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Peristaltic Pump Tubing

Peristaltic Pump Tubing


The following text is an introduction to peristaltic pump tubing is also known simply as pump tubing Tubing like all material that degenerates through extended use needs testing to ensure that the material is fit for use. The following are advisory measures to assist in the selection of pump tubing and ensure maximum efficient life in operation. Tubing is a very important part of a peristaltic pump; however selection of tubing that is unsuitable often happens with disastrous results. With so many different options available, tubing selection needs attention and addressing its use is critical:

Effect of Chemicals
Pump tubing is always in contact with fluid and the peristaltic nature of the pumping increases the potential for chemical erosion. Pump tubing with abrasive chemicals can lead to swelling or weakening of the tubing, which will shorten a tubes life. We recommend that a tubes resistance to chemicals should always be determined when selecting pump tubing. ASK for chemical reistance charts prior to purchase. However when using a chemical compatibility chart check each constituent of the fluid, not just the main ingredients. Even trace levels of some acids or solvents can be enough to destroy pump tubing. Also remember that chemical resistance decreases as temperature increases. The chemical compatibility chart must indicate which conditions, particularly temperature, were used to determine compatibility. Viton tubing, for example, is resistant to many inorganic chemicals and even to some organic solvents whereas polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is compatible with nearly all fluids. However, because PTFE is a very rigid tubing comparatively, it will require special pump heads when used with peristaltic pumps. Persitaltic pump tubing with a broad chemical resistance may be a better choice for use with a broad spectrum of fluids/chemicals.

Effect of Pressure
The very nature of peristaltic pumping, or any pumping system without backflow valves will mean there is some back pressure. Pressure increases with the length of the peristaltic pump tubing. Exceeding the indicated pressure limits of tubing will decrease its life and may lead to tube rupture and leakage of fluid. Also when highly viscous fluids are being pumped, peristaltic pump tubing with high working pressure or vacuum rating should be chosen. 

Fluid Visibility and Gas Penetration
There are two considerations here. The first relates to fluid sensitivty to light, in which case the tubing needs to be opaque. The second relates to an operators need to see if air bubbles or contaminants have entered the line. Silicon or Tygon tubing may be best used for this. Gas penetration may cause issues with the fluid, such as oxidation and therefore low gas-permeable tubing may be required, such as silicone.

Pump Speed
Without doubt, excluding very strong acids and bases, pump speed is one of the most important factors that affects pump life and performance. Pump speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) and the impact of rollers on the tube as speed increases is noticeable. As you may expect different tubing materials show different degrees of resistance material fatigue. Anticipation of roller RPM and the number of rollers is needed. These specifications can be checked with the manufacturer. The quality and tolerances of the tube walling in manufacture together with thickness and flexibility as speeds will also have an effect on lifespan and performance.

Other
Some of the more obvious factors relate to human intervention. Proper installation of the pump tubing and avoidance of twisting or excess friction by the rollers or guides and ensuring the temperature of the fluid being transported is acceptable, is always advised. Matching tubing to the pump head size may seem obvious, but this is very important and is a basic part of the selection process. This is even more important when accuracy of fluid movement is required. Always use the tube size recommended by the pump and manufacturer.

Regulatory Approval
Finally regulatory approval may be very important in particular industries where everything that comes into contact with the final product must be accredited, qualified, certified or checked! Many tube materials are designed to meet these standards: European Pharmacopoeia (EP), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are examples of official bodies that need to be complied with.

The folllowing are examples of use for persitaltic pump tubing:

Chromatography sample analysis 
Reagent dispensing 
Nutrient delivery to cell culture media 
Filtration systems 
Deionized water transfer
Persitalic tubing for 
Pharmaceutical/Cosmetics
Filling/dispensing equipment 
Fragrance and cosmetic dosing 
Contact lens industry
Beverage dispensing
Food processing
kidney dialysis
Intravenous administration
Blood analyzing equipment
Gas sampling
Wastewater treatment
Filtered water monitoring
Chemical spill removal
Groundwater sampling
Pesticide delivery systems
Chlorine dosing in swimming pools
Adhesive delivery systems
Printing equipment
Chemistry Autoanalyzers
Blood and body fluid analysis
Wine and spirits analysis
Wastewater monitoring