Centrifugal pumps are widely used in the food and beverage industry due to their hygienic design, high efficiency, and ease of cleaning. They handle liquids ranging from thin juices to viscous sauces while meeting strict sanitation standards (e.g., FDA, EHEDG, 3-A).
Dairy: Milk, cream, yogurt, whey
Beverages: Juices, soft drinks, beer, wine
Sauces & Condiments: Ketchup, mayonnaise, syrup
Edible Oils: Vegetable oil, coconut oil
Blending ingredients (e.g., smoothies, batter)
Circulation in heat exchangers (pasteurization, cooling)
Transfer to filtration systems (e.g., membrane filtration)
Chemical dosing for sterilization (NaOH, HNO₃)
Rinsing & water circulation in processing lines
Bottling lines (water, juices, alcoholic drinks)
Canning operations (soups, broths)
✅ Hygienic Design – Smooth surfaces, no dead zones (compliant with EHEDG & 3-A standards).
✅ Gentle Handling – Low shear, preserves product integrity (important for dairy, emulsions).
✅ Easy to Clean – Compatible with CIP/SIP (Sterilize-in-Place) systems.
✅ Corrosion-Resistant Materials – Stainless steel (304/316L), PTFE, or food-grade plastics.
✅ Energy Efficient – Lower power consumption compared to PD pumps for low-viscosity fluids.
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Material | 316L stainless steel, PTFE, or FDA-approved plastics |
| Seal Type | Double mechanical seal (prevent leaks) or magnetic drive (sealless) |
| Surface Finish | Ra ≤ 0.8 µm (smooth to prevent bacterial growth) |
| Drainability | No crevices, self-draining design |
| Certifications | FDA, EHEDG, 3-A, ISO 21469 (lubricant safety) |
Use: Milk, juices, beer
Example Brands: Alfa Laval, SPX Flow, Fristam
Use: Transfer from tanks at different levels
Example: Grundfos NB/NK series
Use: Hazardous or high-purity liquids (no leakage risk)
Example: ITT Goulds 3196
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Viscous liquids (e.g., honey, jam) | Use wider impellers or PD pumps for very high viscosity |
| Abrasive particles (e.g., fruit pulp) | Hardened stainless steel or coated impellers |
| Temperature sensitivity | Jacketed pumps for heating/cooling |
| Bacterial contamination | CIP-compatible design, polished surfaces |
3-A Sanitary Standards – For dairy & meat processing.
EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering Group) – Ensures cleanability.
FDA CFR 21 – Food-safe materials.
ISO 2858/5199 – General centrifugal pump standards.
Dairy Plant – Centrifugal pumps transfer milk from silos to pasteurizers.
Juice Factory – Pumps circulate fruit pulp through filtration systems.
Brewery – Sanitary pumps handle wort and beer without contamination.
Centrifugal pumps are essential in the food industry for their hygiene, efficiency, and versatility. When selecting one:
✔ Choose food-grade materials (316L SS, PTFE).
✔ Ensure CIP/SIP compatibility.
✔ Match flow rate & pressure to the application (e.g., gentle handling for dairy).
The above content is compiled and published by Zhilong Drum Pump supplier, please specify, to buy oil drum pump, electric drum pump, high viscosity electric drum pump, fuel drum pump, food grade drum pump and so on, please contact us.