Peristaltic Pump problems Solved =>Walking tube 🚶
Peristaltic Pump problems Solved
>Walking tube
When we start a peristaltic pump and the pump rotor starts spinning and we notice the tubing begins to get pulled through we have a “walking tube” problem. This is not normal for peristaltic pumps. This is a problem.
The speed at which the tubing gets pulled through the pump head will be different.
Sometimes it will be so slow that it will be difficult to observe. That is why it is a good idea to mark the tubing on one side with tape or marker pen and observe if the mark moves.
One reason for the tube walkin is poorly designed tube clamps. Not much that can be done about that other than buying a different peristaltic pump-head. That is why it is worth testing a few pump-heads before committing to a larger volume purchase.
The other more common issue is wrongly adjusted tube clamps. It is important to ensure that the tube clamps are adjusted correctly for the tubing currently installed in the pump. There is usually a wheel knob underneath the tube clamp that can be turned - remember in most cases the pump-head has to be in open position during adjustment not closed.
Solution to problem:
1. Check tubing size
Your peristaltic tubing will have a wall thickness and inside diameter.
Most common wall thickness for peristaltic pumps is 1.6 mm and 2.4 mm wall thickness tubing but it can be something else like 1.0mm.
Ensure your pumphead is designed for the tubing you intend to use. Do not assume it is!
The same looking peristaltic pump from outside could be designed to take either a 1.6mm wall thickness tubing or 2.4mm wall thickness tubing and want work with both.
That is why checking tubing size is fundamental - safe way is to do it with sales rep.
2. Adjust tube clamps
When you adjust the tube clamps for an inner diameter you might be using a different wall thickness tubing.
There is usually a wheel knob underneath the tube clamp that can be turned - remember in most cases the pump-head has to be in open position during adjustment not closed.
3. Consider tube elements
A lot of pumpheads have a Tube Element Pumpheads version. This gets rid of the problem of adjusting tube clamps. No tube clamp no problem but you can't use continuous tubing.
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