ROTARY PUMP

By definition, positive-displacement (PD) pumps displace a known quantity of

liquid with each revolution of the pumping elements. This is done by trapping
liquid between the pumping elements and a stationary casing. Pumping
element designs include gears, lobes, rotary pistons, vanes, and screws.

PD pumps are found in a wide range of applications -- chemical-processing;

liquid delivery; marine; biotechnology; pharmaceutical; as well as food, dairy,
and beverage processing. Their versatility and popularity is due in part to
their relatively compact design, high-viscosity performance, continuous flow
regardless of differential pressure, and ability to handle high differential
pressure.

Pump School® is made up of information from a variety of sources including

manufacturers, governmental agencies, industry trade organizations, and
common PD industry knowledge.

 Rotary Pump Family Tree

 When to Use a Positive Displacement Pump vs. Centrifugal (pdf)

 Comparing 4 Types of PD Pumps

 Rotary & Centrifugal Pumps

 Pump Sealing Options

 Quick Reference Liquid Guide

The Basic Operating Principle

A Positive Displacement Pump has an expanding cavity on the suction side of the pump
and a decreasing cavity on the discharge side. Liquid is allowed to flow into the pump as
the cavity on the suction side expands and the liquid is forced out of the discharge as the
cavity collapses. This principle applies to all types of Positive Displacement Pumps
whether the pump is a rotary lobe, gear within a gear, piston, diaphragm, screw,
progressing cavity, etc.

Rotary Lobe Pump

 ROTARY PUMP

A Positive Displacement Pump, unlike a Centrifugal Pump, will produce the same flow at a
given RPM no matter what the discharge pressure is. A Positive Displacement Pump cannot
be operated against a closed valve on the discharge side of the pump, i.e. it does not have a
shut-off head like a Centrifugal Pump does. If a Positive Displacement Pump is allowed to
operate against a closed discharge valve it will continue to produce flow which will increase
the p

Advantages Disadvantages
 Pass medium solids  Requires timing gears
 No metal-to-metal contact  Requires two seals

 Superior CIP/SIP capabilities  Reduced lift with thin liquids

 Long term dry run (with

lubrication to seals)

 Non-pulsating discharge
 ROTARY PUMP

Common rotary lobe pump applications include, but are not limited to:

 Polymers
 Paper coatings

 Soaps and surfactants

 Paints and dyes

 Rubber and adhesives

 Pharmaceuticals

 Food applications (a sample of these is referenced below)