Screw Impeller Pumps for Gentle Solids Handling

Four model HCD 055 screw impeller centrifugal pumps have recently been supplied to a customer who requires pumps with the ability to transfer water containing fine soft solids. The key to their process is to obtain a flow rate with a gentle low shear pumping action to preserve the original features of the transferred media. The special shape of the HCD screw impeller enables the centrifugal pump to transfer solids without any damage to the product and without the risk of clogging the pump.

Manufactured by Tecnicapompe (Italy), the HCD and ZCD screw impeller centrifugal pump is available in many different sizes and versions for flow rates up to 1,400 m3/h and heads up to 30 metres. The pump will handle solids up to a maximum size 100 mm and will withstand operating temperatures up to 120 degrees Celsius. These innovative screw impeller centrifugal pumps can be used with a wide variety of thick products up to 1000 centipoise or with products that have solid particles in suspension of up to 60% solids and 40% water.

Tecnicapompe centrifugal screw impeller pumps are supplied in either polished 316 stainless steel materials for food related applications or in 304 stainless steel. There are a range of mechanical seal options available as well as connection fittings that make these pumps ideally suited to a wide range of industrial and food processing applications.

The HCD and ZCD centrifugal pump has a long history of pumping delicate green and black olives in Spain, Greece, Turkey and Italy. Other products include fruit, whole vegetables such as onions, potatoes, peas, beans, mushrooms, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, sauces like Italian pesto, boiled poultry meat, tomato sauce, cheese curd, juice concentrates, winery must, tallow and dairy products. The largest version of the ZCD centrifugal pump can even transfer live fish up to 40 cm long and 1 kg in weight without damage.