Peristaltic Pumps vs Diaphragm Pumps - Pros and Cons - Graco Inc.

What is a peristaltic pump?

Peristaltic pumps, also known as roller pumps, are a type of positive displacement pump designed to transfer a wide range of fluid transfer applications. They are widely used and trusted for a variety of industries, such as food and beverage manufacturing, chemical metering/dispensing, water treatment, pulp and paper, and the concrete industry. However, peristaltic pumps do still suffer from a range of problems that electric double diaphragm pumps can solve.

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Advantages of peristaltic pumps

• Simplified design
  Peristaltic pumps have a minimal number of moving parts compared to other pump technologies. This design helps to diminish the likelihood of mechanical failures and lessen the need for routine service.
• Easy to operate
  Most peristaltic pumps are generally easy to set up and operate. This eliminates the need for any specialized training that many other pump technologies require.
• Pump efficiency
  Peristaltic pumps have the ability to run dry and self-prime. These features are important in reducing leaks and increasing pump efficiency.

Disadvantages of peristaltic pumps

• Limited hose life
  The flexible hose used in roller pumps tends to degrade with time, particularly when used with abrasives. Unless the unit is equipped with an expensive leak protection feature, rupture of the hose can cause leaks, leading to hazardous situations and contamination of the pumped fluid. Because of this, hoses need to be replaced frequently.
• Larger footprint
  Peristaltic pumps take up a lot of space, particularly when it comes to higher flow rates. Compared to electric diaphragm pumps, peristaltic pumps require a much larger footprint to achieve the same flow rates.
• Pulsed flow
  Roller pumps do not have a smooth and consistent flow. When the rollers are released, liquid back suction occurs, causing a sudden reduction in the discharge of the liquid. Getting rid of these pulses is expensive: It requires the installation of a dual pump head style unit to achieve natural pulse offset or the use of pulsation dampeners.

Graco Electric Diaphragm Pumps

When compared to a traditional peristaltic pump, Graco’s QUANTM pump provides the same flow rate but at a much lower price, which can lead to significant savings. Graco’s QUANTM pump is an electric double diaphragm pump (EODD) that addresses many of these common disadvantages of peristaltic pumps.

• Reduced maintenance costs
  Diaphragms generally cost less than large hoses. In addition, diaphragms typically outlast hoses when running at similar speeds and in similar fluid applications, with a product life span reaching up to five times that of peristaltic pump hoses. Less maintenance, at a lower cost.
• Small footprint
  The QUANTM EODD is extremely compact, so it takes up minimal space on the work floor. Roller pumps require a much larger footprint to achieve the same flow rates.
• Stalls under pressure
  One of the key advantages of the QUANTM pump is that it is the only electric double diaphragm pump on the market that stalls under pressure without external sensors. This eliminates the risk of damaging the pump or pipeline when it is blocked or a valve is closed.
• Low pulsation
  QUANTM pumps are great for applications that require lower pulsation and a smoother flow. The pulsation still exists but because of the cycle rate of the Double Diaphragm pumps in play, the pulses are less perceivable or impactful on the process.

Common peristaltic pump uses and applications

While peristaltic pumps are commonly used in various industries due to their ability to handle a wide range of fluids, they may not always be the best fit for every application. Here’s a look at how peristaltic pumps are used in specific industries and QUANTM’s potential advantages:

• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
  Peristaltic pumps are used in food and beverage manufacturing for their ability to ensure sanitary conditions. However, QUANTM pumps offer a significant advantage with their seal-less design, reducing contamination risks. Their easy-to-clean design aligns well with the stringent hygiene standards of the industry.
• Chemical Metering and Dispensing
  While peristaltic pumps are capable of precise dosing, their hoses wear out and need regular replacement when used with harsh chemicals. QUANTM pumps are built to endure corrosive substances with minimal maintenance. The ability to run dry makes them a more durable and reliable option for chemical metering and dispensing applications.
• Pulp and Paper
  The pulp and paper industry requires transfer of viscous fluids and slurries with varying solid contents. Many peristaltic pumps have issues with such fluids due to the potential for hose degradation and clogging. QUANTM pumps have a more efficient solution with their ability to pump highly viscous fluids without the concern of hose failure. This reduces downtime and increases productivity in pulp and paper manufacturing processes.

In each of these applications, QUANTM electric diaphragm pumps have unique advantages over peristaltic pumps. By offering enhanced durability, lower maintenance costs, and the ability to handle a wider range of substances, QUANTM can save money and increase output.

Peristaltic pumps vs diaphragm pumps

These are the QUANTM electric double diaphragm (EODD) pump benefits at a glance:

For chemical dosing in wastewater treatment, two types of pumps stand out, diaphragm and peristaltic hose pumps. Although they both perform well, they’re unique. The goal is to choose a pump designed for your company’s specific application.

Pros and Cons of These Chemical Feed Systems

There is one important thing to consider when looking for a pump for chemical dosing that’ll perform effectively and reliably. Choose a supplier with experience and vast knowledge of the pump industry. A representative can provide you with even more pros and cons beyond those listed below.

Diaphragm

These pumps have a reciprocating diaphragm that creates suction to move liquids. Of the two types of pump systems, this one is more complex. Compared to a peristaltic pump, it has more valves. For that reason, you’ll need someone who’s relatively tech-savvy to operate it.

The diaphragm pump used for chemical dosing costs less to operate than the peristaltic hose type. Between these two systems, the diaphragm type is more energy-efficient.

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The chemical feed system requires regular and proper maintenance. That’ll ensure the pump continues to perform optimally and prevent it from leaking.

To move chemicals and other potentially damaging liquids, the diaphragm chemical metering pump is the better choice. It’s also ideal for overcoming an issue of standing pressure within the flow line. For both peak performance and to prime the pump correctly, you want constant back-pressure.

A diaphragm pump used for chemical dosing does have two disadvantages. First, to achieve optimal performance, the chemical must be gas free. Second, it has the balls located on both the discharge and intake sides. So, if they get clogged, the pump will lose prime/suction capability, thereby compromising its maximum metering capability.

Peristaltic Hose Pumps

Peristaltic hose pumps are the second choice for wastewater treatment. This pump is easy to use. Unlike a diaphragm pump, this one doesn’t have check valves that can potentially clog. Therefore, it’s capable of transferring dirty and thick liquids.

Peristaltic dosing pumps have excellent dry suction capabilities. However, that doesn’t apply to a diaphragm pump. That’s just one more reason why industries choose this particular chemical dosing pump. Unfortunately, it too has a few disadvantages.

For instance, the hose is constantly gets squeezed, which eventually causes it to weaken and deteriorate. There is also a tremendous demand on the motor of a peristaltic type chemical dosing pump. That can cause two problems. First, pumping ability diminishes as time goes by. Second, it increases the risk of the hose rupturing.

Depending on the type of liquids pumped, a weakened or ruptured hose could result in a leak. If that happens, both the casing and equipment could sustain serious damage. The simplest way to avoid the issue is to use the proper hose and inspect it regularly.

Fortunately, manufacturers give the pump hoses distinct ratings, and they estimate the equipment’s life span. So, when replacing the hose, always pay close attention to these two factors.

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