Peristaltic pumps, as precision fluid transfer devices, have their housing materials directly affecting equipment durability, hygiene, and environmental adaptability. This article provides a professional analysis of three common housing materials – PPS plastic, stainless steel, and aluminum alloy – offering selection references for medical, food, and industrial applications.
1.PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide) Material
Key Advantages:
- Chemical Stability: Resistant to acids, alkalis, organic solvents, and disinfectants (e.g., alcohol, hydrogen peroxide)
- High Temperature Resistance: Continuous operating temperature up to 200°C, suitable for sterilization environments
- Lightweight Design: Specific gravity of 1.35g/cm³, over 60% lighter than metal materials
- Electrical Insulation: Completely non-conductive, eliminating electromagnetic interference
Medical Applications:
- Supporting pumps for in vitro diagnostic equipment
- Disinfectant delivery systems in operating rooms
- Mobile medical equipment (weight-sensitive scenarios)
Limitations:
- Impact strength lower than metals
- Potential aging under prolonged UV exposure
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Stainless Steel (Commonly 304/316L)
Core Characteristics:
- Hygienic Grade: 316L stainless steel complies with GMP Class III certification
- Mechanical Strength: Compression resistance exceeding 500MPa
- Corrosion Resistance: Molybdenum content in 316L resists high-chloride environments like physiological saline
- Surface Treatment: Capable of electropolishing (Ra≤0.4μm)
Typical Applications:
- Cleanrooms in pharmaceutical industry
- Corrosive chemical reagent transfer
- Surgical equipment requiring autoclaving
Considerations:
- Heavy weight (density 7.9g/cm³)
- Avoid prolonged contact with halide ions
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Aluminum Alloy Material
Performance Features:
- Weight Advantage: Density of 2.7g/cm³, the lightest metal option
- Thermal Conductivity: Thermal conductivity of 237W/(m·K), ideal for high-power motor heat dissipation
- Surface Treatment: Anodized layers up to 25μm enhance corrosion resistance
- Cost Efficiency: Approximately 40% the cost of stainless steel
Suitable Environments:
- Housings for portable medical devices
- Industrial pumps in non-corrosive environments
- Precision instruments requiring EMI shielding
Usage Restrictions:
- Not resistant to strong acids/alkalis
- Relatively low surface hardness (HV80-120)
Selection Principles:
- Prioritize 316L stainless steel for strict sterilization environments
- Consider PPS or aluminum for weight-sensitive scenarios
- Recommend PPS for cost-effective solutions in standard medical equipment
- Mandatory material compatibility testing for special chemical environments