17.08.2026
Hygienic Multi Screw Pumps: What You Need to Know
Hygienic production processes place highest demands on the conveying technology used. In the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries in particular, choosing the right pump is crucial to product safety. But how can sensitive media be conveyed reliably whilst also complying with hygienic standards?
One solution to this problem are hygienic multi screw pumps. We’ll show you how multi screw pumps work, the applications they are used in and how to benefit.
Requirements for hygienic multi screw pumps
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In industries where hygiene is critical, pumps must do far more than simply transport liquids. They are an integral part of the process and subject to strict regulatory and operational requirements. A hygienic multi screw pump must therefore feature a dead-space-free design to prevent product deposits, whilst also enabling reliable cleaning via CIP (Cleaning-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilisation-in-Place). Furthermore, gentle handling of shear-sensitive media is just as essential as a constant flow rate, regardless of viscosity fluctuations. The choice of materials must also comply with the relevant guidelines, whilst sealing systems must be designed to minimise the risk of contamination. All components in contact with the medium must be designed so they can be thoroughly cleaned. Flow-optimised geometries prevent dead spaces and reduce the adhesion of product residues. Surfaces with low roughness further help to shorten cleaning times and increase process reliability.
Operating principle and advantages of multi screw pump
- Smooth conveyance reduces mechanical stress
- Gentle handling of sensitive products
- High versatility in use
- Efficiently conveys both low-viscosity and high-viscosity fluids
Multi screw pumps operate on the principle of rotary displacement. Two counter-rotating screws convey the fluid axially and almost pulsation-free through the pumping chamber. This operating principle offers significant advantages for hygienic applications. The uniform flow reduces mechanical stress on the fluid and prevents undesirable changes to its structure. At the same time, the design enables particularly gentle handling of sensitive products such as emulsions, suspensions or viscous liquids. Furthermore, the technology is characterised by its versatility: With a hygienic multi screw pump, you can efficiently convey both low- and high-viscosity media. This makes them suitable for various process steps within a plant.
Multi screw pumps are used in a wide range of applications with stringent hygienic requirements. Their flexibility and process reliability make them a preferred solution across various industries. Typical applications include the transfer of dairy products and foodstuffs with varying viscosities, the dosing and transfer of pharmaceutical ingredients and the processing of cosmetic products such as creams and lotions. They are also used to transfer beverages, syrups or concentrates. In all these applications, the combination of product gentleness, cleanability and process stability is paramount.
Focus on process reliability and cost-effectiveness
In addition to hygienic requirements, cost-effectiveness also plays a crucial role. A multi screw pump designed to optimum specifications helps to reduce your energy consumption and maintenance costs. The low-pulsation flow protects piping systems and minimises pressure losses. At the same time, the robust construction ensures a long service life and high operational reliability. The ability to cover several process steps with a single pump also reduces the complexity of your system and simplifies spare parts management.
With the NOTOS® 2NSH series, NETZSCH Pumps & Systems, the global specialist in handling complex media, offers high-performance multi screw pumps for hygienic applications. The series is specifically designed for the transfer of sensitive media and meets the highest standards for cleanability and process integration. The combination of precision manufacturing, innovative design and many years of application experience ensures reliable and reproducible transfer, even under demanding operating conditions.
However, a hygienic multi screw pump can only fully demonstrate its strengths if it is optimally tailored to your application. Working closely with you, the experts at NETZSCH analyse your specific requirements and develop a solution balancing process reliability, efficiency and hygiene. This lays the foundation for stable production processes and sustainable economic success.
