Eccentric screw pumps (rotor / stator) are powerhouses, and they need to be. The tasks they have to handle are challenging. Depending on the application area, they have to pump media with different viscosities and even partially high solid content. These include liquids such as chemicals, oils, adhesives, suspensions, as well as various forms of sludge.
Stainless steel pumps are popular representatives in the industrial sector. They have various properties that make them particularly suitable for use in demanding areas. In this post, we would like to introduce you to different application areas and properties of stainless steel industrial pumps and show you what matters when choosing the right industrial pump.
FROM WATER PUMP TO INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
The invention of pumps stems from a simple need. For life, humans need sufficient water of good quality. This water is mostly found in deeper regions beneath our feet. So it's not surprising that humans have come up with a way to bring this water to the surface.
Wells were the first step, water buckets the second. Archimedes was eventually the one who laid the foundation for today's pumps. The Archimedean screw is the result of early considerations, and this pump is very similar to a modern screw pump. Of course, it took some time from antiquity to today for the Archimedean screw to culminate in modern pump technology. Nevertheless, the principle, in a modified form, is still valid today. Modern pumps can be divided into two different types: flow pumps and displacement pumps.
Flow pumps
As the name suggests, the central element of a flow pump is the flow of the fluid. The liquid flows through the device without flaps or valves. For example, centrifugal pumps belong to this type of pump. The heart of centrifugal pumps is an impeller that rotates in the flow of the flowing liquid. The rotation additionally puts the medium into motion.
Depending on the design, centrifugal pumps are suitable for different applications. The crucial factors are the flow rate, pressure, speed, as well as the viscosity and solid content of the fluid. Industrial centrifugal pumps, for example, are used in refineries, but they can also be found in the dairy industry.
Displacement pumps
Unlike flow pumps, displacement pumps portion the fluid to be transported into "smaller portions." A part of the liquid is captured and further pressed with the help of pressure. Spindles cause displacement, which builds up the necessary suction and pressure. The result is the flow.
The major advantage of displacement pumps lies in their ability to transport media with higher viscosity. Of course, there are also different designs for this, each covering a different application area depending on their properties.
A special form of displacement pump, for example, is the eccentric screw pump. It is a rotating volumetric pump. Both the rotor and the stator are helical. The rotor spirally rotates in the stator, setting the medium in motion. Due to their robustness, eccentric screw pumps can even transport viscous liquids with a high solid content.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MATERIAL
As with many things in life, the material from which industrial pumps are made is crucial for their application area. A popular material is stainless steel because it withstands high temperatures and even aggressive chemicals. Stainless steel is also the preferred choice in dairy farms, as the surface can be easily and hygienically cleaned – a prerequisite for handling food.
Stainless steel is not only used for industrial pumps, but it is particularly suitable for these important components of the industry. Among its properties, in addition to the durability already mentioned above, is its special corrosion resistance. The conductive material even has a kind of self-healing ability, which has many advantages in industry. Stainless steel has a thin passive layer on the surface, which can renew itself in case of minor damage. This often makes surface protection in the form of coating unnecessary.
However, combining stainless steel with other materials can significantly enhance the performance of both the stainless steel and the industrial pump. For example, in the case of progressive cavity pumps, the use of composites, so-called "compounds," is worthwhile. Plastics not only improve the functionality of stainless steel pumps but also their lifespan. Different rubber qualities also offer a wide range of Shore hardness and resistances, making them suitable for a variety of applications.
CORROSIVE AND AGGRESSIVE – CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
Chemicals pose particular challenges to industrial pumps. Their corrosive and aggressive properties quickly degrade surfaces and can lead to the failure of the entire system in the worst case scenario.
When working with acids, bases, high-purity substances, or water with additives, corrosion is often the greatest enemy of industrial pumps. When material surfaces are attacked, rust can spread rapidly. Stainless steel is highly corrosion-resistant and can withstand chemical substances. However, there are also seemingly other vulnerable areas that can have a significant impact. For example, the rubber package of the stator. Choosing the wrong rubber compound here can create defects that can lead to pump failure.
CUSTOMIZED AND INNOVATIVE – THE SUITABLE PROGRESSIVE CAVITY PUMP
To find the appropriate rotor and stator for the respective application area, some key points must be clarified beforehand to ensure that the pump meets the requirements. Answering some basic questions forms the basis:
- What type of fluid will the pump be conveying? Is it, for example, an acid or a chemical with other aggressive properties? Then the pump must be particularly resistant to corrosion and other forms of wear and tear.
- What viscosity does the medium have? How viscous is the fluid, are there any solid particles? The nature of the fluid to be pumped influences the choice of pump type. Centrifugal pumps, for example, are well suited for very liquid media with low viscosity. They are generally less suitable for slurries or thick liquids.
- What pressure must the pump be able to generate? The required pressure that a pump must generate often depends on viscosity. Thick fluids require higher pump pressures.
- What performance must the pump deliver? Does the industrial pump need to move large quantities in a short time, or is it a lower throughput? The required flow rate determines the size and diameter of an industrial pump.
- What temperatures prevail during the pumping process? Are the temperatures particularly high or low? Depending on the required process temperature, an industrial pump must be made from specific materials with special alloys. Thus, heat or cold has direct effects on the choice of material.
Only when these questions are answered can the construction of the appropriate progressive cavity pump begin.
QUALITY MADE IN GERMANY
All types of pumps represent a significant investment, so it is important for these valuable powerhouses to have a long lifespan and to work reliably with minimal maintenance. To ensure this, it is important to choose the right manufacturer. Longstanding experience and expertise are indispensable for this. Kunststofftechnik Rodenberg GmbH (KTR GmbH) also focuses on quality "Made in Germany," and for very good reason.
For nearly 50 years, KTR GmbH has stood for quality, precision, and custom manufacturing. The requirements and needs of the customer are always the focus. Therefore, the highly trained specialists not only manufacture industrial pumps precisely tailored to the respective applications but also combine various materials to create innovative and entirely new solutions for challenging tasks. The foundation is not only precise consultation beforehand but also the development of detailed technical requirements.
The company relies on German quality work because the central values are quality, innovation, customer orientation, and reliability. These values and standards are not only applied to KTR GmbH's own work but also to its products. Using state-of-the-art facilities, the company manufactures industrial pumps, agricultural technology, ship bearing systems, and wear protection products that meet the highest standards and operate with minimal maintenance.
KTR GmbH is the strong partner for industry, agricultural technology, and mechanical engineering. For further information and consultation, visit: https://ktrgmbh.de/kontakt.