Choosing the right pump for your industrial process can easily increase productivity. The difference between a positive displacement pump and a centrifugal pump is something that every person involved in the production of food, pharmaceuticals, or fine chemicals aspires to be clear on.
Understanding the Fundamentals
A centrifugal pump works by saving kinetic energy from a motorized impeller into the fluid, generating velocity according to the principle of conservation of momentum. For this pulse, centrifugal pumps are excellent for low-viscosity, high-flow applications.
On the other hand, the principle of a positive-displacement pump pushes a specific amount of the liquid and forces it into the discharge pipework. This approach stabilizes the flow with varying pressures.
Key Differences
| Feature | Centrifugal Pump | Positive Displacement Pump |
| Flow Rate | Varies with pressure changes | Constant regardless of pressure |
| Viscosity Handling | Decreases with higher viscosity | Improves with increasing viscosity |
| Pressure Capability | Best at specific pressure points | Handles pressure variations effectively |
| Shear Sensitivity | High-speed operation may cause shearing | Low internal velocity, gentle on products |
| Suction Lift | Cannot create suction lift | Creates a vacuum for suction capability |
When to Choose Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pump types excel in applications requiring high flow rates of low-viscosity fluids. Fristam’s centrifugal pumps, with their precision internal clearances of 0.5mm and 316L stainless steel construction, are particularly suited for:
- Dairy processing: Milk transfer and beverage production
- Water circulation systems: Clean utility applications
- Light chemical transfer: Non-viscous process fluids
- Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems: Cleaning and sanitization processes
Fristam centrifugal pumps are fully Clean-in-Place capable and do not require any tools for maintenance, which makes them the best choice for hygienic, long-term operation. Their shafts self-align, and they provide an easy installation that complies with strict sanitary standards.
When Positive Displacement is the Solution
Positive displacement pumps are key when dealing with viscous products, flow rate stability, or respectful product handling. Fristam’s positive displacement solutions include:
- Rotary lobe pumps: Can handle viscosities of increasing to 1,000,000 mPa/sec and a maximum discharge pressure of 35 bar. Ideal for dense sauces, paste, and high-viscosity dairy products.
- Twin Screw Pumps: Fristam’s innovative FDS series, including the breakthrough Nano model, manages products up to 1 million cP while handling 70% entrained air levels – ideal for delicate pharmaceutical applications.
- Liquid Ring Self-Priming Pumps: Excellent when it comes to emptying tanks and pumping a product containing air, raising the product to 23 feet, all without altering it.
Such solutions are particularly useful in pharmaceutical production, where accurate dosing and gentle handling are necessary to prevent degradation of the product.
Making the Right Choice
When it comes to choosing pumps for hygienic and industrial applications, Fristam centrifugal pumps are highly recommended for handling low-viscosity fluids with maximum efficiency and minimal maintenance. These pumps deliver reliable operation in continuous processing environments like dairy, beverage, and light chemical manufacturing.
Fristam also offers a wide range of centrifugal pump types to suit specific application needs:
- FP Series Centrifugal Pumps: Designed for gentle product handling and precise operation, ideal for dairy and beverage processing.
- FPR Series Centrifugal Pumps: Noted for robust construction and ease of maintenance, perfect for food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.
- FS/FT Series Centrifugal Pumps: Specialized for high-pressure tasks and CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems, ensuring consistent, hygienic results.
- FZ Liquid Ring Self-Priming Pumps: Effective at handling fluids containing entrained air and lifting liquids from sumps or tanks.
Each type is engineered with Fristam’s hallmark 316L stainless steel, advanced seals, and fully CIP-compatible designs, meeting the stringent requirements of modern processing industries.
Conclusion
Choosing between a centrifugal pump and a positive displacement pump ultimately depends on your process requirements, including fluid viscosity, pressure, sensitivity, and hygiene standards. Fristam’s century-long expertise ensures you get the right solution for your application, whether you need efficient bulk fluid transfer or gentle handling of thick, sensitive products. With a portfolio spanning advanced centrifugal and positive displacement technologies, Fristam supports high-performance, reliable, and sanitary fluid handling across industries. For expert guidance and tailored pump solutions, Fristam stands out as a trusted global partner.
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