Techniques for Using Peristaltic Pumps

        The peristaltic pump, also known as the constant flow pump and hose pump, operates on a simple mechanical principle. It pumps fluid by alternately compressing and releasing the pump tube. This is similar to how two fingers squeeze a hose filled with liquid, creating negative pressure within the tube and causing the liquid to flow along with the movement of the fingers!

        Jieheng Peristaltic Pump Co., Ltd., as an experienced company specializing in peristaltic pump research and development, has summarized the following usage tips based on long-term experience, for reference by peers and users. Please feel free to provide feedback.

Tip 1: When not in use, loosen the compression block on the pump tube to extend its lifespan. To maintain the longevity of the pump tube, it is recommended to lift the compression block when not using the pump, allowing the tube to remain in a natural unpressurized state, thereby extending its lifespan.

Tip 2: When selecting a peristaltic pump, try to keep the pump speed below 300 revolutions per minute while meeting the required flow rate. The flow rate of a peristaltic pump is generated by the rotation of the pump head. If the rotation speed is too high, the service life of the pump tube will be reduced. Therefore, if a longer tube life is desired, it is advisable to choose a larger tube diameter and correspondingly reduce the pump speed.

Tip 3: Use specialized peristaltic pump tubes on the pump head and regular pipes for other connections. Peristaltic pump tubes require excellent compressive resilience and tear resistance due to their high purity material and precise geometric dimensions, which results in higher prices. Using regular pipes for connections is more cost-effective.

Tip 4: Keep the inlet of the peristaltic pump tube as short as possible, and ensure that the connector and pipe diameter are not smaller than t of the tube installed on the pump head. The suction force of a peristaltic pump is generated by the elastic rebound of the tube. If the inlet pipeline, especially if it is too long or has a reduced diameter, creates excessive resistance at the suction end, it can impede the tube’s elastic rebound, resulting in significant loss of actual flow rate. Similarly, if the outlet pipeline has a reduced diameter or is too long, and considering the generally low discharge pressure of peristaltic pumps, excessive resistance at the outlet can lead to a decrease in output flow rate.

Tip 5: When selecting a peristaltic pump, ensure that the theoretical flow rate is greater than the actual flow rate by at least 30%. Due to their soft nature, peristaltic pump tubes generate lower negative pressure and discharge pressure. If the liquid being transported has a certain viscosity or if there is a significant length of pipeline involved, this can result in a loss of actual flow rate. To achieve the desired flow rate during operation, it is advisable to select a pump with a slightly higher theoretical flow rate compared to the actual flow rate.

Tip 6: Pay attention to cleaning debris from the pump housing and tubes during peristaltic pump usage. Peristaltic pumps are precision instruments that rely on maintaining accurate clearance between components to compress the tubes effectively. If debris from damaged tubes enters and adheres to the pump housing, pressure rollers, compression blocks, or tubes, it can alter the compression clearance of the pump head, even if it is only minimal. This can lead to premature and excessive wear on the tubes, potentially affecting the pump head and causing damage.                                                  

Tip 7:When using peristaltic pumps, it is important to regularly check the wear and tear of the pump tubes. The peristaltic pump tubes are easily damaged and once broken, it can cause leakage of fluid. Therefore, it is necessary to inspect the surface of the pump housing for early signs of wear and tear to prevent damage to the pump tubes.

Tip 8：When selecting a peristaltic pump, it is crucial to consider whether the fluid being transported will corrode the pump tubes. There are various materials used for pump tubes and a wide range of fluids that can be transported. No single type of pump tube can withstand all types of fluids. Therefore, it is essential to identify the specific type of fluid being used and compare it with chemical compatibility tables or conduct immersion tests to ensure that the pump tubes are suitable for use.