How Do Lobe Pumps Work?

All rotary lobe and circumferential piston pumps are designed according to the same construction principle.

Two displacement elements mounted on parallel shafts are supported by an external gearbox. These two displacement elements rotate in opposite directions with minimal radial and axial clearances. They do not contact each other or the surrounding pump housing. The shafts are synchronized with spur gears.

Lobe pumps are positive displacement pumps designed to reliably transfer fluids with high and low viscosities. As the viscosity of the product increases, the pump's efficiency also increases.

They provide a low-pulsation and continuous flow without damaging the product. Therefore, they are widely preferred in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.

Operating Principle of Lobe and Piston Pumps

  • As the rotors turn, the inlet volume increases, and the product is drawn into the pump.
  • The liquid is transported between the rotor and the housing (chamber) throughout the pump.
  • The fluid is pushed towards the discharge line and transferred in a controlled manner from the pump outlet.

Advantages of Lobe Pumps

✔ Damage-Free Transport: Widely used in food applications because lobe pumps can transport solid particles without damaging the product.
✔ Large Particle Sizes: Lobe pumps can pump larger particle sizes compared to other positive displacement pumps.
✔ Low-Viscosity Liquids: Low-viscosity liquids can also be processed, although performance may decrease slightly.
✔ No Metal-to-Metal Contact: Pump components do not directly contact, reducing wear.
✔ Suitable for Hygienic Applications: Easy to clean with excellent CIP/SIP (Cleaning in Place/ Sterilization in Place) properties.

The main advantages of using a lobe pump are its excellent cleanability, ease of maintenance, and long service life due to its advanced design. These pumps ensure the reliable and safe transport of sensitive liquids such as food and pharmaceuticals.

Application Areas of Lobe Pumps

Lobe pumps can be used in various applications, including but not limited to:

  • Polymers
  • Paper coatings
  • Soaps and surfactants
  • Paints and pigments
  • Pharmaceutical industry applications
  • Food applications

Advantages of Packo Lobe Pumps

These positive displacement pumps are perfectly suited for pumping high-viscosity hygienic products. As the viscosity of the product increases, the pump's efficiency also increases.

Lobe pump technology offers the greatest flexibility in the shape of the rotor, depending on the product to be transported. Single, double, triple, multiple, circumferential piston, or helical lobe options are available.

  • Single and double lobes are used in applications requiring a larger free passage opening.
  • Triple and multiple lobes are preferred in sensitive applications requiring dosing.
  • Helical lobe provides vibration-free operation, low NPSHr, and flexibility to operate with high/low viscosity at different speeds.

In addition to standard stainless steel (316L) versions, models with rubber rotors suitable for the wine industry are also available. There are also alloys that allow metal contact between the rotor and pump housing without causing damage (non-galling rotors).

Thanks to the custom-built configuration principle, Packo lobe and circumferential piston pumps can be fully customized to customer requirements. Multiple connection options, seal configurations, and various elastomers can be applied.

Fast delivery is possible with the priority order option; the delivery time can be shortened despite the custom configuration.

Why Buy Rotary Lobe Pumps from Arpon?

✔ We specialize in hygienic lobe pumps and large lobe pumps.
✔ We have some lobe pumps in stock, allowing delivery of bare shaft pumps in 2-3 days and new pump sets in less than 4 weeks.
✔ We have hygienic pump components and kits in stock for on-site support, and these are typically available within 2-3 days.
✔ We offer three types of rotary lobe pumps:

  • Rubber-coated lobe pumps (for industrial applications)
  • Hygienic rotary lobe pumps (for low-to-medium viscosity applications)
  • External circumferential piston pumps (for more sensitive and hygienic requirements)

The Packo external circumferential piston pump is developed from the traditional lobe pump design. The long sealing path reduces leakage and ensures gentle handling of particles. It is suitable for working with low and high viscosity liquids, even with abrasive contents.

Maintenance of Rotary Lobe Pumps

Rotary lobe pumps typically have both bearings and gear motors, and bearings and gears should be lubricated regularly.

Many rotary lobe pumps also use mechanical seals, which should be checked regularly. In particular, it is important to inspect whether the bearing oil on the outside of the mechanical seal is in a position where it could leak into the liquid.

Over time, if there is a decrease in flow rate or pressure, the internal components may be worn. The solution to this problem is to replace the lobes/vanes with larger spare parts and maintain the original tolerances by reducing the inner wall thickness.

Maintenance requirements may vary by brand and model. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommended maintenance intervals.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Rotary Lobe Pump

  • Fluid Compatibility: Check if the pump is chemically compatible with the fluid to be transported.
  • Flow Rate and Pressure Requirements: Determine the flow rate and pressure you need.
  • Fluid Viscosity: Verify that the pump is suitable for the viscosity of the fluid to be transported.
  • Solid Particle Handling Capability: Choose a model with a suitable rotor design for fluids containing solid particles.
  • Hygiene and Cleaning: Evaluate whether it meets hygiene standards in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics.
  • Material Compatibility: Ensure that the pump materials do not react with the fluid and will not deteriorate over time.
  • Temperature Range: Check if the pump supports the temperature range of the fluid to be transported.
  • Ease of Maintenance and Service: Evaluate ease of maintenance and availability of spare parts.

For more information or technical support about Lobe Pumps, please contact us.