Process Pumps
What are a process pumps? Industrial process pumps are used in manufacturing to reduce the need for manual handling by moving product through various stages of production. They typically transfer materials from large vats or containers to the production line.
Due to the wide range of products and specific requirements involved, there is a large variety of process pumps available. Each type is designed to handle different tasks, such as pumping viscous fluids or moving liquids containing solids.
Diaphragm Pumps
An air operated diaphragm pump is a positive displacement pump powered by compressed air. It uses a linked shaft to shift air between two chambers, causing the diaphragms to move simultaneously—one chamber fills with liquid while the other discharges it.
These pumps use reciprocating elastomeric diaphragms and check valves (either ball or flat-type) to move fluid efficiently. Their wide material compatibility makes them suitable for handling everything from aggressive chemicals to hygienic products, especially where gentle pumping is required.
These are also available with an electric motor, which can save thousands of pounds on running costs across a site, compared to the air-operated pump.
Flexible Impeller Pumps
Flexible impeller pumps are low in cost and ideal for intermittent transfer applications in the food and beverage industry. Manufactured from polished stainless steel with food grade impellers, they are ideal for pumping viscous products such as jams, milk, creams and many other foodstuffs.
They are also available in non-hygienic, which would be for other products where the flow rate does not need to be high and the fluid contains small particles and debris, such as dirty water and sewerage.
These are also available with an electric motor, which can save thousands of pounds on running costs across a site, compared to the air-operated pump.
Lobe Pumps
Lobe pumps are a positive displacement pump which consist of two rotors turning in opposite directions. A gearbox drives the rotors and provides synchronisation and timing of the rotors. The two rotors spinning in opposite directions within the pump head carries the fluid through the pump in the cavities formed between the dwell of the rotor and the interior of the rotor case.
The pair of rotors create a vacuum on the priming side of the pump, drawing the fluids into the pump chamber the fluid is displaced with each rotation of the rotors. Lobe pumps offer superb sanitary qualities, high efficiency, reliability, corrosion resistance, and good clean-in-place and sterilize-in-place (CIP/SIP) characteristics.
Lobe pumps are available in a range of materials including rubber and stainless steel lobes, making them suitable for many applications.
Gear Pumps
Gear pumps are a positive displacement pump which moves the liquid by repeatedly enclosing a fixed volume using interlocking gears, therefore transferring it mechanically using a cyclic pumping action. Gear pumps deliver a smooth and pulse free flow.
The pair of gears create a vacuum on the priming side of the pump, drawing the fluids into the pump chamber. The fluid is displaced as the gears turn and interlock. Gears pumps provide high pressure, smooth pulse free flow, and are ideal for low flow rates. Gear pumps are available in a range of materials including cast and stainless steel gears, making them suitable for many applications.
Progressive Cavity Pumps
Progressive cavity pumps are positive displacement pumps that are typically used for pumping thick sludges and waste to shear sensitive products. Due to the single rota progressive cavities are generated which delivers a uniform, metered and non-pulsating flow.
Progressive cavity pumps are commonly known by several different names such as, helical roto pumps, mono pumps, positive displacement pumps or rotor pumps. These pumps have been designed to convey shear-sensitive, frothing, abrasive, heterogeneous and viscous liquids. The longer the rotor of these units, the higher the head of the pump will be.
The pumping element comprises of a precision machined single external helic metallic rotor, and a double internal helix elastomer stator. Due to the special profile of the rotor and rotor set, a sealing line is formed along the axis of the rotor which is maintained at both static and dynamic conditions.
As the rotor turns within the stator, these cavities progress from the suction to the discharge end of the pump carrying the fluid. Flow is directly proportional to speed meaning they can be used to meter fluids.
Twin Screw Pumps
Twin screw pumps are positive displacement pumps commonly used in hygienic applications. Originally designed for transporting oil, they are now popular in the food and beverage industries, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and fine chemicals.
Some models are made entirely of stainless steel, while others use steel or cast iron for non-hygienic uses. Standard designs feature two spindles—a left and right-hand screw—that move product axially. The non-contact screws are highly wear-resistant, offering durability and reduced maintenance.
Because the product is gently deflected, not spun, transfer is smooth and low in pulsation, protecting both the product and surrounding equipment. These pumps have strong priming capabilities and low NPSH values, reducing cavitation risk. They can handle both low and high-viscosity fluids, as well as products containing air.
Twin screw pumps can manage solids up to 50mm without damage. High-pressure models handle differential pressures up to 50 bar and are available with hygiene certification. They also support CIP cleaning with the same pump, saving space and cost by removing the need for a separate CIP unit.
Robust mechanical seals come in single or twin designs, with optional flush systems and meet hygienic requirements. Applications include cheese spreads, pastes, dough, meat emulsions, whole eggs, juice concentrates, yeast cultures, creams, toothpaste, body lotions and medicines.
Peristaltic Pumps
Peristaltic pumps are a type of positive displacement pump used for pumping a wide range of fluids. They have the simplest and most gentle pumping action and is commonly known as a roller pump or hose pump.
Peristaltic pumps are ideal for handling shear-sensitive products. They offer highly accurate dosing, are unaffected by abrasion, can perform high suction lifts, run dry and pump pressures up to 16 bar.
The fluid is contained within flexible hoses inside a circular pump casing. A rotor with rollers or shoes rotates and compresses the hose. As the rollers move over the tube, it is pinched closed, forcing fluid through the hose. Once the roller passes, the tube returns to its normal shape, drawing fluid back in and repeating the cycle.
Typically, peristaltic pumps have two or more rollers, or shoes. Peristaltic pumps can run continuously, or can be used within systems for dosing of smaller amounts of fluid.
Key product features/what we can offer
- Large range of materials to suit varying applications
- Complete turnkey packages and installation
- Replacement pumps, controls, valves and pipework
- Repairs, overhauls and replacements
- Servicing and maintenance
- Controls fault finding
- Spare and wearing parts supplied.
Applications
- Food and drink manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Pet food processing
- Engine and car manufacturing
- Aerospace engineering.
Common issues we can solve
- Pumps that fail often – less than 1 year
- Viscous products
- Control issue.
Choosing Dura Pump means investing in reliability and safety for your facility. Talk to an expert about your needs
Take a look at our pump spares and accessories
Inverters
Beacon & Alert Systems
Float Switch/Level Control
Flow Meters
Hose /Pipework
Kiosks
Mechanical Seals
Pump Spares
Expansion Bellows
Pressure Vessels
GMS Remote Monitoring
Valves
Control panels
Blanking Plate
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