If you're looking for a vegetable oil pump, you'll need a system that handles the unique properties of vegetable oils—such as viscosity, food safety, and resistance to degradation. Here’s a breakdown of the best pump types, materials, and top recommendations for different applications (cooking oil transfer, biodiesel, industrial processing, etc.).
✔ Food-Grade Materials – Stainless steel (304/316), PTFE, or FDA-approved plastics.
✔ Viscosity Handling – Vegetable oils range from 30–100 cP (similar to diesel), but can thicken when cold.
✔ Temperature Resistance – Some oils are heated (e.g., frying oil transfer).
✔ Sanitary Design – Easy to clean, no dead zones (for food processing).
✔ Explosion-Proof Options – Needed for biodiesel or flammable oil applications.
Best for: High-efficiency transfer, biodiesel, bulk oil handling.
Viscosity Range: 1–100,000+ cP.
Examples:
Viking Pump Internal Gear Pump (stainless steel, FDA-compliant).
Lutz B35 Food-Grade Pump (German-engineered, CIP-cleaned).
Best for: Low-viscosity, high-flow applications (e.g., large-scale oil transfer).
Limitation: Struggles with cold, thick oils unless heated.
Examples:
Grundfos CR Stainless Steel Pump (food-safe, high flow).
Best for: Drum transfer, biodiesel, and hygienic applications.
Advantages: Self-priming, handles varying viscosities.
Examples:
Yamada ND Air-Operated Diaphragm Pump (explosion-proof option).
Wilden Pro-Flo SHIFT (sanitary, FDA-compliant).
Best for: High-viscosity oils (e.g., palm oil, cold-pressed oils).
Examples:
Seepex BT Series (gentle pumping, CIP-cleaned).
Best for: Small-scale transfer (55-gallon drums, fryer oil).
Examples:
GoatThroat GT-1 Stainless Steel Pump (food-safe, manual).
Lutz M5 Electric Drum Pump (for bulk oil dispensing).
| Application | Recommended Pump Type | Example Models |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Oil Transfer | Food-Grade Gear or Diaphragm | Lutz B35, Wilden Pro-Flo SHIFT |
| Biodiesel Production | Explosion-Proof Gear/Diaphragm | Viking Pump, Yamada ND |
| Industrial Processing | Progressive Cavity/Centrifugal | Seepex BT, Grundfos CR |
| Drum/Fryer Oil | Manual/Electric Drum Pump | GoatThroat GT-1, Lutz M5 |
Viking Pump – Reliable gear pumps for biodiesel and bulk oils.
Lutz Pumpen – German-engineered, food-grade solutions.
Grundfos – Sanitary centrifugal pumps.
Yamada – Air-operated diaphragm pumps (explosion-proof).
Seepex – Progressive cavity for thick/paste-like oils.
For heated oils: Ensure seals can handle high temps (Viton or PTFE).
For cold climates: Choose a pump with heating options or self-priming ability.
For food use: Look for 3-A, FDA, or EC1935/2004 compliance.
For biodiesel: Ensure ATEX/UL certification if handling methanol.