The peristaltic pump is a device used in medical and scientific applications to provide a continuous flow of liquids. The correct spelling of this word is /ˌperɪˈstɔːltɪk pʌmp/. The first syllable is pronounced like "per-i," while the second syllable sounds like "staltic." The stress is on the second syllable. The term "peristaltic" comes from the Greek word "peristaltikos" meaning "to contract around." This accurately reflects the movement of the pump, which uses squeezed tubing to propel fluids.
A peristaltic pump is a type of positive displacement pump that operates by squeezing and releasing a flexible tube to generate fluid flow. It consists of a rotor or roller assembly with several lobes or rollers arranged in a circular pattern. The flexible tube, also known as the pumping tube or hose, is placed around the rotor assembly, creating a working chamber.
As the rotor rotates, the rollers compress and release the tube in a rolling motion, thus creating a series of partial closures along the length of the tube. This action causes the fluid to be pushed along the tube in the direction of the opening formed by the unrolled portion of the tube. The fluid moves within the tube via a peristaltic motion, where the successive squeezing and releasing of the tube create a wave-like progression, mimicking the natural movement of muscles in the digestive system.
The peristaltic pump offers several advantages in various applications due to its unique characteristics. It provides excellent accuracy, as the flow rate is determined by the rotational speed and tube size, enabling precise control over the output. It is also a self-priming pump, capable of handling delicate or shear-sensitive fluids without causing damage or contamination. Additionally, since the fluid does not come into contact with the mechanical parts of the pump, there is limited risk of contamination or cross-contamination. Due to these features, peristaltic pumps are widely used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food processing, and medical devices.
The word "peristaltic" comes from the Greek word "peristaltikos", which means "contracting around". The term was first used by the physician and anatomist Thomas Willis in the 17th century to describe the coordinated contractions of the muscles in the esophagus that propel food down the digestive tract. The term "peristaltic pump" was likely coined later, referring to a type of pump that mimics the peristaltic action of the esophagus.