Peristaltic pumps are widely used across water treatment, chemical dosing, mining, and industrial processing due to their accuracy, reliability and ability to handle difficult fluids. As a sealed, hygienic pump design, they provide dependable performance for abrasive, viscous and shear-sensitive products.
This guide explains what peristaltic pumps are, how they work, and why they are considered one of the most versatile positive displacement pump technologies.
A peristaltic pump is a positive displacement pump that moves fluid through a reinforced hose by compressing and releasing it in a controlled sequence. Only the inside of the hose comes into contact with the fluid, offering exceptional contamination control and compatibility with aggressive or abrasive media.
A practical peristaltic pump definition is:
A pump that transfers fluid by mechanically squeezing a flexible hose or tube, creating forward motion through a repeating wave-like action.
These pumps are suitable for dosing, metering and transfer applications where accuracy, low shear and reliability are essential.
Understanding how a peristaltic pump works begins with the hose. Inside the pump casing is a flexible, fibre-reinforced hose that is compressed by rotating shoes or rollers. As each shoe moves along the hose:
This mechanical action forms the basis of the peristaltic hose pump working principle. Because the fluid never touches moving metal parts or seals, the pump maintains tight control over flow and prevents contamination, even with harsh or high-solids products.
Yes. Peristaltic pumps are classified as positive displacement pumps because they move a fixed volume of fluid with each compression cycle. This allows:
Their predictable discharge characteristics make them a preferred choice for chemical dosing and slurry transfer.
A peristaltic metering pump performs a range of transfer and dosing tasks across industrial and processing sectors. Their sealed, hose-based design enables them to:
This versatility makes the Verderflex peristaltic hose pump one of the most durable and low-maintenance options available for challenging fluids.<
Peristaltic pumps offer several operational benefits that support reliable performance.
Gentle, controlled pumping: Ideal for shear-sensitive fluids, slurries and products with solids.
No contamination: Only the hose contacts the fluid, supporting food-grade, pharmaceutical and chemical dosing applications.
Self-priming and dry-running: The pump can lift from empty lines and operate without fluid flow.
Reversible operation: Useful for clearing hoses or adjusting product movement during processing.
High accuracy: Positive displacement pumping ensures steady, predictable flow.
Low maintenance: No seals, valves or glands are in contact with the product, reducing wear and downtime.
Peristaltic pumps are used across industries where durability and accuracy are critical. Common applications include:
Their ability to handle difficult fluids without compromising reliability makes them a strong fit for both light and heavy industrial environments.
Verderflex peristaltic pumps provide a reliable, accurate and low-maintenance solution for handling abrasive, corrosive and high-viscosity fluids. With no seals, valves or glands in contact with the product, they minimise wear, reduce downtime and offer consistent performance in demanding environments. If you’re considering a new peristaltic pump or upgrading your dosing and transfer systems, speak with Global Pumps. With over 48 years’ experience supporting industrial and processing applications, we can help you select a durable, long-term pumping solution that meets your operational needs.
Global Pumps has supplied peristaltic pumping solutions across Australia for chemical dosing, slurry transfer and abrasive media handling. The following case studies demonstrate how Verderflex pumps perform in real-world industrial environments.
Diesel-Compatible Brine Transfer Pump Solution
A client required a robust pumping system to handle brine contaminated with diesel. A Verderflex peristaltic pump provided reliable, leak-free transfer with minimal maintenance.
Lime Dosing Upgrade Using Verderflex Peristaltic Pumps (Victoria)
A water treatment plant needed improved accuracy and reduced downtime in its lime dosing process. Verderflex pumps delivered consistent metering and long service life under abrasive conditions.
Chemical Dosing with Verderflex Dura Series Pumps
Chemical dosing inconsistencies were affecting process stability. Global Pumps supplied Verderflex Ds500 units, resulting in precise dosing control and reduced maintenance demand.