Aperistaltic pump acts in such a way as to mimic these functions, such as swallowing. A peristaltic pump is used to pump a variety of fluids, from pharmaceutical uses to functions in the food industry. The pump consists of a rotor placed outside tubing. The rotor has a number of rollers, shoes, or wipers attached to it and as the rotor rotates, it pinches the tubing in a way that cuts of a portion of fluid and traps it in tubing, pushing it further up the tube. As the tube opens up cam flow is induced into the pump. Flow rate is determined by rate of rotor and the size of the rollers being used by the pump.

Peristaltic pumps are unique in pumps as they offer no contamination to the fluid being pumped through them. This is a main advertising point for the pumps especially for pharmaceutical and food industries. The pump also offers easy maintenance and less down time than other pump technologies. These pumps are also suitable for labs, pilot plants, and OEM applications. Pumps come in a range from low fixed speed pumps to advanced controlled models.

There are several advantages to having a Peristaltic pump, such as how it keeps the liquid pure through its design. This maintains a sterile environment for your product. The pumps design also makes it "self priming." This makes it different from other pumps that require the owner to stand and prime the pump manually. The pump is also very gentle, moving liquids softly as to avoid damage to the contents. This makes it great for cell or large protein movement. What's really great about this pump is the fluid never comes into contact with the actual pump so there no parts to replace or clean up afterwards. Just replace the tubing and you are good to go. The only thing you have to worry about with this pump is the tubing tends to degrade over time and will need periodic replacement, but that could be said of any pump. The pump also can't provide a constant flow of liquid so if you need a steady stream you must consider a positive displacement pump.

There are two variations of the peristaltic pump: hose pumps and tube pumps. Hose pumps have the advantage over roller pumps due to their higher operating pressure. If higher operating pressure is not required then it is better to go with the tubing pump. With recent advances in tubing technology, the advantages of hose pumps over rollers is quickly fading. Tube pumps have one design that helps overcome the variations in the tube wall thickness over a broader range called "spring-loaded rollers." The spring helps overcome the pressure of the fluid in the tube.