Below are questions frequently asked by our customers and partners about GAO Tek’s peristaltic pumps. They are further classified by their features benchtop, multi-channel, outdoor,  rugged, temperature control, and touch screen

 

If you have any questions about our products or want to place an order, our technical experts can help you. Please fill out this form: https://gaotek.com/ask-an-expert/  

or email us at sales@gaotek.com 

  

 

What is a peristaltic pump? 

A peristaltic pump is a type of positive displacement pump that uses rotating rollers or shoes to compress and move fluid through a flexible tube by creating a series of occlusions and relaxations along the tube. 

 

How do peristaltic pumps work? 

The pump, featured in products offered by GAO Tek, operates using rotating elements to compress and relax a flexible tube, generating a peristaltic or wavelike motion. This mechanism creates a vacuum that draws fluid into the tube and propels it through without direct contact with the pump components. 

 

What are the advantages of using peristaltic pumps in chemical and life sciences? 

Our peristaltic pumps offer several benefits such as a gentle pumping action, precision in fluid delivery, high accuracy, minimal risk of contamination, the capability to handle corrosive or sensitive fluids, and ease of maintenance due to the disposable tubing. 

 

In which applications are peristaltic pumps commonly used in the chemical field? 

Peristaltic pumps are widely used for precise dosing, transferring, and handling of various chemicals, reagents, acids, bases, solvents, and corrosive fluids in laboratories, pharmaceutical production, chemical processing, and wastewater treatment. 

 

How are peristaltic pumps utilized in life sciences and biotechnology? 

In life sciences, these pumps are employed for accurate dispensing of cell culture media, nutrients, enzymes, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials. They are also used in chromatography, sample preparation, and in vitro diagnostic processes. 

 

 

Can peristaltic pumps handle shear-sensitive fluids in biological applications? 

Yes, peristaltic pumps are gentle on shear-sensitive fluids as they work without agitating or damaging the fluid. This makes them suitable for handling delicate biological samples, cells, and proteins without compromising their integrity. 

 

What considerations are important when selecting peristaltic pumps for chemical or life science applications? 

We provide customers with some factors to consider, such as flow rate requirements, tubing compatibility with the fluid being pumped, accuracy, repeatability, pressure capabilities, tubing material, sterility requirements, and ease of maintenance. 

 

Are there variations in peristaltic pump designs based on specific application needs? 

Yes, our various designs include benchtop models for laboratories, compact units for field applications, multi-channel pumps for high-throughput processes, and specialized pumps designed for specific fluids or pressures. 

 

How often should the tubing in a peristaltic pump be replaced? 

GAO Tek emphasizes that tubing replacement frequency is contingent upon several factors, such as usage patterns, the nature of the fluid being pumped, and manufacturer recommendations. Generally, it is advisable to replace tubing regularly to uphold measurement accuracy, avert contamination risks, and guarantee peak operational performance. 

 

Can peristaltic pumps be integrated into automated systems or controlled remotely? 

Yes, many modern peristaltic pumps offer options for automation, computer control, and integration with other equipment or systems, allowing for precise and programmable fluid handling in research or industrial setups. 

 

What are the different types of tubing materials available for peristaltic pumps, and how do they affect pump performance? 

Various tubing materials like silicone, PVC, fluoropolymers, and thermoplastic elastomers offer different chemical resistances, flexibility, temperature ranges, and durability, impacting fluid compatibility and pump longevity. 

 

Can peristaltic pumps handle shear-sensitive fluids, such as cells or proteins, without causing damage? 

Yes, peristaltic pumps are suitable for pumping shear-sensitive fluids gently, as the pumping action does not subject the fluid to high shear forces, minimizing the risk of damage to delicate substances. 

 

Are there limitations on the viscosity or consistency of fluids that peristaltic pumps can effectively handle? 

Peristaltic pumps can handle a wide range of viscosities, including highly viscous fluids like slurries or pastes. However, excessively thick or solid-laden fluids may require larger tubing sizes or specialized pump designs. 

 

Do peristaltic pumps require priming before operation? 

Typically, peristaltic pumps are self-priming, meaning they can start pumping fluids without manual priming. However, ensuring the tubing is properly fitted and any air pockets are eliminated is essential for efficient operation. 

 

Can peristaltic pumps run dry without causing damage to the pump or tubing? 

