A peristaltic pump is a type of positive displacement pump that works by squeezing a flexible tube or hose to create a flow of fluid. The pump consists of a rotating rotor with a number of rollers that compress the tube, creating a series of cavities or “pockets” that move fluid through the pump in a controlled manner. As the rotor turns, the rollers squeeze the tube, forcing fluid to move through the pump.

Peristaltic metering pumps excel at pumping dirty fluids that contain particulate matter into lower-pressure systems because they have no check valves to clog. The gentle forces created during the peristaltic pumping action will not damage delicate fluids within the tube. Peristaltic pumps are also ideal for pumping gaseous chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite because they can pass slugs of gas safely, eliminating the chance of vapor lock. In addition, the interior tubing and the fittings are the only part of the pump to come into contact with the fluid, so they’re an excellent option for pumping flavorings, scents, colorings, additives, vitamins, minerals in food and beverage applications. Blue-White’s tubes comply with FDA21 CFR, 117.2600 criteria for food processing.

Peristaltic pumps do not require foot or back pressure valves to function properly. They are capable of suctioning dry products and do not need to be primed to operate, eliminating the need for a foot valve. Neither do they require back pressure valves, as they can meter fluids at different pressures without the flow rate being affected. In addition, back pressure valves can shorten the tube life of a peristaltic pump by adding unnecessary back pressure.

The accuracy of the FLEXFLO peristaltic pumps is +/-5% full scale accuracy. If the pump is calibrated it becomes +/- 2%. These accuracy claims are only for water at 72⁰F with a 5-foot suction lift at atmospheric conditions of sea level.

Peristaltic pumps have powerful suction capabilities, with a suction lift capability of 30’ or 9.1m. They can also run dry without causing damage to the pump. (diaphragm pumps on the other hand need to be primed to function properly, adding down time to the process)