✔ Food-Grade Materials – SS316 stainless steel, sanitary polypropylene, or PTFE-lined
✔ High Viscosity Handling – Ketchup ranges from 50,000–100,000 cP (thicker when cold)
✔ Gentle Pumping Action – Avoids breaking down texture (no high-shear centrifugal pumps)
✔ Easy to Clean – CIP (Clean-in-Place) compatible for food safety
✔ Flow Rate – Typically 5–20 GPM (adjustable for controlled dispensing)
| Pump Type | How It Works | Best For | Example Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanitary Lobe Pump | Gentle, low-shear rotation | High-volume ketchup transfer | Alfa Laval SRU |
| Progressive Cavity | Slow, consistent flow | Preserves texture, handles chunks | Seepex BCS |
| Diaphragm Pump | Pulsation-free, no seals | Small batches, hygienic transfer | Yamada NDP-Sanitary |
| Peristaltic Pump | No contamination risk | Ultra-sanitary (pharma/food-grade) | Verderflex VF100 |
| Model | Brand | Type | Viscosity Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfa Laval SRU-2 | Alfa Laval | Sanitary Lobe | Up to 200,000 cP | CIP/SIP, EHEDG-certified |
| Seepex BCS-307 | Seepex | Progressive Cavity | Up to 1,000,000 cP | Gentle on particulates |
| Yamada NDP-20-SAN | Yamada | Sanitary Diaphragm | Up to 50,000 cP | No seals = no contamination |
| FLUX FLEXI-FLO Food | FLUX | Electric Drum Pump | Up to 30,000 cP | Portable, SS316 |
✔ Heating Jacket Option – Helps with cold ketchup (reduces viscosity)
✔ Tri-Clamp Fittings – Sanitary, easy to disassemble & clean
✔ Variable Speed Control – Adjust flow to prevent splashing/separation
✔ FDA & 3-A Compliance – Meets food safety regulations
Preheat if Needed – Cold ketchup is thicker; a heated pump jacket helps.
Use Wide Tubing – At least 1.5–2" diameter to avoid clogging.
Clean Immediately After Use – Ketchup residue hardens and breeds bacteria.
Inspect Seals Regularly – Replace if worn (use EPDM or PTFE seals).
Sanitary Tri-Clamp Hoses – For hygienic connections
Inline Strainer – Catches tomato seeds/solids
Load Cell System – For precise batch dispensing
Mobile Drum Cradle – Easier handling of heavy drums
Pro Tip: For tomato paste (even thicker than ketchup), a progressive cavity pump (Seepex BCS) is ideal—it handles up to 1,000,000 cP without breaking down the product.
Need a Custom Recommendation? Tell me:
Batch size (small containers vs. 55-gallon drums)
Desired flow rate (slow/fast transfer)
Temperature conditions (cold room vs. heated)
Budget (entry-level vs. industrial)