Peristaltic pumps have a gentle pumping action and can operate briefly without fluid, but extended dry running can lead to premature wear or damage to the tubing or pump components. It’s advisable to avoid prolonged dry running. 

 

Can peristaltic pumps be used for continuous flow, or do they require intermittent operation? 

Peristaltic pumps can operate continuously for extended periods, providing a steady flow rate. They can also be controlled for intermittent operation as needed for specific applications. 

 

How accurate are peristaltic pumps in controlling flow rates or dispensing precise volumes? 

Peristaltic pumps offer high accuracy in controlling flow rates and dispensing precise volumes, making them suitable for applications requiring accurate dosing or metering. 

 

Can peristaltic pumps handle high-pressure applications, such as pumping fluids against significant head pressures? 

Some peristaltic pump models are designed to generate high pressures, allowing them to pump fluids against considerable head pressures, making them suitable for challenging applications. 

 

Do peristaltic pumps produce pulsatile flow, and if so, how can this pulsation be minimized? 

Peristaltic pumps can produce pulsatile flow due to the intermittent compression of the tubing. To minimize pulsation, using larger tubing sizes or incorporating dampeners into the system can help achieve smoother flow. 

 

What are the typical sizes or capacities available for peristaltic pumps, and how do these factors impact their applications? 

Peristaltic pumps come in various sizes and capacities, ranging from small, portable units for laboratory use to larger industrial models. The size and capacity affect flow rates, pressure capabilities, and suitability for specific applications. 

 

What are the applications of peristaltic pumps? 

  • Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry: Peristaltic pumps are used for precise and controlled delivery of medications, including chemotherapy drugs, anesthesia, and other pharmaceuticals. These pumps are utilized in laboratories for the accurate dispensing of reagents, chemicals, and media in analytical instruments, such as HPLC systems and chromatography setups in biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals, peristaltic pumps are employed for transferring sensitive biomaterials, cell cultures, and sterile media without contamination. 
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment: Peristaltic pumps are used in water treatment plants for dosing chemicals like chlorine, coagulants, and pH-adjusting agents accurately. They are also utilized for pumping flocculants and polymers in wastewater treatment processes. 
  • Food and Beverage Industry: These pumps are employed for handling food and beverage ingredients, flavors, colors, and additives, ensuring precise metering without contamination or damage to sensitive fluids. 
  • Environmental Monitoring and Sampling: Peristaltic pumps are used for sampling water, air, and soil in environmental monitoring, allowing for accurate and contamination-free sample collection in field studies. 
  • Industrial Processing: Chemical processing industries use peristaltic pumps for transferring acids, bases, solvents, and corrosive fluids due to their resistance to chemical corrosion. They are also employed in paint and coating manufacturing for precise dispensing of pigments and additives. 
  • Analytical Instrumentation: Peristaltic pumps are integrated into various analytical instruments such as spectrophotometers, auto-analyzers, and liquid handling systems for precise fluid handling during analysis. 
  • Mining and Construction: These pumps are used in mining for transferring abrasive slurries, fluids, and chemicals due to their ability to handle solids and harsh environments. In construction, they are utilized for grout and mortar pumping, where accuracy and control are essential. 
  • Automated and Bioprocessing Systems: Peristaltic pumps find applications in automated systems and robotic platforms where accurate and programmable fluid transfer is required for high-throughput operations. 
  • Cosmetics and Personal Care: In the production of cosmetics and personal care products, peristaltic pumps are used for accurately dosing ingredients like fragrances, lotions, and creams. 

 

What U.S. regulations do GAO Tek peristaltic pumps comply with or help customers comply? 

  • FDA Regulations (Medical and Pharmaceutical): Peristaltic pumps used in medical devices or pharmaceutical applications need to adhere to regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They should meet standards for materials, biocompatibility, sterility, and accuracy for drug delivery systems or other medical applications. 
  • Industrial and Chemical Safety Standards: Peristaltic pumps used in industrial settings or chemical processing industries might need to comply with safety standards outlined by organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These standards often relate to electrical safety, material compatibility, and handling of hazardous materials. 
  • Certifications and Standards (UL, CSA, etc.): Peristaltic pumps intended for use in specific environments might need certifications from organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to ensure they meet safety and performance standards. 
  • Industry-Specific Standards and Guidelines: Various industries, such as water treatment, food processing, and biotechnology, have industry-specific standards and guidelines that peristaltic pumps must meet. These standards often relate to hygiene, fluid handling, and performance requirements. 
  • Quality Management Systems (ISO, cGMP, etc.): Manufacturers of peristaltic pumps might adhere to quality management systems like ISO 9001 or Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) to ensure consistent quality, documentation, and regulatory compliance. 
  • Material Compatibility and Chemical Resistance: Depending on the application, peristaltic pumps should comply with standards ensuring material compatibility with the fluids being pumped. For instance, if used in the pharmaceutical industry, materials should be compatible with drug formulations without contamination or degradation. 

