Rotary lobe pumps are positive displacement pumps particularly suited for demanding media and applications. Their design consists of a pump head with two synchronously rotating displacement lobes, a timing gearbox with its own lubrication, and a drive unit typically made up of a coupling and gear motor. Depending on installation orientation, the lobes transport the medium either horizontally or vertically. The precisely synchronized gearbox enables contact-free operation of the lobes, ensuring gentle handling and low maintenance.

The flow rate depends on pump size, lobe geometry, speed, and motor power. It can be adjusted via speed control or bypass solutions. The achievable discharge pressure is determined by the system backpressure, the pump’s power limits, and internal leakage losses. Rotary lobe pumps cover a wide performance range: pressures up to 20 bar, flow rates from 0.5 to 100 m³/h, viscosities up to 2,000,000 mPas, and temperatures from -60 to +450 °C. They can handle media with high solids content (up to 80%) and particle sizes up to 80 mm, with suction lifts up to 9.5 m. Heating options include electric, steam, thermal oil, or water.

Thanks to their special lobe geometry and eccentric rotary motion, these pumps are ideal for challenging applications, including those with low NPSH conditions. Their low rotating mass allows for high operating speeds and thus high efficiency, even in compact designs. Sealing options include gland packings, lip seals, and single or double mechanical seals; magnetic couplings are not feasible due to the synchronously driven shafts. The pumps are available in a wide range of materials – from cast iron and stainless steel to special alloys such as Hastelloy, Duplex, titanium, or plastics – tailored to the medium and the application.