The Use of Peristaltic Pumps in Washing Machines

Peristaltic pumps have become an integral component of modern washing machines, particularly in the context of automated detergent dosing systems. These pumps offer several advantages over traditional methods of detergent dispensing, including improved accuracy, reduced detergent consumption, and enhanced washing performance.

This article will delve into the structure and working principle of peristaltic pumps, explore their specific application in automatic detergent dosing, and discuss the key advantages and precautions associated with their use in washing machines.

Structure and Working Principle of Peristaltic Pumps

A peristaltic pump, also known as a roller pump or hose pump, is a type of positive displacement pump that transports fluids by compressing a flexible tube. It operates by a series of rollers that sequentially compress the tube wall, creating a traveling sealed area that propels the fluid forward. Simultaneously, a vacuum is generated at the point where the roller separates from the tube, drawing in more fluid.
Peristaltic pumps typically consist of a pump body, rotor, hose, and rollers. Due to their simple structure, they offer stable flow, long pumping distances, and low noise levels, making them widely used in chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

The peristaltic pump is connected to the washing machine control system and controls the detergent dispensing by controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valve. When the washing machine is started, the control system opens the solenoid valve, and the peristaltic pump starts working to deliver detergent into the washing machine. When the washing machine needs to rinse or deep clean, the peristaltic pump will also be activated. Throughout the process, the peristaltic pump achieves automated control by frequently compressing and releasing to dispense detergent.

How Peristaltic Pumps are Used in Automatic Detergent Dosing?

In our daily lives, washing machines have become indispensable household appliances. Modern washing machines can automatically dispense detergent during the washing process, making our lives more convenient. The principle behind automatic detergent dispensing in washing machines relies on modern technologies such as liquid level sensing and peristaltic pump control.

Liquid Level Sensing  

When adding or draining water, washing machines use liquid level switches to detect the water level. Once the washing program starts, the liquid level switch senses the water height and then controls whether the washing machine should dispense detergent.

Peristaltic Pump Control

When the washing machine detects the need to dispense detergent, it activates the peristaltic pump to transport the detergent through the tubing into the washing machine.

In washing machines equipped with automatic detergent dosing systems, peristaltic pumps play a crucial role. Connected to the detergent reservoir, the pump is precisely controlled by the washing machine’s electronic control unit. Based on factors such as load size, fabric type, and the selected washing program, the control unit determines the required amount of detergent. The peristaltic pump then accurately dispenses the calculated detergent volume into the washing tub at the appropriate stage of the wash cycle.

Advantages of Automatic Detergent Dosing with Peristaltic Pumps

Using a peristaltic pump to automatically dosing laundry detergent can improve laundry efficiency and save detergent supplies. It is currently widely used in most washing machines. There are several significant advantages to using a peristaltic pump for automatic detergent dosing:

• Precise Dosing: Peristaltic pumps are renowned for their high accuracy in fluid delivery. This precision ensures that the optimal amount of detergent is used for each wash cycle, minimizing the risk of overdosing or underdosing. Overdosing can lead to detergent residue buildup, potentially damaging fabrics and harming the environment. Underdosing, on the other hand, can result in ineffective cleaning.  
• Reduced Detergent Consumption: By accurately dispensing the required amount of detergent, automatic dosing systems contribute to significant reductions in detergent consumption. This not only translates into cost savings for consumers but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with detergent production and disposal.  
• Improved Washing Performance: Using the correct amount of detergent ensures optimal cleaning performance. The right detergent level effectively removes dirt and stains while minimizing the risk of detergent residue.  
• Convenience: Automatic detergent dosing eliminates the need for manual measurement and dispensing of detergent. This significantly enhances the convenience of laundry chores, saving users time and effort.  

Precautions for Using Peristaltic Pumps in Washing Machines

While peristaltic pumps offer numerous advantages, certain precautions must be considered to ensure their optimal performance and longevity:

• Compatibility of pump and machine models: Ensure that the peristaltic pump model is compatible with the washing machine model to prevent performance issues caused by incompatibility.
• Reasonableness and safety of pipeline setup: The peristaltic pump pipeline should be installed properly to ensure its stability and safety, preventing leaks or damage caused by improper installation.
• Fluctuations in detergent level: Monitor the detergent level to ensure accurate metering and delivery of detergent by the peristaltic pump.
• Specific gravity of different detergents: Consider the varying specific gravity of different detergents to ensure accurate metering by the peristaltic pump.
• Impact of room temperature and water temperature on detergent viscosity: Temperature changes can affect the viscosity of detergents, thus impacting the metering accuracy of the peristaltic pump. Therefore, temperature control is necessary.
• Regular replacement of pump tube: The pump tube is a consumable part. Prolonged use can lead to reduced elasticity. It is recommended to replace the pump tube regularly to maintain the pump’s stability and accuracy.

JIHPUMP Peristaltic Pumps for Washing Machines

Peristaltic pumps have revolutionized detergent dosing in modern washing machines. By enabling precise and automated detergent dispensing, these pumps offer significant benefits in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and convenience.

JIHPUMP is a specialized company dedicated to the research and production of peristaltic pumps, providing comprehensive technical support for peristaltic pumps and products to meet the needs of modern supply chains. Through repeated experiments, engineers at JIHPUMP have conducted in-depth tests on various brands and models of detergents under different environmental and temperature conditions. Combining Jieheng’s long-term experience in using peristaltic pumps, we can provide rapid retrofitting and industrial-scale production implementation for fully automatic washing machine peristaltic pumps. For more information, please feel free to contact us.