Process Pumps & Fluid Transfer Systems
Flowtek specifies and integrates process pumps, hose transfer stations, and fluid routing systems for liquid manufacturing operations—matching pump technology to product viscosity, chemistry, and production throughput requirements.
Pump Technology Selection
Every liquid has different flow characteristics, and every operation has different throughput and duty requirements. Flowtek selects the pump technology that best matches your product and your production goals:
High-Flow Standard Duty
Ideal for thin-to-medium viscosity liquids (water, thin oils, juices, aqueous chemicals). Centrifugal pumps deliver high flow at moderate pressure with gentle product handling. Available in stainless steel for food and beverage applications, with sanitary flange connections and full disassembly for CIP cleaning.
Thick & Shear-Sensitive Handling
Gear, screw, and lobe pumps maintain consistent volumetric output regardless of back-pressure, making them ideal for thick products (heavy oils, pastes, syrups, creams) and shear-sensitive formulations that can break down under high turbulence. Superior suction lift characteristics for deep tank installations.
Hygienic Gentle Transfer
Perfect for food and pharmaceutical applications where the product never contacts pump internals—only a replaceable tube comes into contact with liquid. Peristaltic action is inherently gentle and good for CIP-compatible systems. Ideal for batching and small-volume precision transfer.
Chemical-Compatible Flexibility
AODD pumps are explosion-proof by design and compatible with aggressive chemical environments. They require no electrical connections at the pump head, making them ideal for hazardous locations. Simple maintenance and field-replaceable elastomers for different product chemistries.
Application-Specific Sizing
Flowtek's engineers calculate your required flow rate (GPM), head pressure (PSI), inlet/outlet temperatures, and duty cycle to specify the right pump model and motor horsepower. We consider NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head) requirements based on your tank elevation and suction line routing.
VFD & Control Optimization
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) reduce energy consumption and provide soft-start capability. Thermal overload protection, check valves, relief valves, and isolation shutoffs are specified for safe operation and maintenance access.
Fluid Transfer Considerations
| Factor | Impact on Pump & System Design |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | Low viscosity (water-like) favors centrifugal pumps; high viscosity (paste-like) requires positive displacement; extremely thick products may require heating or AODD units |
| Product Chemistry | Corrosive products require stainless steel (316L) or HDPE piping; food products require NSF/FDA-approved materials; chemical products may require NFPA compliance and hazardous location equipment |
| Temperature Range | Cold, thick products may require preheating to achieve pumpable viscosity; hot products require temperature-rated seals and piping; thermal management affects pump efficiency and seal life |
| Flow Rate & Throughput | Production speed determines pump displacement and motor horsepower; 10 GPM and 1,000 GPM operations require completely different pump selections and piping sizes |
| Suction Lift | Distance from tank bottom to pump inlet affects pump selection; deep tanks or low-pressure vessels require low-NPSH pump designs; flooded suction (pump below tank level) allows higher flexibility |
| CIP Compatibility | Food and pharmaceutical systems require pumps and piping designed for hot water and detergent recirculation; full disassembly, sloped piping, and no dead-legs reduce cleaning time and chemical exposure |
| Pressure Relief & Safety | Relief valves prevent overpressure damage to downstream equipment; check valves prevent back-flow; isolation ball valves enable maintenance without system shutdown |
Hose Transfer Stations
Portable hose stations are essential for batch operations where product routing changes frequently or where temporary product movement is required.
Flowtek designs hose stations featuring:
- Quick-connect couplings: Industry-standard flat-face couplers that minimize drips and spills during disconnect.
- Labeling and color-coding: Clear product identification to prevent cross-contamination and production errors.
- Drip containment: Drip pans and secondary containment for environmental compliance and facility cleanliness.
- Hose assembly: FDA/NSF food-grade or chemical-compatible hose with temperature ratings matched to your product and operating environment.
- Storage & organization: Structured hose storage with reel systems or wall-mounted hose racks, clearly labeled for rapid product changeover.
Integration Throughout Your Process
Upstream: Tank to Pump
Suction lines routed from bulk storage tanks to pump inlets with proper sizing to minimize pressure loss. Strainers protect pump internals. Isolation valves allow pump maintenance without draining the entire tank system.
Midstream: Pump to Blending/Processing
Discharge piping sized for optimal flow velocity (typically 4-6 feet per second) to balance energy efficiency and pressure drop. Pressure gauges and flow meters provide operational visibility. Relief valves protect equipment from overpressure.
Downstream: Process to Filler
Clean, stable product flow into your packaging line filler with suction/discharge characteristics optimized for accurate fill weights and production speed. Quick-disconnect or permanent connections enable rapid changeover.
System Interconnection
Complete piping architecture incorporating pump stations, blending systems, tank farms, and fillers into a single integrated operation. Flowtek documents all connection points, isolation valves, and pressure/temperature limits for safe, efficient operation.
Related Process Systems
Tank Farms & Bulk Storage
Bulk liquid storage systems that feed your pump and transfer operation with raw materials and finished products.
Blending & Mixing Systems
In-tank agitation and inline ratio blending systems that create formulated products before transfer and filling.
Process Skids & Manifolds
Pre-assembled skid systems that integrate pumps, valves, and controls into a single tested assembly.
Process Systems Hub
Explore all bulk storage, blending, transfer, and integration solutions for your liquid manufacturing operation.
Let's Specify Your Pump & Transfer System
Whether you need a high-flow centrifugal system for thin liquids, a positive displacement pump for thick products, or a complete hose transfer station, Flowtek has the pump engineering expertise to match your product chemistry, flow requirements, and production speed.