Screw Pumps for the Food & Beverage Industry

The food and beverage (F&B) industry handles a large volume of fluid in beverage production, food processing, and other applications. Hygienic and safe fluid transfer and food conveying is a critical aspect of the F&B industry.

Screw pumps efficiently aid fluid transfer and convey food, making them an integral part of the F&B industry. In this article, we will learn about fluid & food transfer using positive displacement screw pumps, types of screw pumps, their features, and applications in the food & beverage industry.

Types of Screw Pumps

Screw pumps work on the principle of positive displacement. These pumps use either one or more screws to move fluids or solids along the screw(s) axis. The various types of screw pumps are single, twin, triple, four and five screw pumps. In the food & beverage industry, the widely used screw pumps are single and twin-screw pumps.

The single screw pump is ideal for transfer of liquids requiring smooth and non-pulsating flow. The cavity of a single screw pump efficiently conveys high-viscosity fluids.

Twin screw pumps deliver consistent, laminar, and non-pulsating flow. The twin screw pump can handle low to high-viscosity fluids containing solids. They ensure the transfer of a range of products with minimal damage.

Progressive cavity pumps are positive displacement pumps. Progressive cavities are generated by a single rotating element. The cavity progresses from suction to the discharge while carrying fluid. These pumps deliver uniform, metered and non-pulsating flow.

Lobe Pump is also a positive displacement pump. A pair of rotors perform counter rotation within a chamber which creates vacuum and results in drawing liquid into the pump chamber. These pumps are suitable for high viscosity fluids.

Features of Screw Pumps

Food-grade screw pumps are versatile pumps. They can handle a range of flow rates and pressure. They are self-priming, steady flow, controlled output, low pulsation, quiet and smooth operating pumps. They are highly efficient and requires minimum maintenance. The design of food-grade screw pumps is as per hygiene standards and specifications. They are corrosion-resistant, easy to clean (CIP) & sterilization-in-place, an ideal pump for the F&B industry.

Applications of Screw Pumps:

Dairy

The low shear transfer, continuous blending, no product degradation, and high suction capability of food-grade screw pumps play an important role in the dairy industry in butter & margarine, cheese, cottage cheese, ice cream, sour cream, and yogurt production.

Beverage Production

The screw pumps ensure uniform mixing resulting in a consistent and desired taste. These pumps also convey raw materials such as concentrates, beverage slurries, juices, etc.

Food Processing

Screw pumps improve production efficiency, maintain hygiene and food quality. They are used in the food processing industry to transport raw material, for the preparation of syrups, for uniform blending, and stir slurry.

Food Packaging

Food-grade screw pumps facilitate steady raw material transport to the packing area and ensure accurate metering and filling of products.

These pumps are either FDA compliant, which refers to the selection of material of gaskets, seals and plastic parts, or EHEDG certified which involves testing & certification of the entire pump for use in a hygienic environment.

The positive displacement food-grade pumps can pump a wide range of viscosities, temperatures, and pressure. Their features are ideal for use in the food & beverage industry for sanitary processes where a combination of high performance, superior hygiene standards and  low maintenance is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 How can a mechanical bar screen improve the efficiency of your treatment process?

A. A mechanical bar screen enhances treatment process efficiency by efficiently removing debris and solids, ensuring smoother operations and higher water quality.

Q.2 Why is an oil water separator machine essential for your business?

A. An oil water separator machine is essential for your business to maintain environmental compliance, safeguard equipment, and ensure efficient wastewater treatment.