OTC Insights Team
Established in 1963, OTC Industrial Technologies is one of the largest industrial distributors & service providers in the United States. We're committed to seeing industrial operations advance through expert technical solutions & unmatched support using our years of experience.
As a plant, facility, or maintenance manager, you understand the significant process of making a high-impact and high-dollar pump purchase. There are several options on the market for a capital or equipment purchase. When making a purchase decision, you will need to weigh functionality against cost, reliability against budget, and overall expense against return on investment.
It's an intense balancing act. With the potential of a poor purchase resulting in a regulatory issue or downtime, this process can be daunting. This is a process and feeling that manufacturers in the food and beverage industry know all too well when they are purchasing a sanitary food pump solution.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of pumps that are commonly used in the food and beverage industry, as well as their applications.
Pumps for the Food and Beverage Industry
Pumps in the food and beverage industry are used for a variety of tasks, including moving materials from one location to another, mixing ingredients, metering and dosing fluids, and controlling process parameters.
Pumps can be used in both food processing and beverage production. In food processing, pumps are used to move food products through the various stages of production, from raw materials to finished products. In beverage production, pumps are used to move liquids and gases throughout the process.
Types of Pumps for the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry
There are many different types of pumps that are used in the food and beverage manufacturing industry. Some of the most common types of pumps include:
- Centrifugal pumps: Centrifugal pumps are one of the most common types of pumps used in the food and beverage manufacturing industry. They are typically used for transferring liquids from one location to another. Centrifugal pumps work by using an impeller to create a centrifugal force that moves the liquid through the pump. They are also utilized in the infrastructure of a food processing facility, such as spray wash or boiler feed services.
- Air-operated double diaphragm pumps: Air-operated double diaphragm pumps are another common type of pump used in the food and beverage industry. They are often used for transferring viscous materials, such as food products and liquids. Air-operated double diaphragm pumps work by using air to power the pump.
- Peristaltic hose pumps: Peristaltic hose pumps are often used for transferring liquids and gases in the food and beverage industry. Peristaltic hose pumps work by using a series of rollers to compress and move a hose that is filled with fluid.
- Progressing cavity pumps: Progressing cavity pumps work by using a rotor to move the fluid through a series of progressing cavities. They use less pressure when processing fluids, making it better for fragile, sticky, or viscous materials.
- Positive displacement pumps: Positive displacement pumps are typically used for metering and dosing fluids. Reciprocating positive displacement pumps work by using a piston to move the fluid through the pump.
- Lobe pumps: Lobe pumps have sanitary mechanical seals and stainless-steel casing and lobes, and are efficient, reliable, and sanitary, making them an excellent choice for the food and beverage industry. Depending on the design, they can handle viscous liquids, fragile solids, and mixtures of air and liquid.
- Sealless pumps: A fairly new product, Innomag is a sealless, magnetically driven, and non-metallic pump that is available in a high-purity, chemically resistant configuration, making it ideal for the pharmaceutical and food processing industries. The pump is built with a one-piece composite shell and is carbon fiber reinforced for superior leak protection. It uses a mag-drive pump and the first fully thrust-balanced pump so it can handle solids with ease. It provides safety and performance, and easy maintenance for numerous applications.
Each type of food and beverage pump has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to select the right pump for the specific application.
Contact OTC for the Best Food and Beverage Pumps
This list, while covering many of the most important pumps for the food and beverage industry, is not all-inclusive.
It’s important to discuss your needs and requirements with an expert in food and beverage pumps before making a purchase. The right pump can deliver superior results, higher efficiency, and lower energy consumption, providing a quick return for the extra consultation for a pump supplier.
OTC has experience in providing pumps as well as air compressors for food and beverage processing. We can help you find the perfect pump for your needs or discuss your specific requirements if you already have an idea of what you need. Contact us today to learn more!