 

What Canadian regulations do GAO Tek peristaltic pumps comply with or help customers to comply? 

  • Health Canada Regulations (Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals): Peristaltic pumps used in medical devices, drug delivery systems, or pharmaceutical manufacturing must adhere to regulations set by Health Canada. These regulations focus on safety, efficacy, quality, and materials used in medical devices or drug delivery equipment. 
  • Industry-Specific Standards and Guidelines: Industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and food processing may have specific standards and guidelines related to peristaltic pumps. These standards often pertain to hygiene, material compatibility, and performance criteria. 
  • Quality Management Systems (ISO, cGMP, etc.): Manufacturers may adhere to quality management systems such as ISO 13485 (Medical Devices) or Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) to ensure consistent quality, documentation, and regulatory compliance in producing peristaltic pumps for medical or pharmaceutical applications. 
  • Electrical Safety and Compliance: Peristaltic pumps equipped with electrical components need to comply with Canadian electrical safety standards outlined by agencies like the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to ensure safe operation and compliance with wiring and electrical safety regulations. 
  • Chemical Handling and Material Compatibility: For industrial applications, pumps should meet standards ensuring compatibility with various chemicals, corrosion resistance, and the ability to handle specific fluids without contamination or material degradation. 
  • Environmental and Safety Regulations: Depending on the industry and application, peristaltic pumps might need to adhere to environmental regulations related to waste handling, hazardous materials, and workplace safety guidelines outlined by federal or provincial authorities. 

 

What international standards do GAO Tek peristaltic pumps comply with or help customers comply with? 

  • ISO 9001: This standard focuses on quality management systems and ensures that the manufacturer has a robust quality management system in place for the design, development, production, and servicing of their products. 
  • ISO 13485: Specifically for medical devices, this standard outlines requirements for a quality management system where an organization needs to demonstrate its ability to provide medical devices and related services that consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements. 
  • ISO 14644: About cleanrooms and controlled environments, this standard specifies cleanliness by airborne particles in cleanrooms and associated controlled environments. 
  • IEC 60601: If the peristaltic pump is designed for medical use, this standard sets requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of medical electrical equipment. 
  • IEC 61010: This standard outlines general safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use. Peristaltic pumps with electronic components might need to comply with this standard. 
  • Industry-Specific Guidelines and Standards: Various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food processing, and environmental monitoring, may have industry-specific standards and guidelines. These might focus on hygiene, material compatibility, and performance criteria applicable to peristaltic pumps used in these sectors. 
  • FDA and Health Canada Regulations: While not international per se, compliance with regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and Health Canada’s guidelines for medical devices and pharmaceutical equipment is crucial for pumps used in medical or pharmaceutical applications. 
  • ASTM International Standards: ASTM develops and publishes standards for materials, products, systems, and services worldwide. While not specific to peristaltic pumps, relevant ASTM standards might cover materials, chemical compatibility, and performance testing applicable to these pumps. 

 

What alternative names does a peristaltic pump have? 

The alternative names for peristaltic pumps include tube pump, hose pump, roller pump, squeeze pump, peristaltic tube pump, peristaltic hose pump, positive displacement pump, flexing pump, lobe pump, and variable speed pump. 

 

What peristaltic pumps does GAO Tek have? 

Here is the link for the entire peristaltic pumps category https://gaotek.com/category/life-sciences/peristaltic-pumps/.The Peristaltic Pumps are further categorized by benchtop, multi-channel, outdoor, rugged, temperature control, and touch screen.

 

How much time does GAO Tek take to ship to a USA location? 

GAO Tek ships overnight to anywhere on the continental U.S. from one of its North American facilities. 

 

How much time does GAO Tek take to ship to a Canadian location? 

GAO Tek ships overnight to anywhere in continental Canada from one of its North American facilities.Â