How do lobe pumps work?

Rotary lobe pumps are a high-value positive displacement pump technology used widely across the pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries.

Understanding the technology

Rotary lobe pumps are a high-value positive displacement pump technology used widely across the pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries. The pumps action means they are capable of handling shear sensitive materials with low shear. The pumps are typically constructed from stainless steel materials gives them superior sanitary qualities, including clean-in-place (CIP) and steam-in-place (SIP) capabilities.

lobe pump

How rotary lobe pump technology works?

Similar to gear pumps, rotary lobe pump technology makes use of two rotary lobes that rotate trapping a volume of liquid into a chamber. The even rotation of the rotor creates a vacuum on the priming side of the pump. The pump also has two sets of mechanical seals to maintain. They are difficult to clean because of dead spots in the casing. Additionally, lobe pumps must be specifically designed for the application. The pumps typically have a long service life but when they fail, maintenance can be complex and time-consuming.

 Continued pumping forces the pumped material out through the outlet port. If the discharge port is restricted - such as discharging a large volume of air into an engine's intake manifold—then pressure is created in the discharge space. 

Rotary lobe pumps are most frequently used in viscous food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications where hygienic pumping and low shear handling are required. However, when large solids or abrasive fluids are pumped, they can wear or damage the pump lobes and reduce flow rates.

Explore Certa from MasoSine

MasoSine Certa sine pumps provide very low shear fluid transfer while cutting power consumption by up to 50% with high viscosity fluids up to 8 million cP. Superior suction ensures that cavitation is virtually eliminated.

  • Prevent aeration and foaming
  • Reduce CIP cycles and cleaning agents
  • Increase energy efficiency at higher viscosity

Cleaner than any rotary lobe or circumferential piston pump. Certa pumps offer EHEDG (Type EL Class I and EL Aseptic Class I) and 3A certification as standard.

The world leader in peristaltic pump manufacture and associated fluid path technologies

To order a product or ask a question call +44 1326 370 370 or

Contact an expert