What Is a Pump Ring?
A pump ring is a type of tube pump.
The advantages of a tube pump include:
- No need for check valves due to the non-return mechanism
- The fluid path consists only of tubing, making it easy to change flow paths
- No direct contact between the fluid and the pump, preventing contamination
- Possibility of continuous pumping and self-priming
- Resistance to dry running
- Easy installation, operation, and maintenance
- Excellent flow stability and metering accuracy
- Low-cost tubing required as a replacement part
However, due to a mechanism that places a burden on the tube, the tube life was expected to be shorter. To address this weakness, a ring-shaped roller called a “Pump Ring” is employed.
Uses of Pump Rings
Pump rings are widely used for liquid conveyance.
They find applications in various fields, with the discharge volume being adjustable, and depending on the tubing material, they can also handle chemical liquids. Examples of liquids used include:
- Detergents and rinses (finishing agents)
- Food and beverages
- Chemicals (acidic water, sulfuric acid, alkaline water, hypozinc acid, etc.)
- Ink
- Various oils (fuel oil, etc.)
Applications and fields of use include:
- Physical and chemical fields (bio, chemical): chemical supply, dispensers, etc.
- Food and beverage industry: water purifiers, filling machines, etc.
- Medical applications: regenerative medical equipment, hemodialysis machines, etc.
- Printing: inkjet printers, etc.
- Other advanced technology fields such as car washes and floor washing machines
Principles of Pump Rings
A pump ring consists of a tube serving as a liquid transport path and a roller responsible for suctioning the liquid.
Tube pumps suction liquid by squeezing the tube with multiple small rollers. Here’s how it works:
- The tube is positioned around the perimeter of a rotating section containing several rollers, which is part of an eccentric rotor.
- The contact area with the rollers is compressed between the outer wall, resulting in tube deformation.
- The rollers sequentially compress the tube from the upstream side, creating a vacuum within the tube to suction the liquid.
Due to this mechanism, there is a significant burden on the tubes, which need frequent replacement.
To mitigate this issue, pump rings are used to prolong tubing life by reducing the tubing’s load. When multiple rollers are used, there is a difference in pressure between the contact and non-contact areas with the rollers. Therefore, a single large-diameter ring in a pump ring system continuously compresses the tubing from the upstream side. By equalizing the load on the tubing, it reduces tubing wear, resulting in an extended service life.