The Versatility of Flexible Impeller Pumps: Industries and Applications
Flexible impeller pumps are a type of positive displacement pump and are recognised for their versatility and efficiency.
Their unique design allows them to manage a variety of fluids, from viscous and abrasive to delicate and shear sensitive. They are effective in transferring, filling, emptying, recycling, mixing, filtering and separation as well as metering and dosing applications.
The pump operates by catching a set amount of liquid with the vanes at the inlet. It then moves the fluid through the pump housing (positive displacement) and forces it out of the discharge. The flexible vanes bend slightly during rotation and coupled with its self-priming capability, ensures a smooth and pulse-free flow. The impellers of the pump can come in a variety of materials depending on their application e.g. neoprene for chemicals and food grade, natural rubber for water based fluids or nitrile for edible fats and oils.
We take a closer look at some of the industries we work with that benefit from using flexible impeller pumps and why they are the preferred choice.
Food and Beverage
The food and beverage industry demands pumps that can manage both high and low viscosity fluids without damaging the product. Flexible impeller pumps are ideal for this because they offer:
Gentle Handling:
They prevent shear and maintain the integrity of delicate products such as fruits, dairy, and beverages.
Versatility:
Suitable for pumping a wide range of products including syrups, sauces, and juices.
Easy Cleaning:
Their design allows for quick disassembly, making cleaning and maintenance straightforward, which is crucial for hygiene standards.
Pharmaceutical
In the pharmaceutical industry, maintaining the purity and quality of the product is paramount. Flexible impeller pumps are preferred because they offer:
Sanitary Design:
Made from materials that meet stringent sanitary standards, ensuring no contamination.
Accurate Dosing:
Capable of precise dosing and gentle handling, preventing damage to sensitive ingredients.
Versatility:
Efficiently pump creams, lotions, gels, and other viscous substances.
Chemicals
Handling chemicals requires pumps that can deal with aggressive fluids safely. Flexible impeller pumps are chosen for this task because they offer:
Chemical Compatibility:
Available in materials that can resist a wide range of chemicals.
Safe and Efficient:
Provide a smooth flow, reducing the risk of splashing and leaks.
Flexible Operation:
Capable of handling fluids with varying viscosities, from solvents to thick slurries.
Why do we recommend 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 food stuffs.
Non-hygienic flexible impeller pumps are also available and we would use these for industries where the flow rate does not need to be high and the fluid contains small particles and debris, such as dirty water and sewerage.
Here are our five main reasons for using flexible impeller pumps:
1. Self-Priming Capability:
Flexible impeller pumps can prime themselves, which is crucial for applications where the fluid source is below the pump.
2. Versatility:
They can manage a wide range of fluids, including those that are viscous, abrasive, or contain solids.
3. Gentle Pumping Action:
The flexible impellers ensure a smooth and gentle flow, protecting the integrity of sensitive products. They can also operate in either direction.
4. Easy Maintenance:
These pumps are easy to disassemble and clean, which is particularly important in industries with stringent hygiene requirements.
5. Durability:
Designed to manage tough environments and fluids, ensuring a long service life.
We only work with quality pump suppliers and for flexible impeller pumps the two main suppliers we work with are Liverani and Jabsco. Both are highly regarded with impressive track records and have a great choice of flexible impeller pumps to choose from.
Conclusion
Flexible impeller pumps are a versatile and reliable solution for many industries. Their ability to manage a wide range of fluids gently and efficiently makes them indispensable in sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
We can customise each flexible impeller pump to suit the industry and customer we are working with and can offer additional features such as trolley mounting, geared motors and hydraulic drives.
By choosing flexible impeller pumps, industries can ensure smooth operations, maintain product integrity, and achieve efficient fluid handling.
Visit here for our product page on flexible impeller pumps
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