A tri-lobe pump uses two three-lobed rotors counter-rotating in synchronised mesh delivering 3 pulses per revolution (50% smoother than bi-lobe) for pulsation-reduced flow across 1–200,000 cP at 0.5–180 m³/h and differential pressures up to 10 bar. The smaller cavity volume per lobe provides gentler product handling, quieter operation (<78 dB(A)), and superior hygienic cleanability the preferred standard for dairy, beverage, and pharmaceutical CIP applications.
Challenges
Lower Flow Rate per RPM vs. Bi-Lobe
Smaller cavity volume requires higher RPM to achieve equivalent flow increasing mechanical wear.
Tighter Clearance Sensitivity to Solids
Three-lobe inter-rotor clearance less tolerant of hard particle contamination than bi-lobe.
Higher Fabrication Precision Required
Three-lobe timing gear and rotor profile require tighter manufacturing tolerance.
Reduced Differential Pressure Capability
Smaller cavity area limits achievable differential pressure vs. bi-lobe at same speed.
CIP Nozzle Alignment Critical
Three-lobe cavity geometry requires precise CIP spray positioning for validated cleaning.
Solutions
- In-Line Strainer (500–1,000 µm Mesh) on Inlet: Captures hard particles before they reach rotor clearances.
- Electropolished Rotor Surface (Ra <0.4 µm): Reduces product adhesion and improves CIP cleaning validation compliance.
- 3-A / EHEDG Hygienic Design Certification: Validated for dairy, beverage, and pharmaceutical CIP/SIP cleaning without disassembly.
- VFD with Torque Overload Protection: Automatically reduces speed on particle blockage; prevents rotor-casing contact damage.
- Balanced Mechanical Seal (Single or Double): Handles 3–10 bar differential with zero product leakage for GMP compliance.
Applications
- Dairy: Milk, cream, yogurt, cheese curd, whey, butter transfer 3-A certified hygienic service.
- Food & Beverage: Juice, sauce, dressing, syrup, beer, wine, beverage concentrate hygienic transfer.
- Pharmaceutical: Sterile liquid transfer, API solution metering, CIP/SIP-compatible GMP product lines.
- Cosmetics: Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and serum filling-line transfer and metering.
- Nutraceuticals: Protein drink, supplement syrup, probiotic slurry, and vitamin suspension transfer.
Product Catalogue & Technical Datasheet
Model | Flow Rate (m³/h) | Speed (RPM) | Diff. Pressure (bar) | Viscosity Max (cP) | Inlet/Outlet Ø (DN) | Pulses/Rev | Cavity Vol. (cm³/rev) | L × W × H (mm) | Weight (kg) |
TL-003 | 0.3–3 | 10–500 VFD | Up to 10 | 200,000 | DN 25 | 3 | 12 | 360×190×270 | 24 |
TL-008 | 1–8 | 10–500 VFD | Up to 10 | 200,000 | DN 40 | 3 | 35 | 430×230×310 | 36 |
TL-020 | 3–20 | 10–400 VFD | Up to 10 | 200,000 | DN 65 | 3 | 90 | 530×270×370 | 58 |
TL-050 | 8–50 | 10–350 VFD | Up to 10 | 200,000 | DN 80 | 3 | 180 | 640×330×440 | 88 |
TL-100 | 15–100 | 10–300 VFD | Up to 8 | 150,000 | DN 100 | 3 | 380 | 780×400×530 | 138 |
TL-180 | 30–180 | 10–250 VFD | Up to 8 | 100,000 | DN 125 | 3 | 680 | 940×480×620 | 210 |