Project Title:

A Piezoelectric Driven Peristaltic Pump

94-1 		8.05		3800

A Piezoelectric Driven Peristaltic Pump

Abstract:

Some portable instruments require miniature vacuum pumps. This 
program will develop a micro vacuum pump based on a peristaltic 
pumping action. This micro vacuum pump will utilize a 
piezoelectric drive which has no sliding parts and is essentially 
wear free. The peristaltic action of this pump allows a design 
with negligible dead volume, a key to generating high compression 
ratios in a compact pump. The proposed micro vacuum pump will be 
capable of compression ratios exceeding one million to one in a 
single unit. The entire unit will fit within a volume of less 
than 30 cm3 and will require less than 1 Watt to operate. We will 
prove the feasibility of this concept by 1) developing 
manufacturing methods for the pumping element, 2) measuring the 
performance (load, stroke, and power) of the piezoelectric drive 
system, and 3) fabricating a model of the pumping section and 
measuring the pumping rate. In Phase II, we will fabricate a 
prototype of the micro vacuum pump, including compact and high 
efficiency drive electronics, optimize the design, and develop 
techniques to fabricate the pump in quantity. 

This program will develop a micro pumping system which can be 
used for either vacuum or low pressure pumping applications. This 
pumping system will be exceptionally compact (only a few cm3) and 
capable of operating efficiently at very low flows. Such a device 
will find uses in portable gas analysis instruments, implantable 
drug delivery systems, and electronics cooling systems. Its high 
inherent reliability, low noise and non-contaminating operation 
are unique among pumps at this size level and will allow the use 
of pumped systems in mission-critical long-duration applications. 


Key Words

Creare Incorporated
Etna Road, P.O. Box 71
Hanover, NH 03755