What is a Peristaltic Pump?

A peristaltic pump, also known as a hose pump, is a type of positive displacement pump used for pumping a variety of fluids. It operates by
squeezing and releasing a flexible tube or hose, created by the movement of “shoes” or rollers. These rollers compress the tube, forcing the fluid to move through the tube in a peristaltic (wave-like) motion. As the rollers move along the tube, they create a vacuum that draws in the fluid and then propels it forward. This process is called peristalsis and used in many biological systems such as the gastrointestinal tract.

Peristaltic pumps are widely acknowledged for their energy efficiency, and their typically lower maintenance requirements contribute to a reduced overall life cost of the pump. These pumps excel at handling high-viscosity products; with the right pump configuration, they can easily manage viscosities exceeding 50,000 cps.

The fluid being pumped only comes into contact with the interior of the tube or hose, ensuring that it does not touch the pump’s mechanical components. This design makes peristaltic pumps suitable for applications requiring a sterile or contamination-free environment. For delicate products, the peristaltic pump’s design minimises shearing. In applications like brewing, this means less stress on the wort or beer during the pumping process.