Rotary Lobe Pumps, NETZSCH, Pumps, Systems

15.07.2024

Understanding Rotary Lobe Pumps - A Comprehensive Overview: Functions, Benefits and Applications

Rotary lobe pumps are versatile, positive displacement pumps known for their robust design, compact footprint, efficiency, and reliability across various industries. They are used in various industrial processes that require reliable and efficient complex fluids pumping. They are characterized by their ability to pump viscous, abrasive, solids-laden, aggressive, and sensitive media without pulsation.
 
The rotary lobe pumps serve a wide range of applications and offer maximum performance, ranging from the food and beverage industrychemicals, steel, biogas, paint, oil & gas, petrochemicals and wastewater treatment plants. We have answers to seven of the most frequently asked questions about rotary lobe pumps.
 

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What is a rotary lobe pump?

rotary lobe pump is a type of rotary positive displacement pump characterized by its ability to pump viscous and solids-laden media efficiently. This pump technology enables smooth, pulsation-free pumping, which makes them particularly suitable for sensitive or abrasive media too. Rotary lobe pumps are versatile and can be used in various industries for challenging applications. Their robust design and ability to pump high volumes at low pressure make them a preferred choice for many complex pumping requirements.

TORNADO® T.Sano® All Metal Rotary Lobe Pump
The TORNADO® T.Sano® rotary lobe pump in all-metal design is the optimum solution for your applications in the hygiene sector.

How do rotary lobe pumps work?

Rotary lobe pumps work according to the positive displacement principle using two synchronized rotors/lobes rotating in opposite directions within a stator which is the pump housing. As the rotors turn, enclosed chambers form between them and the pump housing, causing a vacuum to enable suction of the conveying fluid. 

This cavity holds the pumped medium along the rotation and conveys it from the suction side to the discharge side, providing a consistent and controlled flow. The lobes or with tight tolerances between each other and to the pump casing, which reduces wear and allows the pump to handle fluids with suspended solids without damaging the pump or the product. The gentle pumping action minimizes the shearing of the fluid, making these pumps suitable for handling delicate products like emulsions and suspensions.

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The TORNADO® T.Envi® rotary lobe pumps are optimally adapted to your individual requirements and impress with easy maintenance. 

What are the advantages of rotary lobe pumps?

  • Rotary lobe pumps can handle liquids of various viscosities, from thin, watery fluids to thick, viscous substances like syrups and slurries. These pumps can handle fluids containing soft solids or particulates with low wear, and with no damage, making them ideal for applications like food processing and wastewater treatment.
  • The pump's ability to operate in both directions of rotation provides flexibility in application, allowing for the pumping system to adapt to different operational requirements. The flow is reversible without loss of pumping efficiency and any change in installation.
  • The compact construction of the rotary lobe pumps allows it to be installed in areas with limited space. Despite its small footprint, the pump offers high operational reliability and is capable of handling the desired discharge pressures in continuous operation. Custom solutions are available for even higher pressures.
  • These Pumps are capable of running dry without damage, which is particularly advantageous in applications where interruptions in the media flow may occur.
  • Rotary lobe pumps are designed for easy disassembly, without dismantling the pipe work enabling quick and easy access to wear and maintenance parts.
  • The pump's internal components are designed for abrasion resistance, contributes to its durability even in demanding applications. The flow-optimized inlet and outlet also reduce pulsation and vibration, further extending the service life.
  • The rotary lobe pumps are self-priming and can draw liquids from up to 8 MWC.
  • The rotary lobe pumps come with different variants, with different lobe geometries and materials to suit specific media properties and usage environments. It can be used in mobile applications and mounted on various platforms, such as trolleys or trailers, offering additional flexibility.
TORNADO® T.Proc® Rotary Lobe Pump, NETZSCH, Pumps, Systems
The wear-resistant TORNADO® T.Proc® rotary lobe pump is available in both all-metal and metal-elastomer versions.

What are typical applications for rotary lobe pumps?

Thanks to their ability to pump a wide range of media efficiently, rotary lobe pumps are used in various industries. In the food and beverage industry, for example, they gently convey viscous and solids-laden products such as jams, pastes and doughs. In all the process industries, these pumps are ideal for tasks such as pit/sump emptying, lagoon maintenance, and viscous media tank cleaning.

Meanwhile, Industrial rotary lobe pumps are used in chemical, petrochemicals, oil and gas, and similar industries to pump corrosive, abrasive, and viscous substances safely. Moreover, the lobe pumps are the preferred choice in wastewater treatment and biogas industries where their efficient transport of sludge, slurries, and other solids-laden media is essential. The versatile application possibilities and robust design make rotary lobe pumps a preferred choice in many areas.

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With the oil-free TORNADO® T.Sano® you can pump even the most demanding media in compliance with the strictest hygiene regulations.

What are differences between rotary lobe pumps and other types?

Rotary lobe pumps differ from other pump types primarily in their ability to ensure almost pulsation-free and smooth pumping. Compared to centrifugal pumps, which rely on kinetic energy, rotary lobe pumps use the positive displacement principle, whereby synchronized rotors transport the medium in closed chambers. This enables gentle handling of sensitive, viscous, or solids-laden media. In comparison to diaphragm pumps, which often generate a pulsating flow, rotary lobe pumps offer continuous and constant delivery. Another advantage of rotary lobe pumps is their short footprint. 

Therefore, the installation area in the production required is significantly smaller, which can reduce your operating costs. Rotary lobe pumps are also characterized by their high efficiency and versatility, as they can be used in various applications and industries. Their robust design and easy maintenance make them exceptionally durable and cost-efficient.

Safety
Maximum safety thanks to spatial separation of pump and gearbox 
FSIP® Design
FSIP® design simplifies and reduces service times and costs 
Construction
Robust and durable construction due to material reversal

How to service and maintain rotary lobe pumps?

Maintenance and servicing are crucial for the rotary lobe pump's long-term performance and reliability. These pumps are characterized by their ease of maintenance, consisting of modular, easily replaceable components. Regular inspections and replacing worn parts such as seals, rotors, and bearings are essential to ensure smooth operation. 

A particular advantage of rotary lobe pumps manufactured by NETZSCH is their sophisticated design, which allows quick access to all relevant components, enabling maintenance work to be carried out efficiently and time-saving. NETZSCH also offers comprehensive maintenance packages and original spare parts specially tailored to the requirements of the TORNADO® series. Our global service teams are always ready to support you in keeping your pump in optimum condition and minimizing downtime.

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Why NETZSCH should be your first choice for rotary lobe pumps?

With more than seven decades of experience in developing, producing, and delivering positive displacement pumps. Thanks to this experience and our continuous search for innovations and improvements, we are a global specialist in handling complex media. Our TORNADO® rotary lobe pumps stand for outstanding quality, reliability, and efficiency. We use state-of-the-art technologies and innovative materials to provide durable, high-performance solutions. In addition, we attach great importance to customization to ensure that our pumps meet your exact requirements.

Our global network of service and sales experts guarantees you first-class products, comprehensive support, and unlimited assistance with maintenance and repair issues. Rely on NETZSCH Pumps & Systems to provide you with the optimum rotary lobe pump for your specific applications and benefit from our expertise in the long term.

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