The only pumping element for the peristaltic pump is the tube, the pump works by squeezing the tube with rollers or shoes.

This means that the pump can run dry, self-prime and handle viscous or abrasive liquids, plus, as the tube is one complete unit, there are no seals thus making the pump leakfree and hygienic. Furthermore, because each rotation displaces a constant amount, the pump is excellent for dosing applications.

Although this principle applies to all peristaltic pumps the difference is in the head and the drives.