Optimising Fluid Transfer in Harsh Conditions

Widely known as hose pumps, tube pumps, or even squeeze pumps, peristaltic pumps have become an essential fluid handling solution across industries like mining, water treatment, chemical processing, and food production, valued for their ability to deliver precise, contamination-free transfer of abrasive, viscous, or corrosive fluids where conventional pump technologies fall short.

Peristaltic pumps have become a trusted solution in industries requiring accurate, low-shear, and contamination-free fluid handling. At Process Containment Solutions (PCS), we supply Sepro Peristaltic Pumps, renowned for their durability, ease of maintenance, and suitability for some of the most demanding pumping conditions in South Africa’s industrial landscape.

 

Technical Profile: How Peristaltic Pumps Work

Peristaltic pumps are positive displacement pumps that use a rotating roller or shoe mechanism to compress a reinforced hose or tube, forcing fluid through the pump in a pulsing, linear motion. This motion mimics natural peristalsis, hence the name.

Key Components:

• Reinforced elastomeric hose/tube
• Rotor with rollers or shoes
• Casing
• Drive motor (typically electric)

Fluid never comes into contact with any mechanical parts, which isolates it entirely within the hose. The only wear part is the hose, making servicing straightforward and cost-effective.

 

 

 

 

Applications & Industry Use Cases

Peristaltic pumps are ideally suited for abrasive, corrosive, viscous, or shear-sensitive fluids. Common industries and uses include:

 

Mining & Minerals

• Slurry transfer
• Reagent dosing (e.g., lime, cyanide)
• Thickener underflow Why? The robust construction and ability to handle high-solids content (>70%) make them ideal for pumping abrasive media with minimal downtime.

 

Water & Wastewater Treatment

• Chemical dosing (ferric chloride, polymers)
• Sludge and slurry pumping Why? The gentle pumping action prevents shear degradation of flocculants, ensuring effective coagulation.

 

Chemical & Petrochemical

• Caustic and acidic fluid transfer
• Solvent and resin metering Why? Chemical resistance and full containment reduce the risk of hazardous leaks.

 

Food & Beverage

• Additive and flavour dosing
• Yeast and culture transfer Why? Clean-in-place (CIP) compatibility and zero cross-contamination with sanitary hose options.

Why Choose Peristaltic Pumps?

PCS recommends peristaltic pumps in scenarios where traditional pumping technologies fall short due to fluid aggressiveness or maintenance burdens. Key advantages include:

• Dry-running capability – No need for external lubrication or priming.
• High solids tolerance – Handles viscous, abrasive slurries and pastes.
• Low maintenance – Only the hose requires periodic replacement.
• No mechanical seals or valves – Minimises potential leak points.
• Reversible operation – Useful for clearing blockages or emptying lines.
• Gentle pumping – Ideal for shear-sensitive fluids (e.g., bio-reactive sludges, polymers).

“We’ve seen sites reduce hose replacement intervals from weekly to quarterly just by switching to high-grade peristaltic solutions.” — Maintenance Superintendent, Gold Mining Operation, Mpumalanga

 

 

 

 

Preferred Situations: When Peristaltic Pumps Outperform

Opt for peristaltic pumps when:

• You’re transferring high-viscosity or abrasive slurries that damage centrifugal or diaphragm pumps.
• Seal leakage is unacceptable, such as in chemical dosing or food processing environments.
• Frequent pump maintenance is not operationally feasible.
• The process requires accurate dosing and metering of chemicals or additives.

Their closed-system design and rugged construction make them especially suitable for remote, automated, or hazardous environments where safety and uptime are non-negotiable.

 

 

Engineered to Outlast

Peristaltic pumps represent a powerful combination of simplicity, precision, and reliability, qualities that align perfectly with PCS’s promise to deliver engineered solutions that optimise uptime and reduce total lifecycle cost.

Whether you’re pumping high-density slurries, or handling sensitive media, PCS’s Sepro range delivers performance where it counts.

Get In Touch

For more information on Peristaltic pumps please visit our dedicated Peristaltic Pump page online here or reach out to our knowledgeable team at PCS. Our team of experts is ready to provide tailored solutions that align with your operational needs and objectives.

Tel: +27 (0)10 442 5798 | +27 (0)67 385 9590
Email: info@pcsza.com