How to Choose a Low Flow Peristaltic Pump for 3–75 mL/min Applications

Not every liquid transfer application requires a high-flow pump. In laboratories, analytical instruments, dosing systems, and small automation equipment, the actual requirement is often much simpler: a compact pump that can deliver a small and adjustable flow rate.

For these applications, a peristaltic pump can be a practical option. The liquid is transferred through flexible tubing by rollers, so the fluid does not come into direct contact with the main pump mechanism. This can also make tubing replacement and routine maintenance easier.

For applications requiring approximately 3–75 mL/min, a small DC peristaltic pump may be suitable.

Where Are Low Flow Peristaltic Pumps Used?

Low flow liquid transfer is common in equipment that requires controlled dosing, continuous feeding, or adjustable liquid delivery.

Typical applications include:

• Laboratory liquid transfer
• Analytical instruments
• Automatic dosing equipment
• Water treatment and sampling systems
• Chemical metering
• Food and beverage equipment
• Coolant and cleaning liquid transfer
• OEM automation systems

These applications usually do not require a large industrial pump. Instead, users often look for a solution that is compact, easy to adjust, simple to maintain, and convenient to integrate into existing equipment.

How Can a Pump Cover a 3–75 mL/min Flow Range?

The actual flow rate of a peristaltic pump depends on more than the motor. Tubing size, pump head design, and motor speed all affect the final flow rate.

For example, the ZP100 small peristaltic pump can provide different flow ranges when different tubing sizes are used:

Tubing Size (ID × OD)	Reference Flow Rate
1 × 3 mm	Approx. 3.2–10 mL/min
3 × 5 mm	Approx. 15–75 mL/min

These figures are reference values rather than guaranteed flow rates for every application. Actual performance can vary depending on liquid viscosity, tubing material, back pressure, tubing condition, and operating speed.

For this reason, it is usually better to start with the required working flow rate rather than simply looking at the maximum pump capacity.

Why Use a Peristaltic Pump for Low Flow Applications?

One of the main advantages of a peristaltic pump is that the liquid is primarily in contact with the pump tubing rather than the internal pump mechanism.

When changing liquids, the tubing can be replaced without having to clean a complicated internal fluid path. This can be useful for laboratory equipment and systems that handle different liquids.

Flow can also be adjusted by changing the motor speed. This makes it easier to control the liquid delivery rate when different operating conditions are required.

What Are the Benefits of 24V DC Power?

Compact equipment often needs a simple and convenient power supply. The ZP100 uses a 24V DC input, making it suitable for integration into many laboratory instruments, automation systems, and OEM equipment.

24V DC is also widely used in industrial and automation equipment, which can simplify system integration.

When reverse flow is required, the motor direction can be changed to provide clockwise and counterclockwise operation. This can be useful for applications involving liquid recovery, line emptying, or repositioning liquid inside the tubing.

How Do You Choose the Right Tubing?

Tubing selection is one of the most important parts of choosing a low flow peristaltic pump.

As a general rule:

Smaller tubing ID → lower flow applications

Larger tubing ID → higher flow applications

However, using larger tubing is not always better. If the required flow rate is only a few milliliters per minute, oversized tubing may make low-flow adjustment more difficult.

Tubing material should also be selected according to the liquid and application. For food, laboratory, or medical-related systems, users should check whether the selected tubing meets the required standards.

Why Does Pump Size Matter in OEM Equipment?

In laboratory instruments and OEM systems, available installation space is often limited. Therefore, pump selection should consider not only flow rate but also the overall dimensions, motor position, power supply, and tubing connection requirements.

The ZP100 has a compact overall size of approximately 100 × 93 × 69 mm, making it suitable for small equipment where installation space is limited.

For systems that require frequent tubing changes, a quick replacement pump head and tubing can also help reduce maintenance time.

What Should You Check Before Choosing a Low Flow Peristaltic Pump?

Before selecting a small metering pump, it is useful to confirm the following:

1. What is the target flow rate?
   For example, 5 mL/min, 30 mL/min, or 70 mL/min.
2. What liquid will be pumped?
   Consider whether it is corrosive, viscous, or contains particles.
3. Will the pump run continuously or intermittently?
4. Is forward and reverse operation required?
5. What power supply is available?
   For example, 12V DC or 24V DC.
6. How much installation space is available?
7. Is food-grade or FDA-compliant tubing required?

These details are often more useful for pump selection than simply comparing maximum flow rates.

Conclusion

For liquid transfer systems requiring low flow, adjustable speed, low-voltage power, and simple maintenance, a compact peristaltic pump can be a practical solution.

For target flow rates of approximately 3–75 mL/min, different tubing sizes can be selected according to the application, while motor speed can be adjusted to achieve the desired liquid delivery rate.

If you are selecting a low flow peristaltic pump for laboratory equipment, automatic dosing systems, or OEM applications, it is best to determine the required flow rate, liquid properties, tubing size, and operating conditions before choosing the pump.