A peristaltic pump is a positive displacement pump that transports fluid by squeezing a flexible tube together in a rhythmic motion. This makes the pump particularly suitable for sensitive and sterile media, as the liquid is never in contact with the pump housing. Peristaltic pumps are therefore often used in industries with high demands on hygiene, precision and process control.

What is a peristaltic pump?

A peristaltic pump basically consists of three components: a flexible hose, a rotor with rollers (or pressure shoes) and a pump housing. As the rotor turns, the rollers press the hose against the inner wall of the pump. This creates a sealed section that moves forwards, moving the liquid in the hose. At the same time, the hose creates a vacuum when it returns to its original shape, sucking in new fluid. This ensures a smooth and controlled flow - with no contact between the fluid and the pump's mechanical parts.

How does a peristaltic pump work?

The operating principle is based on peristaltic movement - the same type of movement as in our digestive system. It's a gentle and efficient way to transport liquids. The flexible hose is squeezed flat by the rollers that rotate around an axis. When the rollers move, the fluid moves with the movement. This means that the fluid is only inside the hose - not in contact with any other parts of the pump.

This has two major advantages: Firstly, the risk of contamination is minimised as the fluid is separated from everything else. Secondly, it makes cleaning and maintenance simple because only the hose needs to be replaced or cleaned.

Advantages of peristaltic pumps

There are many good reasons to choose a peristaltic pump - especially in environments with strict cleanliness and media handling requirements:

• Gentle transport: The liquid is treated gently and without foaming or emulsion.
• High hygiene: The fluid is only in contact with the hose, reducing the risk of contamination.
• Easy cleaning: Replacing and cleaning the hose is quick and easy.
• Self-priming: The pump can suck up the liquid itself - even from dry lines.
• Can run dry: The hose is not damaged by dry running, providing operational reliability.
• Precise dosing: The pump can deliver precise amounts of fluid with every revolution.
• No valves: Simple and robust design that is resistant to particles and viscous media.

Where are peristaltic pumps used?

Peristaltic pumps are particularly suitable for industries and applications with high demands on hygiene, sensitive fluid handling or precise dosing:

• Food industry: For transporting sauces, juices, yeast or other sensitive media without foaming.
• Pharma and biotech: For dosing liquids in sterile environments where the risk of cross-contamination must be avoided.
• Chemical industry: For aggressive fluids where the hose is selected based on chemical resistance.
• Water treatment: For precise addition of chemicals such as chlorine or pH adjusters.
• Cosmetics and detergents: For dispensing creams, shampoos or high-viscosity cleaning liquids.

Find the right pumps at Alflow

At Alflow, you'll find peristaltic pumps that match your process requirements - whether you work in food production, pharma, chemistry or a completely different industry. We offer both standard solutions and customised systems with a focus on hygiene, documentation and reliability.

Our technical specialists are ready to advise you on choosing the right pump. We take your media, your hygiene requirements and your operations as a starting point - and help you find a solution that both fulfils your requirements and provides stable production with minimal downtime and maintenance.

FAQ

How does a peristaltic pump work?
A peristaltic pump works by rollers flattening a flexible hose and pushing the fluid forwards in a rhythmic motion. The fluid is only in contact with the hose and not with the pumping mechanism itself.

What is a self-priming pump?
A self-priming pump can suck up liquid from a lower location without having to fill the pump manually. This means it can start up on its own, even after running dry.

How does a pump work?
A pump works by applying energy to a fluid to move it from one place to another - either via pressure, volume displacement or rotation, depending on the type.

What is a positive pump?
A positive displacement pump moves a fixed amount of fluid per cycle. This provides a constant and accurate flow, which is ideal for dosing or handling viscous media.