What are Peristaltic Pumps?
The basic principle of the peristaltic pumps traces back to human “peristalsis”. A term referring to the alternating contraction and relaxation of muscles around a tube to force the contents through it. An elastomeric tube is squeezed along a length by rollers that push the fluid contained within. The tube’s restitution after squeezing produces a vacuum that draws fluid continuously into the tube. This creates a gentle pumping action that doesn’t cause any damage to the product. Contaminations are avoided because the fluid is contained within the tube (the only part of the pump that comes in contact with the pumped media). The pump employs a rotor with rollers mounted on it that continually compress and occlude some portion of the tube. This action moves the fluid through the tube with a constant rate of displacement for each revolution of the rotor, enabling a precise measurement of the volume of fluid pumped through the tube.
WHERE TO USE PERISTALTIC PUMPS?
Peristaltic Pumps can be used by many industries for a variety of applications. Some of these include, but not limited to:-
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants for pumping sludge and dosing chemicals
- Food and Beverage Industry for the gentle transfer of product through food grade hoses
- Chemical manufacturing for processing or transferring chemicals through a variety of hoses compatible to the fluid to be pumped
- Mining for the transfer of slurries and dosing chemicals
- Pulp and Paper Industries for dosing chemicals
- Ceramic and Metallurgy industries
- Marine, Construction and Biogas industries
WHY USE PERISTALTIC PUMPS?
Peristaltic pumps have many advantages over other types of pumps.
Unlike lobe pumps or helical rotor pumps, peristaltic pumps do not have seals. And unlike diaphragm pumps, they do not have valves. These are areas that can become problematic.
A major overhaul on a peristaltic pump [generally a hose replacement] is simple to do and costs will generally be less than 20% of the pump cost. A lobe pump or helical rotor pump major overhaul will generally take much longer [causing lengthy downtime] and cost between 50-80% of the cost of the pump.
Peristaltic pumps can run dry without damage, so if a suction blockage occurs or a pump cut-off switch fails, there is no costly repair bill. This cannot be said for helical rotor or lobe pumps, where running dry would cause major damage.
The peristaltic pump also have a very gentle pumping action, making it ideal for the pumping of fragile or sheer sensitive products such as food products or wine.
HOW TO APPLY PERISTALTIC PUMPS?
The first thing to consider when selecting a peristaltic pump is whether the duty is continuous (8+ hours of continuous operation), or whether it is intermittent (eg. 1 hour on, one hour off). This will determine how fast the pump can be operated.
The next step is to determine the flow and pressure the pump needs to produce. Higher pressures will determine clearance settings for rollers etc.
Next is to take into account the fluid being pumped and determine a suitable hose material to suit. Some chemicals will require hoses with “good” or “excellent” ratings for that particular chemical. Higher pressure applications will need hoses rated for the pressures of the application. Food products will require hoses with FDA-CFR certification, and hoses requiring CIP or SIP will need to be temperature rated for the hot water or steam cleaning required.
The temperature of the pumped media also needs to be considered to ensure hoses are rated for the required temperature.
Lastly, determine whether the pump needs pulsation dampeners. Generally recommended when pumps are:
- On a suction lift
- Pumping high pressures
- Running faster than “standard” speeds.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN PERISTALTIC PUMPS?
There are many types and manufacturers of Peristaltic pumps. Industrial peristaltic pumps can be purchased for light duties or short term applications, but those looking for a pump that will deliver years of dependable service, should look for the following:
- Cast and machined housings instead of fabricated ones.
- Cast rotors instead of fabricated ones
- Rollers instead of shoes (so that the pump does not need to be filled with lubricant that needs to be replaced each time a hose is replaced, and has the potential of contaminating the pumped fluid). Rollers will also allow for the use of leak detectors to quickly detect a failed hose.
- A hose clamping system that includes bolting cast blocks together, instead of a system relying on standard hose clamps.
WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF PERISTALTIC PUMPS?
As with all pumps, peristaltic pumps are limited by the flow they can produce and the pressure they can develop. With Ragazzini pumps, flows to 180m3/hour can be produced, and pressures to 15 bar can be developed.
The size particle that can be passed by a peristaltic pump is also a limiting factor, with most ranges limited to under 60mm of spherical solid that can be passed by the largest pump.
Peristaltic pumps are also limited by the temperature their hoses can handle. This will generally be between 75oC and 95oC.
Ragazzini Hose Pump Videos:
Watch short animated videos here showing the simple, effective concept of Ragazzini Hose pumps:
RAGAZZINI PERISTALTIC PUMP
PUMP FEATURES
PUMP PERFORMANCE
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
PUMP APPLICATIONS
SHOES VS. ROLLERS DESIGN
EASY HOSE REPLACEMENT
RETRACTABLE ROLLER SYSTEM
RAGAZZINI ROTHO PERISTALTIC PUMP
Our expert team is standing by for any questions you have about how best to configure your pump system.
Ragazzini Pumps:
Download the Brochure | Ask Our Team
Ragazzini Rotho Peristaltic Pumps are the ideal choice for dosing and metering.
They consist of an elastomeric tube that is squeezed along its length by rollers that push the fluid contained within. This creates a gentle pumping action that doesn’t cause damage to the peristaltic pump.
Advantages include:
- Handle a range of fluids including viscous products, abrasives and chemicals
- High performance including pressures to 15 BAR, reversible flow, and suction lifts
- Accurate metering as well as high flows (to 180m3/hour)
- Easy maintenance including easy hose replacement and easy leak detection
- CIP with retractable rollers
- Greater operator safety
- Easy access for monitoring or service
- A variety of hose materials to handle food, pharmaceuticals, chemical, abrasive and/or corrosive fluids
Download the Brochure | Ask Our Team
Ragazzini Peristaltic Pump are at the cutting edge of “Hose Pump” design and have the features to make pumping easier. They consist of an elastomeric tube that is squeezed along its length by rollers that push the fluid contained within. This creates a gentle pumping action that doesn’t cause damage to the product. Further advantages include:
- Handle a range of applications including food products, abrasives, chemicals and solids
- High performance including pressures to 15 BAR, reversible flow, and suction lifts
- Easy maintenance including easy hose replacement and easy leak detection
- CIP with retractable rollers
- Greater operator safety
- Easy access for monitoring or service
- A variety of hose materials to handle food, pharmaceuticals, abrasive and/or corrosive fluids
Our Team is available to answer your pump query within the hour
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Hydro Innovations is proud to distribute a broad range of quality, reliable and industry-leading industrial pumps and aerators.
We are also delighted to share that Hydro Innovations is proud to be the exclusive distributor of Gorman-Rupp Pumps.
Gorman-Rupp is the world leader in self-priming centrifugal wastewater pump technology, and invests heavily in R&D, and in training for their international representatives – like Hydro Innovations.
This puts us in an excellent position to make the very best recommendations for our Australian customers.
Our other suppliers, Ragazzini of Italy and EDUR of Germany, are also world leaders in their respective technologies (Peristaltic Pumps – Ragazzini, and Specialist centrifugal pumps – EDUR).
We carry a very large inventory of pumps and spare parts for all of these brands, to help us to deliver industry-leading service.
