Enertech has conducted extensive testing to determine the factors that affect tubing life in Peristaltic Pump applications. No tubing will last forever but by following some simple guidelines, tubing life can be extended. By using the information provided, systems can be designed to obtain optimum pump tubing life.

One of the key factors affecting pump tubing performance is the fluid being transported. Chemical attack leads to absorption or swelling of the tubing, which will shorten tubing life. The chemical resistance to a specific fluid should always be determined when selecting a pump tubing.

Pressure

Every pumping system always has some degree of back pressure. Pressure will generally increase as the transport line is lengthened or is directed to an elevated outlet. Exceeding the pressure limits of a tubing will decrease its life and lead to tubing rupture.

The factor with the greatest influence on pump tubing life is the pump rpm rate. As the tubing is impacted by the rollers, it is compressed, squeezed and then released to allow for recovery and a repeat of the flexing cycle. Various tubing materials exhibit different degrees of resistance to this flexural fatigue. The number of impacts a given tubing is able to withstand is finite. Therefore, tubing life expectancy is based on rpm’s and the number of rollers in the pump head.

The percent to which a pump roller occludes or compresses a tubing also affects its flexural fatigue. This can be controlled by using proper tubing wall thickness for the pump and by using a tubing extruded with consistently tight tolerances to minimize wall thickness variation.

Tubing breakdown caused by the pump design generates minute particles in the flow stream, which are a normal condition of tubing wear during Peristaltic Pump use. Selection of a low spallation tubing product in the proper size for the model pump used will minimize the generation of these particles, if this is a concern in the application or process.

Other factors for consideration to achieve optimal pump tubing life include proper installation of tubing in the pump (avoid twisting and kinking), frictional drag by the roller or roller guides and temperature of the fluid being transported, as well as the operational environment.