Peristaltic Pumps

Peristaltic pumps (also known as hose pumps or tube pumps) are positive displacement pumps that transfer fluid by compressing a flexible hose or tube. They are widely used for abrasive slurries, viscous liquids, shear-sensitive products and chemical dosing because the fluid only contacts the hose.

HOW DOES A PERISTALTIC PUMP WORK?

Peristaltic pumps work according to the peristaltic principle. The hose, as the central component in the pump, is compressed by sliding shoes or rollers that are attached to a rotor and moved over the hose. The pinched spot moves along the tube, and the contained liquid is pushed forward. After compression, the restoring forces of the high-strength hose ensure that it opens back into its original shape. This creates a strong negative pressure, which supplies more liquid from the line.

In high-pressure hose pumps in particular, the rotor is exposed to heavy loads.

Peristaltic pumps are a pre-training pump and work according to the peristaltic principle. The hose, which can consist of a variety of materials, is paced in the pump housing. The pump rotor exerts pressure when it rotates on a set of rollers or pressure jaws which, in turn, compress the hose. This creates a vacuum behind the roller or pressure jaw that sucks in liquid in the hose while the next roller or pressure jaw gently pushes the liquid forward through the hose.The only wear part of the pump is the hose which can be quickly and economically replaced on site.

The hose, as the central component of the pump, is compressed by pressure jaws or rollers attached to a rotor and moved over the hose. The pinched spot moves along the tube and the entrapped liquid is pushed forward. After compression, restorative forces from the high-strength hose ensure that it opens back to its original shape. This creates a strong negative pressure, which adds more fluid from the pipe.
Especially in high-pressure hose pumps, the rotor is exposed to large loads. Some peristaltic pumps have a lifetime warranty on the rotor. Peristaltic pumps with an integrated rotor bearing significantly reduce the mechanical stress on the gear unit and the motor, which ensures a longer service life.

Hose Pump Features:

• Seal-less design: Peristaltic pumps have no seals, thus avoiding issues such as leaks of corrosive chemicals.
• Low maintenance costs: Generally, the only part that will need replacing is the hoses or tubes.
• Self-priming: Peristaltic pumps have the ability to run dry without the need for costly repairs. The recovery of the hose or tube creates a powerful self-priming action and allows the pumps to move liquids containing entrapped air or that can off gas.
• High suction lift: The powerful suction provided by the recovery of a re-enforced hose gives hose pumps suction lift capabilities up to 9.5m of water.
• Abrasion resistant: Hose life is not related to a product’s abrasive qualities. The hose only fails due to fatigue or chemical action.
• Reversible: Peristaltic pumps are reversible and can be used to empty lines or clear blockages.                                                           

WHAT DIFFERENT KINDS OF PERISTALTIC PUMPS ARE THERE?

With peristaltic pumps, the compression of the hose can be achieved by rollers or shoes. Quantity and dosing determines the type.  

Roller peristaltic pumps are usually more advantageous when dosing smaller quantities or at lower pressure levels. For higher dosing quantities or at higher working pressures, sliding shoe hose pumps work more efficiently and are more gentle on the hose. 

Why Choose a Peristaltic Pump?

Peristaltic pumps are the preferred choice for applications involving abrasive slurries, viscous fluids, shear-sensitive products and liquids containing suspended solids. As a positive displacement pump, they deliver a consistent flow while ensuring the pumped fluid only comes into contact with the hose, eliminating the need for mechanical seals or internal valves.

This simple operating principle makes peristaltic pumps ideal for demanding industrial processes where reliability, product containment and low maintenance are essential.

Key benefits include:

• Excellent solids handling for sludges, slurries and abrasive process fluids
• Only the hose contacts the fluid, reducing contamination and simplifying maintenance
• Self-priming capability with strong suction performance
• Dry-running capability for short periods without damage to the pump mechanism (application dependent)
• Gentle, low-shear pumping for delicate or shear-sensitive products
• Accurate, repeatable flow for transfer and dosing applications
• Reversible operation for line clearing and product recovery
• Low maintenance requirements, with the hose typically being the only primary wear component

Peristaltic pumps are widely used across water and wastewater treatment, mining, chemical processing, food and beverage, ceramics, paper and pulp, and other industries where conventional pump technologies may struggle with abrasive, corrosive or solids-laden fluids.

IN WHICH APPLICATIONS ARE PERISTALTIC PUMPS USED?

Peristaltic pumps are widely used to transfer abrasive slurries, viscous fluids, shear-sensitive products and liquids containing suspended solids. Their seal-free design and the fact that only the hose contacts the pumped fluid make them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications:

Water & Wastewater Treatment: Peristaltic pumps are commonly used for sludge transfer, chemical dosing, lime slurry, polymers and wastewater treatment, where reliable solids handling and low maintenance are essential.

Chemical Processing: Ideal for transferring corrosive chemicals, acids, alkalis and aggressive process fluids, with hose materials selected to suit chemical compatibility.

Mining & Minerals: Peristaltic pumps are well suited to abrasive slurries, tailings, mineral concentrates and process chemicals, helping to reduce wear compared with many conventional pump technologies.

