Food processing pumps are critical in the hygienic transfer of delicate, delicious products in food production applications. There are a wide variety of food processing pumps available, which can make the selection difficult.
In this blog, our Global Pumps team share their knowledge and experience and advise of the top food processing pumps…
Why food processing pumps?
Food and beverage pumps must comply with strict national standards to ensure the integrity of the product. Besides this, food grade pumps are critical as they maintain the nature of the product being pumped. For example, these pumps usually pump gently, ensuring no change to the fluid’s composition.
Different types of food processing pumps
There are a wide variety of food processing pumps available, which can make the decision-making process difficult. To help out, Global Pumps have outlined the top picks for delicate, gentle handling for the food and beverage industry.
Peristaltic Hose Pumps
Hose pumps are a popular food processing pump due to their ability to transfer liquids containing a high amount of particulate matter (up to 80%) or viscous fluids. Key features of the peristaltic hose pump include, but are not limited to:
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- accurate and repeatable dosing
- energy efficient
- low maintenance
- capable of operating without manual intervention which reduces operator errors
It’s also important to note that the hose is the only part of the pump that comes into contact with the fluid - avoiding any contamination.
Real-life application: A tube pump was installed at Gelista, a gelato manufacturer, to control ingredient consistency with precision. It was thanks to the dosing capabilities of the Verderflex Rapide that allowed Gelista to deliver consistent fruit ripples into their ice-cream. Read the full case study here.
Air Operated Diaphragm Pumps (AOD)
AOD pumps are reciprocating pumps where the working component is flexible diaphragms. These pumps are a leak-free operation and offer operators variable flow and discharge pressures. Key features of air operated diaphragm pumps also include:
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- self-priming, dry running capabilities
- rugged construction
- metallic and non-metallic construction
- various elastomer options
- anti-freeze / anti-stall and lube free
- externally serviceable air distribution systems
As a food grade pump, AOD pumps are suitable for drum and container transfer, trade waste, sanitary pumping and transfer. In a recent blog, we discuss options for food-grade air diaphragm pumps and how they can ensure the effective transfer of delicious, delicate products. These pumps are most popular in applications that demand flexibility in flow rate and discharge pressure, as well as when pumping sticky substances, or water-like liquids.
Real life application: Two AOD pumps were selected as core food-processing pumps during the recent Beerenberg expansion. Global Pumps selected Verderair pumps to meet the demand of Beerenberg’s production schedule and offered easy use for the multiple operators managing the pumps. Read the full case study here.
Helical Rotor Pumps / Progressive Cavity Pumps
Helical rotor pumps are capable of pumping viscous materials and fluid metering, making them a suitable option for a food processing pump. These pumps work by the rotation of a helical rotor pushing the liquids through the pump - which ensures products are not influenced during this pumping process. These food processing pumps offer the following key features:
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- reversible flow direction
- valve-less operation
- self-priming
- constant non-pulsating flow
- ability to handle abrasive and highly viscous fluids
Helical rotor pumps are specifically suitable as food-processing pumps thanks to their smooth, even performance, reduced vibration, turbulence, shear rates and pulsation. They do not ‘work’ the products, which ensures the integrity and quality of the delicious food products during the pumping process.
Lobe Pumps
Lobe pumps are common in a wide range of industries, thanks to their innate ability to handle abrasive, corrosive liquids and thick, heavy pastes. Besides this, Lobe pumps offer operators:
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- can handle fluids containing fragile solids
- run dry ability and easily pumps air/liquid mixtures
- low pulsation, positive displacement design requiring less driving power
- forward and reverse operation, ideal for cleaning lines
- compact designs
Most importantly, lobe pumps can be constructed from stainless steel components, guaranteeing compliance with food regulations.
Global Pumps has supplied a wide range of lobe pumps to wineries and food manufacturers across Australia.
Centrifugal Pumps
Stainless steel centrifugal pumps can successfully handle large quantities of fluids, as well as high flow rates, and their stainless steel construction makes them suitable for food-grade applications. Besides this, centrifugal pumps also offer operators:
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- various construction materials, including stainless steel for food-grade applications
- self-priming options
- high flow rates, and adjustable flow rates if required
These food-processing pumps are a common choice for food and beverage applications that require general transfer.
Real life application: Global Pumps worked with renowned food producers Beerenberg to expand production capacity and improve pumping systems. In order to handle the viscous pumping requirements, the pumps needed to be suitable for the food industry, therefore Global Pumps selected eight stainless steel hygienic centrifugal pumps. These offered the stainless steel fluid handling capabilities requested and were high performing to meet the demand. You can check out this case study here.
Not sure what pump will work for your food application?
Selecting a food-processing pump can be confusing, especially when there are multiple options. Besides the variety on offer, there are standards and compliance that must be met to avoid contamination and ensure hygienic transfer.
Avoid the confusion and get in touch with Global Pumps today. We have specialised experts who understand the demands of the food production industry and can advise of best practice to improve systems and processes.
You can also discover some of our recent case studies which highlight the wide range of food and beverage pumps available.
