How to Prevent Peristaltic Pump Failures with the Right Tubing
Peristaltic pumps are widely used in applications that handle aggressive or sensitive fluids, such as corrosive detergents, chemical solutions, and industrial cleaners. Common industries include commercial laundry, dishwashing, floor care, and laboratory systems.
A frequent and costly problem in these systems is tubing failure. Selecting the wrong tubing material can result in premature wear, pump damage, safety hazards, and system downtime. This guide outlines how to prevent those failures with strategic tubing selection.
Understanding Peristaltic Pumps
How Peristaltic Pumps Work
Peristaltic pumps operate by compressing flexible tubing between a rotor-mounted roller and the pump housing. As the rotor turns, fluid is pushed through the tube without coming into contact with moving parts, making the system ideal for sterile or chemically aggressive environments.
Compared to other pump types, such as diaphragm pumps or gear pumps, peristaltic pumps offer several unique advantages:
- No contamination risk: Because the fluid only contacts the inner wall of the tubing, there’s no risk of cross-contamination, which is crucial in applications involving sensitive or reactive chemicals.
- Self-priming capability: Peristaltic pumps can run dry and self-prime without damage, unlike gear pumps which often require external priming.
- Simplified maintenance: The tubing can be replaced quickly without disassembling the entire pump, unlike diaphragm or gear mechanisms which often require more complex servicing.
These benefits make peristaltic pumps a preferred choice in industries that demand precise, contamination-free fluid delivery with minimal downtime. Peristaltic pumps operate by compressing flexible tubing between a rotor-mounted roller and the pump housing. As the rotor turns, fluid is pushed through the tube without coming into contact with moving parts, making the system ideal for sterile or chemically aggressive environments.
Why Tubing Matters
The tube is the only part of the pump in direct contact with the fluid and is continuously flexed and compressed. The tubing must withstand repeated mechanical stress while remaining chemically compatible with the fluid it transports.
Common Causes of Tubing Failure
Chemical Incompatibility
Many fluids used in peristaltic pump applications—such as bleach, solvents, and surfactants—can degrade tubing not designed for chemical resistance. In industries like commercial cleaning, food processing, and industrial equipment manufacturing, common culprits include sodium hypochlorite (bleach), hydrochloric acid, and isopropyl alcohol. These chemicals can cause swelling, brittleness, or breakdown in materials not engineered to withstand them.
Mechanical Wear
Repeated compression causes tubes to fatigue over time. Inadequate material selection accelerates wear, resulting in:
- Flattening or collapse
- Surface cracking
- Reduced flow consistency
- Shortened pump life
Incorrect Temperature Ratings
Exposure to high or fluctuating temperatures can cause softening, hardening, or cracking, depending on the tubing material.
What to Look for in Peristaltic Pump Tubing
Key Performance Characteristics
To optimize reliability, evaluate tubing based on:
| Attribute | Importance |
| Chemical Compatibility | Prevents material breakdown and swelling |
| Flex Life | Supports long-term use without cracking or fatigue |
| Compression Set Resistance | Ensures tubing returns to shape after being squeezed |
| Temperature Tolerance | Maintains performance in extreme or fluctuating temperatures |
| Regulatory Compliance | Critical for applications in food, beverage, or medical markets |
Why Periflex™ EPDM Tubing Is a Reliable Choice
Robinson Rubber’s Periflex™ EPDM tubing is specifically designed for peristaltic pump applications. Its formulation offers a balance of mechanical durability and chemical resistance for demanding environments.
Advantages of Periflex™ EPDM Tubing
- Compatible with many aggressive cleaners and detergents
- High flex life and resistance to compression fatigue; tested to withstand up to 1,000 hours of continuous flexing without loss of integrity
- Low compression set performance with values under 25% in dynamic applications, helping maintain flow rates over time
- Suitable for use in cleaning and sanitation equipment
- Customizable to meet application-specific needs, including tailored durometer, wall thickness, and chemical resistance profiles
Our team can also assist in developing custom tubing configurations to match your pump design and application requirements.
Best Practices for Maximizing Tubing and Pump Life
Select the Right Material Early
Engage with your tubing supplier during the design phase to ensure proper material selection based on:
- Fluid chemistry
- Expected operating conditions
- Mechanical stress and duty cycles
Monitor for Wear Indicators
Inspect tubing regularly for signs of:
- Surface degradation
- Swelling
- Flow reduction
- Loss of elasticity
Schedule Preventative Replacements
Implement a replacement schedule based on test data or manufacturer recommendations, not just visual inspection. For EPDM-based tubing like Periflex™, a general guideline is to replace the tubing every 500 to 1,000 operating hours depending on chemical exposure and mechanical stress. High-frequency or high-pressure applications may require more frequent intervals.
Establishing a proactive replacement plan helps avoid unexpected downtime and ensures consistent fluid delivery performance. Implement a replacement schedule based on test data or manufacturer recommendations, not just visual inspection.
Get Expert Help from Robinson Rubber
Choosing the right peristaltic tubing can prevent costly failures and keep your system operating efficiently. Robinson Rubber brings over 85 years of expertise in custom elastomer formulation, precision molding, and in-house material testing—ensuring each tubing solution is tailored to meet demanding application requirements.
To learn more or request a quote
Call: 763-535-6737
Email: sales@robinsonrubber.com