Food & Beverage: Used for pumping sauces, syrups, fruit preparations and other shear-sensitive food products, providing gentle product handling and simplified cleaning.

General Industry: Peristaltic pumps are also widely used in paper and pulp, ceramics, paints and coatings, where abrasive or high-viscosity fluids require reliable positive displacement pumping.

How to Choose a Peristaltic Pump

Selecting the right peristaltic pump depends on the fluid properties, operating conditions and process requirements. Considering these factors during specification will help maximise pump performance, extend hose life and reduce maintenance costs.

When choosing a peristaltic pump, consider:

• Flow rate and discharge pressure – Select a pump that delivers the required duty while operating within its recommended performance range.
• Fluid characteristics – Evaluate viscosity, abrasiveness, solids content and particle size, as these directly influence hose selection and pump performance.
• Chemical compatibility – Ensure the hose material is compatible with the pumped fluid to maximise service life and maintain reliable operation.
• Temperature – Check that the process temperature is within the operating limits of the selected hose material.
• Suction conditions – Consider suction lift, pipework layout and fluid properties to achieve optimum priming and pumping efficiency.
• Maintenance requirements – Different hose materials and operating conditions affect hose replacement intervals, making lifecycle costs an important part of pump selection.

AxFlow's application engineers specify peristaltic pumps based on the complete operating duty, including fluid properties, pressure, hose compatibility and maintenance requirements. This ensures the pump delivers reliable, efficient performance across applications such as sludge transfer, chemical dosing, abrasive slurries, mining, water treatment and food processing.

When Not to Use a Peristaltic Pump

Peristaltic pumps are highly effective for abrasive, viscous and solids-containing fluids, but they are not the best solution for every application.

A peristaltic pump may not be suitable where:

• Very high flow rates are required, where centrifugal pumps are often more efficient.
• High-pressure applications exceed the pump's operating limits.
• Continuous, low-pulsation flow is critical without additional pulsation dampening.
• High-temperature fluids exceed the temperature rating of the hose material.

For these applications, alternative technologies such as centrifugal pumps, progressive cavity pumps or rotary lobe pumps may provide a more suitable solution. AxFlow's engineers can recommend the best pump technology based on your process requirements, fluid characteristics and operating conditions.

WHY BUY PERISTALTIC PUMPS FROM AXFLOW

• AxFlow is the preeminent supplier of positive displacement pumps in the UK and has over 60 years’ experience when it comes to peristaltic pumps.
• AxFlow offers national support from its 3 technical service centres spread across the UK.
• AxFlow offers 6 different ranges range of peristaltic pump including hose pumps for flows up to 72 m3/hr, smaller tube pumps and dosing pump models.
• AxFlow stocks replacement hoses and tubes both in the UK and in its European Distribution Centre.

peristaltic pump Maintenance

Short-term maintenance:

• Check the pump pipeline for excessive wear. Turn the pump wheel by hand to check the overall flexibility.
• Although hose pumps can run dry, If the bearing has dry wear add bearing lubricating oil to the bearing body. The oil level should be at the center line of the oil standard. The lubricating oil should be replaced or replenished in time.
• Assess whether the tightening bolts on the pump head of the peristaltic pump are tightened

Long-term Maintenance:

• If the peristaltic pump is out of service for a long time, it is highly recommended to disassemble the pump, wipe off the water, apply grease to the rotating parts and joints, and store them properly.
• During the winter season, it is recommended to drain plug at the lower part of the pump body should be unscrewed to drain the medium. Prevent freezing and cracking.

Perstaltic pump hose and tube materials

AxFlow supply peristaltic pump hoses in a range of different materials, such as:

• NBR
• NR
• EPDM
• CSM
• NBR (FOOD)

Our hoses are direct replacements for Bredel pump hoses, providing a durable and cost effective solution for a range of operating conditions. Contact one of our specialist team members for guidance selecting the required hose materials for your pumping application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a peristaltic pump?

A peristaltic pump, also known as a hose pump, is a positive displacement pump that transfers fluid by compressing a flexible hose or tube. As the fluid only contacts the hose, it is ideal for abrasive, corrosive and shear-sensitive liquids.

What are peristaltic pumps used for?

Peristaltic pumps are used to transfer sludge, slurries, chemicals, wastewater, food products and other viscous or solids-containing fluids. They are widely used in water treatment, mining, chemical processing and food manufacturing.

Can peristaltic pumps handle solids?

Yes. Peristaltic pumps are specifically designed to handle liquids containing suspended solids, abrasive slurries and viscous media. As the fluid only passes through the hose, they provide excellent solids handling with minimal wear to the pump.

Can a peristaltic pump run dry?

Yes. Peristaltic pumps can typically run dry for short periods without damaging the pump mechanism because there are no mechanical seals or internal valves in contact with the pumped fluid. Operating limits vary by pump design and manufacturer recommendations.

How do I choose the right peristaltic pump?

The right peristaltic pump depends on the required flow rate, discharge pressure, fluid viscosity, solids content, chemical compatibility, hose material and operating conditions. AxFlow's engineers can recommend the most suitable pump for your application.