Pros and Cons of
Progressive Cavity Pumps
Progressive cavity (PC) pumps are great for gentle dosing of
difficult media like solids and abrasives - even at high pressures
and viscosities.
Self-priming and valve-less, they have unique capabilities.
They can handle both low and highly viscous material, as well
as solids like fruit and vegetables.
Thanks to high process liability and suction capacity, they
are often used for continuous, gentle conveyance and the precise
dosing of difficult media such as abrasive and corrosive fluids.
Pros of Progressive Cavity Pumps
- Good for solids and other difficult media
- Can handle air entrained, multiple phase and abrasive fluids
- Precise dosing
- Suited to high and low viscosity applications
- Allows continuous, gentle and low-pulsation flow
- Self-priming
- Does not vapor lock
- Very accurate as a metering pump
- High suction capacity
- Reverse rotation and flow
- Can be operated vertically
- Quiet
Cons of Progressive Cavity Pumps:
- A fluid film is needed to keep the sliding (contacting)
surfaces lubricated. These pumps fail when run dry.
- Progressive cavity pumps are slower moving and don't produce
large amounts of flow. This can be addressed with VFD (variable
frequency drives) and/or gear reducers that increase installation
costs. Depending on the application, a VFD could be disadvantageous.
- The volumetric efficiency of the pump can be affected when
viscous fluid doesn't flow quickly enough into the pump. This
means that speed limits for the given fluid and viscosity
are important (and should be carefully checked and adhered
to).
- PC pumps can only pump a limited distance.
- Slippage rates can be high due to the rotor/stator fits,
causing the pump to be less efficient.
Best applications for a Progressive Cavity Pump
Progressive cavity pumps are used in many applications, from
wastewater treatment, to oil or food and beverages. They are
well suited to solids, fluids with low to high viscosity, abrasive
and toxic or corrosive media. Here are just a few of the potential
applications for a PC pump:
- Slurry and sludge transfer
- Oils (non-lubricating and lubricating)
- Cosmetics, creams, and lotions
- Paint, varnish
- Adhesives
- Shear-sensitive fruits and vegetables
The progressive cavity pump suits many applications across
a wide spectrum of industries. If you'd like to get advice on
whether a progressive cavity pump is a good fit for your application,
call our toll-free number 1-800-367-4180. We have experts on
hand to help you choose, install, and maintain a variety of
equipment. And to answer questions about things you've previously
tried gone wrong.
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