 15 Bar. These pumps perform across various industries including; Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic, Wastewater Treatment and Chemical processing.

From how they work to where they excel, this post covers the key features of Peristaltic Pumps, what to consider when selecting the right one for your application, and the range we offer.

Operating Principle of Peristaltic Pumps

Peristaltic Pumps operate on the principle of either two shoes (for high-pressure applications) or rollers (for low-pressure applications) rotating on a wheel inside the pump. This rotation compresses an internal hose, propelling a specified quantity of fluid. The hose’s ability to return to its original shape ensures consistent fluid flow, resembling the natural peristalsis process. This design allows a variety of media to enter and pass through the pump, making it an efficient choice for various applications.

Key Features of Peristaltic Pumps

  • Safe and Hygienic: The hose is the only component in contact with the fluid, minimising the risk of contamination
  • Accurate and Consistent: Classified as a Positive Displacement Pump
  • Suitable for Low and High-Pressure: Applications including transfer, metering and dosing applications, making Peristaltic Pumps some of the most versatile pumps on the market today
  • Self-Priming: Up to 9.8m, reducing the need for external priming systems
  • High Outlet Pressures: Up to 15 Bar, making these pumps well suited to industrial applications
  • Versatile: Peristaltic Pumps can handle a range of viscosities and media, including pure, neutral, aggressive or abrasive liquids, as well as those containing gases or solids
  • Sealless Design: Enhancing your pump’s performance and longevity
  • Bespoke Hoses: Hose selection based on your application
  • Consistent: Shape-retaining hose design, meaning it can retain consistent fluid quantity and flow

Factors to Consider when Purchasing a Peristaltic Pump

Pressure:

Tailoring the pump selection to your application’s pressure requirements is crucial. For pressures up to 4 Bar, the PTL Peristaltic Pump is recommended, while the PT Peristaltic Pump is better suited for applications exceeding 4 Bar.

Type of Hose:

The choice of hose is critical for optimal Peristaltic Pump performance. Tapflo UK offer a range of high-quality hoses, each catering to specific applications as follows:

  • NR – Natural Rubber (white marking): Most flexible, high abrasion resistance
  • NR Food – Natural Rubber certificate CE 1935-2004 and FDA-Approved (black or white inside): Appropriate for the food industry
  • NBR – Nitrile Buna (yellow marking): Appropriate for oils, greases and polymers
  • NBR Food – Nitrile Buna certificate CE 1935-2004 and FDA-Approved (black or white inside): Appropriate for the food industry
  • EPDM – Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (red marking): High chemical resistance
  • HYPALON/SYNTHETIC RUBBER – Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (blue marking): High chemical resistance to fluids like sodium hypochlorite, chromic, nitric and sulfuric acids
  • VITON/FKM (purple marking): high chemical resistance, especially to solvents, lubricants, petrol and fuels. Good temperature resistance

Our Range of Peristaltic Pumps & Accessories

PT High-Pressure Peristaltic Pump:

PT High Pressure Peristaltic Pump

  • Shoe design
  • Max Capacity of 60m3/h
  • Self-priming up to -0.9 Bar
  • Viscosities up to 100,000 cPs
  • Reversible operation
  • 15 sizes available
  • PXT is the ATEX-rated variant of this pump

PTL Low-Pressure Peristaltic Pump:

PTL Low Pressure Peristaltic Pump

  • Roller design
  • Max Capacity of 5m3/h
  • Self-priming up to 0.6 Bar
  • Viscosities up to 100,000 cPs
  • 6 sizes available
  • PXTL is the ATEX-rated variant of this pump

Accessories

Pulsation Dampener:

DPT Pulsation Dampener - DPT40

  • Designed to reduce pulsation, vibrations and hammering in your pipe system
  • Designed for Peristaltic Pumps, can be used for all pump types
  • Complies with European PED Directive 2014/68/EU
  • Can handle viscous fluids with particles up to 20% of the inner hose diameter
  • ATEX-available

Hose Assemblies & Fittings:

Peristaltic Pump Hose Assemblies

  • Our hose range includes Rubber, Suction and Delivery, Oil-Resistant, Chemical, Sanitary, and Food-Grade Hoses, each specific to different media and applications.
  • Supports effective operation of your Peristaltic Pump
  • Certified and fully traceable
  • Complies with European PED Directive 2014/68/EU
  • ATEX-available

Learn more about our comprehensive range of Peristaltic Pumps in our dedicated YouTube video:

Navigating the world of Peristaltic Pumps requires careful consideration of factors such as pressure, hose type, CIP capability and applications. With Tapflo UK’s range of pumps and expert guidance, you can confidently select the right Peristaltic Pump tailored to your unique application needs. Explore our comprehensive guide for a deeper understanding of Tapflo UK’s Peristaltic Pumps and their applications.


FAQs

Are Peristaltic Pumps known as any other names?

Can Peristaltic Pumps be run continuously?

Can Peristaltic Pumps Dry Run?

Does a Peristaltic Pump offer accurate dosing?

What Peristaltic Pumps do Tapflo sell?

How long will my Peristaltic hose will last?

Why should you choose a Tapflo Peristaltic Pump?

I already have a Peristaltic Pump but it needs repairing

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Are Peristaltic Pumps known as any other names?

Yes, Peristaltic Pumps are also known as Hose Pumps, Tubing Pumps or Rolling Pumps. They are all the same and can be used by different names by different people.

‘Peristaltic’ comes from ‘Peristaltis’, which refers to the contraction of muscles in the human intestines that moves food along; this is similar to the mechanism of this pump.

For additional FAQs, see individual FAQ pages

Can Peristaltic Pumps be run continuously?

Yes, Peristaltic Pumps can be run continuously. They have multiple different duty points, whether continuous, intermittent or occasional

For additional FAQs, see individual FAQ pages

Can Peristaltic Pumps Dry Run?

Yes. Unlike many pump types, a peristaltic pump can run dry without damage because only the tubing contacts the fluid.

For additional FAQs, see individual FAQ pages

Does a Peristaltic Pump offer accurate dosing?

Yes, dosing is easy and accurate with a peristaltic pump.

For additional FAQs, see individual FAQ pages

What Peristaltic Pumps do Tapflo sell?

Tapflo sells a variety of Peristaltic Pumps, ranging from small to large models. These models come in either low- or high-pressure variants depending on your application and media. See individual product pages for detailed information.

For additional FAQs, see individual FAQ pages

How long will my Peristaltic hose will last?

We’ve developed our own hose life expectancy calculator. By factoring in your working parameters, it gives you an estimated hose lifespan, so you can stay ahead of your PPM schedule rather than reacting after the fact.

Curious what yours would be? Get in touch today and we’ll provide a no-obligation hose life estimate tailored to your application.

For additional FAQs, see individual FAQ pages

Why should you choose a Tapflo Peristaltic Pump?

Tapflo’s Peristaltic Pumps are one of the most popular products in the Tapflo portfolio. This is because they are highly versatile for both aggressive media and chemicals, as well as for sanitary food and beverage applications. Their robust construction and hoses that are stronger than 30% of all hoses on the market make them the ideal pump for your needs.

For additional FAQs, see individual FAQ pages

I already have a Peristaltic Pump but it needs repairing

We don’t just sell pumps; we also provide repairs and maintenance. Simply get in touch with our team, and we’ll be happy to help.

For additional FAQs, see individual FAQ pages

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