What does a peristaltic pump primarily use to move fluid?

A peristaltic pump primarily uses a flexible tube to move fluid. The operation of a peristaltic pump involves compressing and relaxing a tube, which creates a series of wavelike contractions that push the fluid through the tube. As the flexible tube is squeezed by rollers or pads, the volume inside the tube decreases, forcing the fluid forward. When the pressure is released, the tube returns to its original shape, allowing more fluid to be drawn into the section of the tube behind the compression. This method is efficient for transferring various fluids, including those that are viscous or contain particulates, as the fluid does not come into contact with the moving parts of the pump, minimizing contamination and making it ideal for sanitary applications.