When it comes to choosing a pump for your home or business, you need to know the differences. Two of the most popular are rotary vane and peristaltic pumps. Each has its own features, advantages, and applications, so they are suitable for different needs. In this blog, we’ll go through the main differences between the two so you can make an informed decision.

What is a Rotary Vane Pump?

A rotary vane pump is a positive displacement pump. It consists of rotating vanes which move the fluid. The principle of operation of such a pump is based on the entrapment of liquid between its vanes and the inner wall of the cylindrical housing. During the rotation of the rotor, the vanes slide in and out to provide a continuous flow of the fluid.

Rotary vane pumps like the PROCON® Series 3 Stainless Steel Pumps and PROCON® Series 4 Brass Pumps are known for their reliability and accuracy. These pumps are great for applications that require steady high pressure flow such as water purification systems, beverage dispensing, and cooling systems.

What is a Peristaltic Pump?

A peristaltic pump moves fluid through a flexible tube using rollers or shoes that compress and release the tubing. This is like how our digestive system moves food, so it’s a “gentle” pump type often used for transferring delicate or viscous fluids.

Peristaltic pumps are used in applications like chemical dosing, pharmaceutical production, and food processing where contamination needs to be minimized.

Peristaltic vs Rotary Vane Pumps

Flow
Rotary Vane Pump: Consistent high pressure flow, great for water filtration and beverage dispensing.
Peristaltic Pump: Flow rates vary and not precise, good for gentle fluid transfer.

Durability
Rotary Vane Pump: Durable brass or stainless steel like the PROCON® Series 5 Rotary Vane Pump.
Peristaltic Pump: Tubing wears out often and needs to be replaced regularly.

Applications
Rotary Vane Pump: High pressure applications like reverse osmosis systems and industrial equipment.
Peristaltic Pump: Chemical dosing, viscous fluid transfer, and medical applications.

Maintenance
Rotary Vane Pump: Low maintenance and long life.
Peristaltic Pump: Tubing replacements increase maintenance.

Cost Efficiency
Rotary Vane Pump: Higher upfront cost, but long term reliability is cost effective.
Peristaltic Pump: Lower upfront cost but higher recurring costs for tubing replacements.

Contamination Risk
Rotary Vane Pump: May require additional sealing, but suitable for clean applications.
Peristaltic Pump: Minimal contamination risk since fluid only contacts the tube.

Flow Capacity
Rotary Vane Pump: Handles higher flow rates, up to 330 GPH with the PROCON® Series 4.
Peristaltic Pump: Better for low volume precise applications.

When to Choose a Rotary Vane Pump

A rotary vane pump is great for applications that require high flow rates, precision, and durability. For example:
  • Water Purification Systems: Rotary vane pumps, such as the PROCON® Series 2, are ideal for ensuring steady pressure in reverse osmosis systems and other water filtration setups.
  • Beverage Dispensing: Many commercial beverage systems rely on rotary vane pumps for consistent flow and pressure to maintain product quality.
  • Cooling Systems: In industrial or commercial cooling applications, rotary vane pumps provide the durability and efficiency needed to circulate water effectively.

When to Choose a Peristaltic Pump

Peristaltic pumps are better suited for applications where gentle fluid transfer or contamination prevention is crucial, such as:
  • Chemical Dosing: The ability to handle viscous or abrasive fluids without contact with pump components makes peristaltic pumps ideal for this task.
  • Medical Applications: For transferring sterile fluids in medical and laboratory environments, peristaltic pumps minimize contamination risks.
  • Food Processing: Peristaltic pumps are commonly used in the food and beverage industry to handle delicate or thick fluids like sauces and syrups.

Benefits of Rotary Vane Pumps for Home and Commercial Use

While both pump types have their strengths, rotary vane pumps excel in several key areas, especially for home and commercial use:
  • Durability: Constructed with robust materials like brass and stainless steel, rotary vane pumps, such as the PROCON® Series 5, are built to last, even in demanding environments.
  • High Flow Rates: Up to 330 GPH with rotary vane pumps, they can handle more volume than peristaltic pumps for larger systems.
  • Long-Term Cost Efficiency: Higher upfront cost but less maintenance required, lower long term costs.
  • Wide Compatibility: Rotary vane pumps are for residential water systems to commercial beverage machines.

Choosing the Right Pump for Your Application

Knowing the difference between a rotary vane pump and a peristaltic pump will help you choose the right one for your application. If you need a pump for high pressure, consistent flow, and long term reliability, a rotary vane pump is the way to go. For low flow, delicate, or sterile fluid transfer, a peristaltic pump may be the better choice.

Isopure Water has rotary vane pumps, including the PROCON® Series. Shop now and get the right one for you. Need help? Call us.