Frequently Asked Questions

A peristaltic pump is a type of positive displacement pump that moves fluid by compressing a flexible hose with rotating rollers. The fluid only contacts the inside of the hose, making peristaltic pumps ideal for abrasive, corrosive, or shear-sensitive materials. They are also called hose pumps or tube pumps.

Read our complete guide to peristaltic pumps for an in-depth explanation.

Rotating rollers compress a flexible hose against the inside of a circular pump housing. As each roller moves forward, it pushes a pocket of fluid toward the discharge port. Behind the roller, the hose springs back to its original shape, creating a vacuum that draws new fluid in through the suction port. This continuous cycle produces steady, pulsation-free flow.

The mechanism is named after peristalsis — the same wave-like muscular contractions that move food through the human digestive system.

Rotho is the brand name for peristaltic pumps manufactured by Ragazzini S.r.l. in Italy. Ragazzini has been manufacturing industrial peristaltic pumps since the late 1970s, developing advanced roller-bearing technology that sets the standard for hose life and energy efficiency.

KECO Pump & Equipment has been the exclusive North American distributor since 1954, providing sales, service, and technical support across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Learn more about KECO and the Ragazzini partnership.

Peristaltic pumps are unique because the fluid only contacts the hose — no seals, valves, or impellers touch the product. They are self-priming up to 29.5 ft (9m), can run dry without damage, handle up to 80% solids, and the only wear part is the hose. No other pump technology offers this combination of capabilities.

Explore all Rotho pump features.

Rotho peristaltic pumps cover flow rates from 0.10 GPH (S5 model, for precision micro-dosing) to 47,750 GPH (LD127 model, for high-volume industrial transfer). The four series provide overlapping coverage:

• S Series: 0.10 to 660 GPH
• M Series: 26 to 5,280 GPH
• L Series: 660 to 31,700 GPH
• LD Series: 660 to 47,750 GPH

Use our pump selector to find the right model for your flow rate.

The maximum discharge pressure is 290 PSI, available on the LD Series (Large Duty) pumps. The S Series handles up to 145 PSI, while the M and L Series cover intermediate pressure requirements. The right pressure rating depends on your system's total dynamic head, including static lift, friction losses, and downstream back pressure.

Available hose materials include:

• Natural Rubber (NR): Excellent abrasion resistance for slurries and general industrial use
• Nitrile Rubber (NBR): Good oil and fuel resistance for petroleum-based fluids
• EPDM: Superior chemical resistance to acids, bases, and polar solvents
• Hypalon (CSM): Excellent resistance to oxidizing chemicals and ozone
• Silicone: FDA-compliant for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications

View our complete hose guide or contact us for material recommendations.

Yes. Peristaltic pumps excel at handling abrasive slurries with up to 80% solids content. The fluid passes through a smooth, open hose bore with no restrictions or tight clearances, so abrasive particles flow through without damaging the pump mechanism. Only the hose experiences wear, and it is replaced on a predictable schedule.

This makes peristaltic pumps the preferred choice in mining, ceramics, and construction applications.

Yes. Rotho peristaltic pumps are self-priming up to 29.5 feet (9 meters) of suction lift. When the rollers release the compressed hose, the hose springs back to its original shape and creates a strong vacuum on the suction side. No foot valves, priming systems, or flooded suction arrangements are needed.

Yes. Peristaltic pumps can run dry indefinitely without any damage. Because there are no internal seals, bearings, or close-tolerance components that require lubrication from the pumped fluid, dry running simply means the rollers compress an empty hose. This is a major advantage over centrifugal and progressive cavity pumps, which can be destroyed by even brief dry-running.

The Keco Drive is an integrated motor, gearbox, and variable frequency drive (VFD) package designed specifically for Rotho peristaltic pumps. It simplifies installation by combining three separate components into one pre-configured unit, provides precise speed control for accurate flow rate adjustment, and reduces the engineering and wiring time for new pump installations.

Learn more about the Keco Drive.

Yes. Reversing the motor direction instantly reverses the flow direction. No valves need to be changed, no piping reconfigured, and no mechanical modifications made. This is useful for tank filling and emptying, filter backwashing, clean-in-place procedures, and any application requiring flow in both directions.

You can request a quote through our contact form, by calling (619) 298-3800, or by emailing [email protected]. Provide your flow rate, pressure, and fluid details for the fastest response. Our engineering team will recommend the right pump, hose material, and drive package for your application.

Lead times vary based on the pump model, configuration, and current availability. Contact our sales team at (619) 298-3800 or [email protected] for current lead times on specific models. We stock common hose sizes and replacement parts for faster delivery.

Yes. KECO provides technical support for pump installation, commissioning, and startup. Our team can assist with system design, piping recommendations, electrical connections, and initial pump setup. We also offer on-site support for complex installations. Visit our support page for more details.

Warranty details vary by product and configuration. Contact our sales team at (619) 298-3800 or [email protected] for specific warranty information on the pump model you are considering.

Typical hose life ranges from 2,000 to 10,000+ hours depending on the application. Factors that affect hose life include pump speed (slower is better), discharge pressure (lower extends life), fluid abrasiveness, fluid temperature, and the hose material selected. In favorable conditions with moderate speeds and non-abrasive fluids, hose life exceeding 10,000 hours is achievable.

Rotho pumps feature a quick-change modular hose system that allows hose replacement without special tools or extensive pump disassembly. A trained technician can complete a hose change in under 30 minutes. KECO provides hose change procedures and can offer training for your maintenance team. Contact our support team for assistance.

None. The hose is the only wear part in a peristaltic pump. There are no mechanical seals to replace, no packing to adjust, no valves to rebuild, no bearings to grease, and no impellers to inspect. The roller bearings are sealed for life. This zero-maintenance characteristic is a major factor in the low total cost of ownership compared to other pump types.

Replacement hoses and parts can be ordered by contacting KECO Pump & Equipment at (619) 298-3800, emailing [email protected], or visiting our support page. We stock common hose sizes for fast delivery.