Choosing the right pump for products with solid inclusions is key to maintaining raw material quality, line efficiency, and production profitability. In this article, we will take a detailed look at how to select equipment for berries with seeds, vegetable mixtures, minced meat, tomato paste with skin, and other complex media. You will learn about the advantages of screw, diaphragm, and other types of pumps, and receive a selection table and criteria for making a decision.
1. Key product parameters: what to consider before choosing a pump?
The first step in selecting a pump for products with solid inclusions is a thorough assessment of the environment. This accounts for 80% of success.
- Size, shape and concentration of solid particles. Are they soft seeds in berries (3-5 mm), soft pieces of vegetables (up to 15 mm), fibres or whole fruits?
- Abrasiveness of inclusions. Nut particles, cocoa nibs, and sand in root crops significantly accelerate the wear of pump parts.
- Shear sensitivity. Can the structure be destroyed? This is unacceptable for delicate purées with pieces.
- Overall viscosity. Thick paste with particles and liquid juice with pulp require different solutions.
- Aggressiveness of the environment (pH, salt). Determines the choice of materials (AISI 316L stainless steel, special rubbers).
2. Overview of pump types for products with inclusions
Not all pumps are suitable for pumping products with solid inclusions. Let's consider the suitable types, their advantages and disadvantages.
2.1. Screw (screw) pumps – a universal solution
Suitable for: the most gentle pumping of products with delicate, whole or abrasive inclusions. Ideal choice for: berry puree with seeds, olives, whole tomatoes, nut pastes, minced meat with pieces.
- Advantages: Minimal displacement, self-priming, viscosity flexibility.
- Disadvantages: Stator – consumable material, pressure limitations.
2.2. Diaphragm (pneumatic) pumps – for complex tasks
Suitable for: highly viscous or abrasive pastes with inclusions where complete sealing is required.
- Advantages: Airtightness, dry operation, does not destroy particles.
- Disadvantages: Pulsating delivery, low efficiency, air consumption.
2.3. Rotary pumps with blades – for limited tasks
Suitable for: medium viscosity products with small, non-abrasive inclusions (up to 10 mm), e.g. curd cheese with raisins.
- Advantages: More economical operation than gear pumps.
- Disadvantages: Blades wear out quickly, not suitable for large particles.
2.4. Centrifugal pumps with open impeller – for liquid media
Suitable for: liquid products (juices with pulp) with soft inclusions. Not suitable for viscous pastes.
- Advantages: High productivity, easy cleaning (CIP).
- Disadvantages: High shear, destroys structure, sensitive to air.
For a complicated selection of a pump for products with solid inclusions, we recommend contacting the engineers at Steiner Ukraine.
3. Additional factors in selecting pumping equipment
- Rotation speed: The lower it is, the more economical the operation with inclusions.
- Materials and construction: No ‘bottlenecks’, resistant rubber (NBR, EPDM) for abrasives.
- Maintenance: Easy to disassemble for cleaning or removing stuck particles.
Conclusion: For pumping products with solid inclusions, a screw pump is often the best choice due to its optimal combination of economy, flexibility and reliability. Diaphragm pumps are effective for sealed applications with highly challenging media.
The most reliable method of selection is testing. Steiner Ukraine specialists offer to conduct a test run of your product on a test bench to verify the quality of inclusions, performance, and reliability in practice.
Conclusion: When selecting a pump for products with solid inclusions, it is necessary to consider the physical properties of the medium, the technological parameters of the line, and economic feasibility. Consulting with experts and conducting practical testing will help you avoid costly mistakes.
To select a pump and organise a test run with your product, please contact the engineering department at Steiner Ukraine. We will help you find the optimal solution for your line.