Peristaltic pump for microbrewery
Design and build of a 3D-printed peristaltic pump for a microbrewery – version 0 and version 1.
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Peristaltic pump for microbrewery
For pumping wort and hot water I designed and printed a custom peristaltic pump suitable for food use. Two versions were built.
Version 0
First prototype – fully 3D printed. Driven by a 12V motor:
- At 12 V: approx. 2.4 l/min
- With a cordless drill: approx. 3 l/min
The design includes a connection for a second hose.
Version 1
Simplified design using less material. Key changes:
- Silicone rollers from a laser printer instead of printed axles with springs – more reliable and readily available
- Simpler overall construction
- Flow rate: 6 l/min
- Head: minimum 1.5 m
- Drive: 3D-printed planetary gearbox
- Temperature resistance: food-grade up to 120 °C
- Material cost: under 200 CZK (~8 USD), excluding motor and rollers
Because the wort only contacts the silicone tubing, no additional food-safe coating is needed. The pump needs to be flooded to start but can handle a small amount of suction. There is no shaft seal.
In practice, the pump proved unsuitable for circulating thick mash – a different solution is needed for that.