Cost and operational advantages of new direct-drive motor technology have been validated for driving peristaltic pumps. Based on transverse flux innovations, these motors have been used in a variety of high-torque, low-speed applications from conveyors to industrial fans, and recently extended their breadth of operation to include positive displacement pumps. Peristaltic pumps require relatively high torque at low rotational speeds, typically in the range of 5 to 500 rpm, well below the direct-drive capability for incumbent, conventional alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) motors. As a result, incumbent motors are operated at a higher speed (more than 1,000 rpm), and a speed reduction gearbox is necessary to achieve the required torque and rotational speed. These geared drive systems can be large, heavy and inefficient.
Using motor technology that is 70 percent smaller can decrease costs for peristaltic pump operation.
Electric Torque Machines
10/09/2017
Figure 1. Size and weight comparison: direct drive vs. AC motor with gearbox drive system. (Graphics courtesy of Electric Torque Machines)
Figure 2. Power consumption comparison showing a 29-54 percent reduction for the direct drive system.
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