How to Run Preventive Maintenance on Peristaltic Pump Tubing to Extend its Life

The life of peristaltic pump tubing is determined by many factors, such as pump speed (RPM), system pressure, fluid temperature, tubing material, tubing wall thickness, environment temperature and peristaltic pump roller number etc.  Peristaltic pump head (6 rollers) and Brand A tubing with inner diameter of 1.6 mm was used to test the dispensing volume with time at room temperature (22℃) and sea level pressure condition.  The testing procedure is as follows for reference only: 

Test Equipment and Materials

• Precision balance with resolution of 0.001mg
• Peristaltic Pump Head (DG-4) with 6 rollers 
• Brand A tubing 
• Flow-through weight set 
• Silicone tubing for connection 
• Dispense nozzle Stainless Steel 316 
• Tubing fittings and clamps 
• Filling stand 
• DI water 
• LabVIEW software

Test Procedure 

1. Obtain four samples of brand A tubing, each with a length of 65mm, and install them into pump heads.
2. Connect the inlet/outlet silicone tubing to the brand A tubing installed in the pump heads.
3. Attach the stainless steel reducer nozzle to the outlet of the silicone tubing.
4. Set the pump speed on the peristaltic pump drive to 50 RPM and the dispensing duration to 2.4 seconds.
5. Collect data by measuring the dispensing volume every 2 seconds for 11 cycles. Calculate the inaccuracy/precision.
6. Keep the pump running continuously and collect data every 24 hours by repeating steps 5 and 6.
7. Stop the testing after a total continuous operation of 1122 hours.
8. Plot the dispense volumes with time (see Figure 1) 

Figure 1.  Peristaltic Pump Dispensing Volume Analysis with Time (Reference Only)

Preventive maintenance is crucial to extend the life of peristaltic pump tubing and ensure optimal performance. Here are some general steps you can take to maintain peristaltic pump tubing:

• Regular Inspection:
• Visually inspect the tubing regularly for signs of wear, cracks, or deformities.
• Check for any chemical or abrasive damage that may be affecting the tubing material.
• Replace Tubing Regularly:
• Peristaltic pump tubing has a finite lifespan, and regular replacement is essential.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for tubing replacement intervals.
• If you notice any signs of wear or degradation during routine inspections, replace the tubing promptly.
• Proper Tubing Material Selection:
• Choose tubing material that is compatible with the fluids being pumped.
• Different materials have varying resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and temperature. Select the appropriate material for your application.
• Clean the Pump Head:
• Regularly clean the pump head to prevent the buildup of residue and contaminants.
• Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning procedures.
• Flush the Tubing:
• After each use, flush the tubing with a compatible cleaning solution to remove any residual material.
• This is particularly important when pumping corrosive or abrasive substances.
• Avoid Dry Running:
• Ensure that the pump is always primed before operation to prevent dry running.
• Dry running can cause excessive wear on the tubing and reduce its lifespan.
• Maintain Proper Tube Compression:
• Check and adjust the tube compression regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Incorrect tube compression can lead to premature wear and affect pump performance.
• Monitor Pump Performance:
• Regularly check the pump's flow rate and performance.
• Any deviations from the expected performance may indicate an issue with the tubing or pump head.
• Train Operators:
• Proper training of pump operators is essential to ensure correct usage and maintenance procedures are followed.
• Educate operators about the importance of preventive maintenance and early detection of issues.
• Documentation:
• Keep detailed records of maintenance activities, including tubing replacements, cleanings, and inspections.
• Use these records to establish trends and plan future maintenance schedules.
• Environmental Considerations:
• Protect the pump from extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and other environmental factors that can contribute to tubing degradation.

Always refer to and follow the manufacturer's guidelines and documentation including the  safety datasheet and best practice for specific maintenance instructions related to your peristaltic pump model. Following these preventative maintenance practices will help to extend the life of the tubing and ensure the reliable performance of the peristaltic pump.  IF you have any questions on how to characterize a peristaltic pump or design your filling or dispensing system, please feel free to reach out to us.