Pumping Shear-Sensitive Fluids with Progressive Cavity Pumps: A Practical Guide

When it comes to pumping shear-sensitive fluids, selecting the right type of pump is crucial. Progressive cavity pumps (PCPs) are often the preferred choice due to their gentle handling characteristics, excellent control, and precise flow rates. Understanding why these pumps excel in handling delicate fluids and how to best operate them will ensure efficiency and reliability in your processes. Understanding Shear-Sensitive Fluids Shear-sensitive fluids are substances whose properties—such as viscosity, molecular structure, or consistency—change adversely when subjected to shear forces. Examples include adhesives, polymers, emulsions, food products like yogurt or cream, slurries, and pharmaceuticals. The integrity of such fluids can degrade significantly when subjected to excessive agitation or shear, potentially ruining the end product or compromising performance. Why Progressive Cavity Pumps? Progressive cavity pumps feature a unique design: a helical rotor turning eccentr...