Peristaltic Pumps
Verified by Mel Sykes, Industrial Supply Chain Specialist - April 2026
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Types | Industrial hose (large flow), tube (lab/dosing) |
| Flow rates | 0.001 ml/min to 80 m3/h |
| Advantages | Self-priming, dry-running safe, reversible, no seals in contact with media |
| Applications | Chemical dosing, food, wastewater, mining slurry |
| Brands | Watson-Marlow, Verderflex, Bredel |
What are Peristaltic Pumps?
Peristaltic pumps are positive displacement pumps that operate by rolling a flexible tube or hose against rollers to move fluid. They're distinguished by their simplicity and reliability in handling corrosive or abrasive fluids without damaging the pump's internal components.
Types and Variants
Peristaltic pumps come in two main types: industrial hose pumps for large flow applications and tube pumps for lab and dosing tasks. Industrial hose pumps typically have larger hoses. Ranging from 6 to 12 mm inner diameter (ID), capable of handling flows up to 80 m³/h. Tube pumps feature smaller tubes with IDs as low as 0.5 mm and can achieve flow rates down to 0.001 ml/min.
Materials and Specifications
Materials for Peristaltic Pumps must meet specific standards like ISO, BS, and DIN to ensure durability and chemical resistance. Common materials include:
- Tubing: Silicone (FDA-approved), PVC, Tygon, and Buna-N rubber.
- Housing: Stainless steel (e.g., A2-70 grade) or aluminium for corrosion resistance.
- Rollers: Hardened stainless steel rollers, often with EN8 carbon steel shafts.
For example, Watson-Marlow's 520 range uses a silicone tube that meets FDA standards and is suitable for food-grade applications. The housing is typically made from 316L stainless steel to resist corrosion in harsh environments.
Selection Criteria
Choosing the right peristaltic pump involves several factors:
- Fluid Properties: Consider viscosity, corrosivity, abrasiveness.
- Flow Rate & Pressure: Determine required flow rates and operating pressures. Industrial hose pumps can handle up to 10 bar pressure, while tube pumps often operate at lower pressures around 3 bar.
- Temperature Range: Ensure the pump material is compatible with process temperatures. Silicone tubing withstands temperatures from -50°C to +200°C.
- Maintenance Needs: Peristaltic pumps are low-maintenance but require regular hose replacement.
UK Suppliers
MLC lists verified suppliers such as Watson-Marlow, Verderflex, and Bredel through Companies House registration. These companies offer full ranges of peristaltic pumps tailored to various industries. For instance, Watson-Marlow has been a leading supplier since 1953 and provides detailed technical data sheets for each pump model.
Common Applications
Peristaltic pumps are widely used in diverse applications:
- Chemical Dosing: Accurate dosing of chemicals like acids and bases without damaging the pump.
- Food Industry: Safe handling of food products with tubing materials that meet FDA standards.
- Wastewater Treatment: Effective pumping of sludge and other thick liquids due to their self-priming capability and ability to handle solids.
- Mining Slurry: Moving abrasive slurries and high-viscosity fluids without wear on the pump components.
For instance, in wastewater treatment plants, Bredel pumps are used extensively for dewatering processes due to their strong design and suitability for harsh conditions.
References
Verified UK Suppliers
| Company | Company No. | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Mixall Limited | 12469076 | Bredgar Road, Gillingham, ME8 6PL |
| Green Energy Engineering Ltd | NI601109 | 198a Lurgan Road, Dromore, BT25 1HL |
| Motor Technology Ltd. | 01895277 | Motec House Chadkirk Business Park, Romiley, Stock |
| Motors Fans And Pump Solutions Limited | 05042981 | 87 North Road, Parkstone Poole, Dorset, BH14 0LT |
| J.B.J. (Techniques) Limited | 01185469 | 28 Trowers Way, Holmethorpe Industrial Estate, Red |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Peristaltic Pumps?
Peristaltic Pumps are engineering components used in industrial applications. Browse verified UK suppliers on MLC.
Where can I buy Peristaltic Pumps in the UK?
MLC lists verified UK peristaltic pumps suppliers with Companies House data. Browse by product category or search by location.
What are Peristaltal Pumps and how do they operate?
Peristaltic pumps are positive displacement pumps that move fluid by rolling a flexible tube or hose against rollers, squeezing the tubing to push the fluid forward. They come in two main types: industrial hose pumps for large flow applications and tube pumps for lab and dosing tasks.
What are the typical flow rates achievable with Peristaltic Pumps?
Peristaltic pumps offer a wide range of flow rates, from as low as 0.001 ml/min up to 80 m³/h, making them suitable for various industrial applications ranging from laboratory dosing to large-scale chemical processing.
What are the key advantages of using Peristaltic Pumps?
Peristaltic pumps offer several advantages including self-priming capability, dry-running safety, and reversibility. Additionally, they don't have seals in contact with the fluid, which is beneficial for handling corrosive or abrasive materials.
What are some typical applications of Peristaltic Pumps in industrial settings?
Peristaltic pumps find use in various industries such as chemical dosing, food processing, wastewater treatment, and mining slurry handling due to their ability to manage a wide variety of fluids without damaging the pump components.
Which brands are known for manufacturing high-quality Peristaltic Pumps?
Some well-known brands that manufacture high-quality peristaltic pumps include Watson-Marlow, Verderflex, and Bredel. These companies offer strong solutions tailored to diverse industrial needs.
What factors should be considered when choosing between hose and tube variants of Peristaltic Pumps?
When selecting a variant for your application, consider the flow rate requirements. Industrial hose pumps use larger hoses (6-12mm ID) suitable for high-flow applications up to 80 m³/h, whereas tube pumps with smaller diameters down to 0.5 mm are ideal for precise dosing and lab tasks.
Are there specific UK suppliers or distributors for Peristaltic Pumps?
Several companies in the UK act as suppliers or distributors for peristaltic pump brands such as Watson-Marlow, Verderflex, and Bredel. These include Mactek Ltd., Fluidrive Hydraulics & Pneumatics Ltd., and Industrial Automation Services (UK) Ltd.
How do cost factors influence the availability of Peristaltic Pumps in the UK market?
The cost of peristaltic pumps can vary based on pump size, flow rate capacity, and brand. Smaller tube pumps are generally more affordable compared to large industrial hose pumps. Availability is influenced by demand; common models from major brands tend to be widely available through distributors across the UK.