Positive Displacement Pumps

A sanitary pump is essentially synonymous with a hygienic pump, though the term "sanitary" is more commonly used in the United States as opposed to people in other countries who lean toward the term "hygienic." These pumps are designed for safely transferring materials under sterile conditions that avoid contamination by debris and bacteria. They feature FDA-compliant materials, easy-to-clean designs, and crevice-free construction. Sanitary pumps have smooth, electropolished surfaces with mirror finishes (typically 32 Ra or better) and sanitary connections like Tri-Clamp fittings that allow quick disassembly for cleaning.

Unibloc^® Hygienic Technologies specializes in designing and manufacturing hygienic pumps capable of handling the toughest sanitary applications.

The three in-demand pump types are:

1. Positive displacement pumps (including rotary lobe, gear, AODD, and twin screw), to trap and move fixed volumes of fluid.
2. Centrifugal pumps, utilize rotating impellers to create velocity and discharge pressure.
3. Specialty pumps (including peristaltic and magnetic drive), designed for specific applications.

Each type of pump has distinct advantages depending on viscosity, pressure requirements, and the presence of solids or particulates in the fluid. Unibloc^® Hygienic Technologies provides multiple types of hygienic pumps across these categories, including their industry-leading Unibloc positive displacement pumps, Flotronic^® AODD+ pumps, and specialized solutions.

Positive displacement pumps work by trapping a fixed volume of fluid and forcing it through the system. As the pump operates, fluid is drawn into a cavity, closing and forcing the trapped product out through the discharge outlet. This action creates a consistent flow rate regardless of pressure changes in the system.

The design enables these pumps to handle high-viscosity fluids efficiently and maintain precise flow control. Unibloc^® Hygienic Technologies is an industry leader in positive displacement pumps designed for hygienic and industrial applications.

In pharmaceutical applications, common pump types include: positive displacement pumps (rotary lobe, gear, and twin screw) for viscous fluids; centrifugal pumps for high-flow, low-viscosity transfers; peristaltic pumps for gentle handling of shear-sensitive fluids; AODD pumps for versatility in applications; and magnetic drive pumps for leak-free operation with hazardous substances. All pharmaceutical pumps must meet strict hygienic standards with FDA-compliant materials and designs that enable thorough cleaning and sterilization.

Unibloc^® Hygienic Technologies offers positive displacement and Flotronic^® One-Nut^® AODD+ pumps, both engineered to meet the requirements of pharmaceutical applications with an easy-to-clean design, critical for meeting strict sanitary requirements.

The three major types of chemical pumps:

1. Centrifugal pumps are ideal for handling low-to-medium viscosity chemicals at high flow rates.
2. Positive displacement pumps (including gear, lobe, and twin screw types) excel with high-viscosity chemicals and precise dosing.
3. AODD (Air-Operated Double Diaphragm) pumps are fully sealed which makes them ideal for handling potentially hazardous fluids.

Material compatibility and chemical resistance are critical factors in pump selection. Unibloc Hygienic Technologies' pumps are designed with chemical compatibility in mind, featuring stainless-steel or alloy construction and diaphragms and seals selected for the chemical processing application.

A food grade pump meets the stringent sanitary standards required for food processing, including compliance with FDA-approved materials, 3A standards, and EHEDG standards. These pumps feature food-grade materials for all components and wetted surfaces that contact the product. These include stainless steel construction (typically 316L), smooth surface finishes (32 Ra or better), sanitary connections, and crevice-free designs that will not harbor bacteria. Food grade pumps must prevent contamination, be easily cleaned, and maintain product integrity without altering the flavor, texture, or appearance of food products.

Unibloc^® Hygienic Technologies' QuickStrip^® design allows for tool-free access to pump heads and seals, reducing downtime and speeding cleaning in food grade applications.

The food industry uses several pump types depending on the application: AODD pumps the ability to self prime; rotary lobe pumps for gentle handling of products with high viscosity; centrifugal pumps for low-viscosity fluids like water and thin beverages; twin screw pumps for high-viscosity products like chocolate and peanut butter at high flow rates; gear pumps for accurate metering; and peristaltic pumps for preserving product integrity with minimal shear. All must meet sanitary standards and enable thorough cleaning.

Unibloc^® Hygienic Technologies offers a complete portfolio of hygienic pumps specifically designed for food processing, including their QuickStrip^® FoodFirst series that addresses food processors' concerns about foreign material and pump damage.

In the food industry, a centrifugal pump uses a rotating impeller to transfer low-viscosity fluids like water, milk, beer, and thin sauces at high flow rates. These pumps feature sanitary design with polished stainless-steel construction, CIP (Clean-In-Place) compatibility, and hygienic connections like Tri-Clamp fittings. Centrifugal pumps are valued for their simplified maintenance, low cost, simple operation, and efficiency with low-viscosity products. They impart shear in their operation, so they may not be ideal for processing shear-sensitive products or products with delicate solids.

Unibloc^® Hygienic Technologies offers alternatives to centrifugal pumps designed specifically for food and beverage applications, providing efficient, hygienic solutions for transferring low-viscosity food products.