Modelling the pulsatile flow rate and pressure response of a roller-type peristaltic pump

Abstract

The unique working mechanics of roller-type peristaltic pumps have allowed their applications to span a wide variety of sectors and industries. The roller-type pump's accurate dosing and hydrostatic capabilities can theoretically allow for the pump to be used for hydraulic actuation (as an electro-hydrostatic actuator) for low pressure applications. This however requires accurate control of the peristaltic pump and its flow rate. The associated pressure pulsations will also have an impact on the pump's selection criteria. Accurate control of roller-type peristaltic pumps commonly rely on flow-meters, which increases the cost of the pump and can complicate control strategies. Current modelling approaches either do not rely on first principle modelling and require expensive simulation software, or do not apply for larger Reynolds numbers at larger flow rates. The most applicable model focusses on the flow rate for each roller individually. This implies that the model requires alterations in order to accommodate pumps with varying numbers of rollers. This paper presents an alternative modelling methodology towards the volume flow rate, pulsatile flow rate qualities, and pressure pulsations commonly found in peristaltic pumps. The model instead focusses on the flow rate at the inlet and the outlet of the pump, rather than on each individual roller. This model is highly scalable and allows for varying number of rollers. The model is validated using a 3D printed peristaltic pump and pulsatile flow rate test bench. The pump is capable of accommodating roller housings with varying numbers of rollers (3 or 2) in order to validate the model.