Peristaltic pumps

A PERISTALTIC PUMP IS A TYPE OF POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT PUMP.

These positive displacement pumps are sometimes referred to as Roller pumps, Tube pumps or Rotary Pumps which are all very appropriate names.  The very simple design consists of a flexible pump tube fitted in a ‘C’ shape  inside a circular pump casing. The pumped fluid is squeezed along through the hose by a rotating spoke assembly. This makes them suitable for handling abrasive fluids, slurries containing solids, and highly viscous sludges.

The LSM Pumps use rollers against the tube for better performance and prolonged service life.

How do peristaltic pumps work?

In front of each roller, pressure builds up and because of the hose’s elasticity a vacuum builds up behind the roller. The pressure pushes the fluid out of the peristaltic hose and the vacuum sucks the new fluid in. This positive displacement action creates a pulsating flow which whilst typically delivering a slower flow rate than centrifugal pumps, its steady action handles very thick (highly viscous) fluids.  Its gentle pumping action lends it well to liquids and pastes that have properties that would be damaged by rapid churning. Another advantage is that this pump type can safely run dry, whereas most other pumps can overheat if left running without a supply of liquid. 

Drawbacks of the peristaltic include the pressure loss between pulses which equates to reduced head pressure capabilities.  However, this is rarely a practical issue on typical peristaltic applications such as sludge or thick slurry transfer. If pulsation is an issue, or large volumes of slurry or liquid need elevating to height then speak to our pump experts about centrifugal pumps. Peristaltic pumps benefit from a high suction lift, whereas centrifugal types benefit from a higher pump head on the discharge end. 

Peristaltic pumps are used in a wide range of industries. Pumping applications include food, mining, chemical, fishing, water treatment plants and agriculture as well as on and off shore, in anaerobic digestion / biogas and in the production of concrete and paint.

The benefits of using peristaltic pumps 

• The liquid never coming into contact with any moving part therefore totally removing the risk of contamination
• Very low energy usage
• Few wear parts mean lower maintenance costs, saving you money
• The ability to run dry
• The ability to handle a wide variety of materials including solids
• No high cost or high maintenance rotating seals
• High suction lift (4m-8m for LSM peristaltic pumps)

Peristaltic pump flow rate

Being a positive displacement type of pump, each roller pass moves the same amount of fluid, making the constant flow rate directly proportional to the RPM. This makes working out the flow rate much easier than with centrifugal pumps, as the flow is a calculation of just two factors; the motor speed (RPM) and the hose diameter.

If a specific flow rate is required, we build the pump with the correct gearing to deliver this. In cases where an adjustable flow rate is desired, a VFD (variable frequency drive) is commonly added.

Hose life

The hose or tube in a peristaltic pump is the main ‘consumable’ wear part. Check material compatibility with the media you are pumping and choose one that maximises wear life. Tubes made from inferior grade rubber can split or perish, especially if left inactive for long periods or they encounter long, sharp solids.

The peristaltic pumps that we recommend are designed and built for heavy industrial use, so come with thick-walled, high-grade rubber hoses as standard. These have proven to have a long lifetime, even when handling solids such as rock fragments, bones and recycling or waste streams.  For particularly aggressive fluids, we can supply your peristaltic with a special grade rubber hose for maximum tube life.

LSM Pumps

Atlantic Pumps are the exclusive UK distributor for Danish-based peristaltic pumps manufacturer LSM pumps.

Their hose pumps are used globally and are known for their low energy consumption, low and easy maintenance and their exceptional build quality. These self-priming, high pressure pumps are able to run dry and have the ability to pass large objects. 

LSM produce a range of different sizes of peristaltic pump ranging from common sizes such as the LSM-25 (1”) up to the LSM-200 (8”) model – recognised as the largest peristaltic pump in the world.

For further information on LSM peristaltic pumps, please visit our dedicated LSM brand page or download our EIGHT-PAGE BROCHURE

Spares

Atlantic Pumps are able to supply you with a complete range of spares for peristaltic hose pumps including replacement hoses and hose clamps, rollers, gaskets and glycerine.

Stocks are held at our large Sheffield factory and our position as exclusive UK distributor for leading peristaltic pump manufacture LSM also allows us to obtain the very best peristaltic pump spares on a quick turnaround.

For all enquires, call +0808 501 5841 or contact us using the enquiry form.

Hire Peristaltic Pumps

Our LSM peristaltic pump hire fleet gives you a low risk and capital free way of trialling the cost and downtime savings that are available to you. For further details about our hose pumps please call 0808 501 5841 or get in touch with us using our enquiry form.