Peristaltic pump

[Lilynema]

Hi Guys
I am trying to learn about peristaltic pumps. I would like to know the effect of using more than two rollers on the flow rate? For example with a specific rotor diameter and tube parameters if you want high flow rate should you go for 2 rollers instead of three? Basically what affects the flow rate of these pumps? Sorry for my funny question but my background is in agriculture so do not know anything about the pumps.
Lilynema

 

[bimr]

These pumps are not custom designed. The manufacturers have standard size pump with flow and head curves for these sizes. If you want a pump, talk to a manufacturer representative and get the pump curves.

 

[Artisi]

Don't think a change to the number of rollers would make any difference to the flowrate, however it would smooth out the discharge from the pump.
To change flowrate you change speed.

It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. (Sherlock Holmes - A Scandal in Bohemia.)

 

[itdepends]

A 3 rotor unit will have a slightly smaller capacity than a 1 roller unit because the 3rd roller will slightly decrease the volume available per cycle (i.e. of the ~50% of the tube generally available to be filled with fluid and rolled forward to deliver flow- the 3rd roller will at some points in the cycle be taking up a bit of space by compressing the tube.

However- as noted above- more rollers = smoother discharge flow. Generally it's speed and tube diameter that affects the flow. You'll get longer tube/roller life with a bigger tube and lower speeds.

As a chem eng/metallurgist the first part of any answer I give starts with "It Depends"