Description

How They Work

Similar to gear pumps, lobe pumps use two or more lobes (or rotors) that intermesh within a casing. These lobes are shaped like elongated ovals, giving them their distinctive appearance. As the lobes rotate, they create chambers that fill with fluid, which is then carried around the casing and discharged.

Key Differences from Gear Pumps

• Lobe Shape: The lobes in a lobe pump are shaped like ovals or ears, while the gears in a gear pump have a more traditional gear tooth profile.
• Rotor Independence: In a lobe pump, each lobe is typically mounted on a separate shaft, allowing them to rotate independently. This reduces wear and tear on the pump components.
• Gentle Fluid Handling: The smooth, continuous action of the lobes makes lobe pumps ideal for handling shear-sensitive fluids, such as those found in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Advantages of Lobe Pumps

• Gentle fluid handling: Minimal shear stress on the fluid, making them suitable for delicate fluids.
• Self-priming: Can operate without a full suction line filled with liquid.
• Handles viscous fluids: Efficient at pumping thick fluids.
• Dry running capability: Can operate for short periods without damage when running dry.
• Sanitary design: Easy to clean and sanitize, making them suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Applications

• Food and beverage industry: For pumping sauces, pastes, and other food products.
• Pharmaceutical industry: For handling delicate and viscous pharmaceutical products.
• Chemical processing: For pumping corrosive and abrasive fluids.
• Paper and pulp industry: For pumping slurries and stock.
• Wastewater treatment: For pumping sludge and other viscous materials.