All You Need to Know about Rotary Lobe Pumps: Functions, Benefits and Applications

What is a rotary lobe pump?

A rotary lobe pump is a type of positive displacement pump characterised by its ability to pump viscous and solids-laden media efficiently. These pumps consist of two synchronised rotors moving in opposite directions, forming chambers which transport the medium from the suction to the discharge side. The technology enables smooth, pulsation-free pumping, which makes them particularly suitable for sensitive or abrasive media. Rotary lobe pumps are versatile and can be used in various industries. Their robust design and ability to pump high volumes at low pressure make them a preferred choice for many complex pumping requirements.

How do rotary lobe pumps work?

Rotary lobe pumps work according to the positive displacement principle using two synchronised rotors moving in opposite directions within a housing. As the rotors turn, enclosed chambers form between them and the pump housing, which holds the pumped medium and transports it from the suction side to the discharge side. This continuous rotation enables you to pump your medium evenly and almost pulsation-free. Their robust design allows rotary lobe pumps to pump various media, including viscous, solids-laden and abrasive liquids. Their low-friction operation and ability to pump high volumes at constant pressure make them particularly efficient and reliable. 

What are the advantages of rotary lobe pumps?

There are numerous advantages to rotary lobe pumps, making them the first choice in various industrial applications. One of the most important features is their ability to ensure smooth and almost pulsation-free pumping. This allows you to pump even sensitive or highly viscous media safely and gently. Their robust design enables reliable operation under challenging conditions and with abrasive or solids-laden liquids. Furthermore, rotary lobe pumps are versatile and can be used in various industries, from the food and beverage industry to wastewater treatment.  Another advantage of rotary lobe pumps is the ease of maintenance: Thanks to the easily accessible components and modular design, you can replace worn parts quickly and cost-effectively, minimising downtime.

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 countless industries. In the food and beverage industry, for example, they gently convey viscous and solids-laden products such as jams, pastes and doughs. In the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, they are used to pump sensitive liquids and suspensions gently. Here, rotary lobe pumps offer high precision and ensure compliance with even the strictest hygiene requirements. Meanwhile, rotary lobe pumps are used in the chemical industry to pump corrosive, abrasive and viscous substances safely. Moreover, they are indispensable in wastewater treatment, 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.

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 synchronised rotors transport the medium in closed chambers. This enables gentle handling of sensitive, viscous or solids-laden media. Compared to diaphragm pumps, which often generate a pulsating flow, rotary lobe pumps offer continuous and constant delivery. Another advantage of rotary lobe pumps compared to progressing cavity pumps is their small footprint. Therefore, the production area required is significantly smaller, which can reduce your operating costs. Rotary lobe pumps are also characterised 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.

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 characterised 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 minimising downtime.

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

We offer more than seven decades of experience developing, producing, and selling 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 customisation 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.