Thermo Scientific MasterflexPumps: Easier To Maintain & Much Lower Life Cycle Costs Than Rotary Lobe Pumps

By Gregg E. Johnson, Thermo Fisher Scientific

Rotary lobe pumps are popular for a number of applications, but they are not suited for handling abrasive fluids or hard solids. Also, maintaining accuracy with high repeatability and minimum downtime can often present major challenges. The pumps rely on consistently close tolerances between their lobes and casing and fluid slip between them can cause inaccuracies in metering applications. Rotary lobe pumps have up to four mechanical seals that can leak product, creating downtime and maintenance issues. Many lobe pumps also require expensive flush systems, which can create EPA hazards.

There are none of these problems with Thermo Scientific Masterflex® pumps. Masterflex peristaltic pumps provide even less shear than rotary lobe pumps and handle a wide variety of solids and viscosities. They also easily handle tough abrasive materials – and there are no seals, lobes, or other moving parts in the product stream that can bring chronic maintenance issues and unscheduled downtime. The product being pumped remains within the tubing – the pump's moving parts are impervious to abrasive or corrosive materials that can attack rotary lobe pumps.