Linear peristaltic pump driven by three magnetic actuators: simulation and experimental results

A bi-directional linear peristaltic pump is presented that avoids use of a rotating step motor and rollers. Fluid displacement, flow and pump function, respectively, are achieved by means of three electro-magnetic actuators. They are electronically controlled and designed to periodically squeeze an elastic tube that contains the liquid. The device reveals a very simple construction, is maintenance free, has very low power consumption, thus accounting for very low manufacture and operation costs. Upon reducing the size of the actuators, it can be easily integrated with micro fluidic arrangements. Flow and pressure pulsation can be reduced by increasing the number of actuators. A finite element-based numerical model has been developed, using the fluid structure interaction (FSI) model. The flow dynamics inside the tube has been treated, using the coupling between the Navier-Stokes and the elastic displacement equations of the elastic tube. The appropriate and optimum timely driving sequence of the actuators, as well as the response characteristics of the physical system, were also numerically evaluated. Experimental results fully agree with the numerical simulation results. The dynamic range of the flow rate was determined as ranging from 700 mu/min to 79ml/min, while the back pressure varies between 400 mmHg to 14 mmHg.