Advancing Hygienic Markets with Cutting-Edge Pump Solutions

In the realms of hygienic industries such as dairy, breweries, and pharmaceuticals, maintaining impeccable hygiene standards is a priority. At the heart of ensuring product quality and consumer safety lies the selection of the appropriate pump technology. In this article I’m going to discuss the applications of various pump technologies, such as centrifugal pumps, lobe and twin screw, and hygienic diaphragm pumps, in hygienic settings.

Centrifugal pumps have stood the test of time, earning their place as the cornerstone of a wide range of hygienic applications. Their functionality revolves around converting rotational energy from a motor into kinetic energy that propels liquids through the system. Imagine a centrifugal pump as a skirt on a dancer; the dancer’s movements create centrifugal force that generates pressure, which pushes air against the fabric, lifting it as they spin. This is similar to the rotor turning within the pump and putting pressure on the liquid to move it forward through the system. Notably, in the dairy sector, centrifugal pumps are instrumental in the transfer of milk, processing of cream, and handling of whey.

Centrifugal pumps tend to have high efficiency, making them ideal for rapidly transferring substantial liquid volumes—perfect for processes demanding speed. Their straightforward design simplifies disassembly and cleaning, a vital attribute in upholding hygiene standards within food and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, these pumps often offer an economical choice both in terms of initial investment and ongoing maintenance expenses.

Lobe and twin-screw pumps have gained considerable traction in hygienic applications due to their exceptional design and functional attributes. Lobe pumps, have a gentle pumping action, so are particularly well-suited for shear-sensitive products. On the other hand, twin screw pumps have great self-priming capabilities and are adept at handling high-viscosity liquids or those containing suspended solids, making them an ideal choice for pastes, sauces and creams.

Another pump technology to consider may be a newer player in the market, but hygienic diaphragm pumps are on the rise in scenarios requiring gentle product handling. Operating on the principle of a flexible diaphragm, they generate a pulsating action that pushes fluids through the system without any direct contact with the pump's moving components. These pumps are popular, particularly within breweries or other drink production facilities, where sterility is an absolute necessity. These pumps are great for handling shear-sensitive substances, offering a gentle yet precise transfer of delicate ingredients and compounds. The flow rates of diaphragm pumps might be lower in comparison to their centrifugal counterparts, a factor that holds significance when dealing with applications requiring high-volume transfers.

In hygienic applications, the significance of a hygienic pump cannot be overstated. These specialised pumps are designed with lots of attention to detail and play a pivotal role in maintaining product integrity and consumer safety. One key consideration is electropolishing, a surface treatment that smoothens and enhances the pump's internal components, leaving no room for bacterial adhesion. Additionally, hygienic pumps are engineered to minimise bacteria traps, eliminating crevices and dead spaces where contaminants could build up. This approach not only ensures the purity of the product but also streamlines cleaning and sterilisation processes, leading to enhanced overall hygiene. In essence, a hygienic pump serves as a safeguard against potential risks, guaranteeing that the highest standards of cleanliness are met throughout the production cycle.

Make sure to come back on the first Monday of next month where I’ll be discussing the different types of peristaltic pumps in a bit more detail, and how these too can be applied to hygienic markets.

Find out more about Verder’s range of hygienic pumps by downloading our brochure