Low Shear Pump

What is a disc rotor pump?

A disc rotor pump is a pump type that outwardly looks identical to a Centrifugal pump but it has a special design of an impeller (otherwise known as Discpac™), these Discpacs can be provided with multiple discs as well as a “high head” and the choice of Discpac™, is largely application dependent.

How does a disc rotor pump work?

The disc rotor pump works using the Discpac™, a series of parallel discs which form the pumping mechanism. As the discs rotate, energy is transferred to successive layers of molecules in the fluid between the discs via the principle of “boundary layer and viscous drag”.

When fluid enters the disc pump, due to laminar flow conditions, streams of liquid travel at different speeds through a pipe with the layer closest to the pipe wall being stationary – known as the Boundary Layer which is formed on the surfaces of the Discpac™ – and successive fluid layers flowing faster toward the centre of the pipe via the Viscous Drag Principle, generating velocity and pressure gradients across the width of the Discpac™.

This combination of boundary layer and viscous drag results in a powerful force that “pulls” the product through the pump in a smooth,pulsation-free flow.

The discflo pump produces no pulsations where in some applications this may be undesirable.

What are the uses and applications of a disc rotor pump?

The main use and application of a disc rotor pump is for any fluid that is delicate and the qualities of which may be damaged or destroyed due to turbulent flow.

Other applications include where there maybe large or small amounts of entrained air or gas (up to 80%) and also in applications where NPSH available would be low or even zero as these pumps require ~ 1/4 NPSH of what a comparably sized centrifugal pump and high viscosity fluids where the centrifugal pump can’t handle efficiently.

Also, solids-laden fluids (more than 80% solids) or where small or very large solids are present i.e. whole chickens or fish.

Even when the Discflo pump is cavitating, damage will be minimal because the gas bubbles which are formed stay between the discs and as they implode, they are not in contact with the pump components which is when damage would normally occur in other pump types.

What are the key features of a disc rotor pump?

The disc rotor pump has a very very low minimum flow and low radial loads which results in longer mechanical seal and bearing life.

Also a mixer is available using the low shear mixing technology.

Which low shear pump manufacturers does Flexachem collaborate with?

Flexachem collaborates with world leading Manufacturers of Low Shear Pumps and supply the following brands and types of pumps;

Netzsch – progressive cavity pump and multi screw pump

Inoxpa – RV helical screw impeller pump

Flowserve Durco – the vortex type Centrifugal pumps –Mark 3 recessed Impeller pump

We also have an extensive inventory of Low Shear Pump and Spare Parts in stock so let us know what you are looking for, and in the off chance that we do not have it in stock, we will source it for you!

We provide localised technical support & on-site service engineering to support your operational needs.

Want to discuss a particular application in more detail – why not call one of our Pump Specialist team.