Pros and Cons of Progressive Cavity Pumps and Their Applications

Progressing cavity pumps have unique capabilities that make them well-suited for difficult transfer and metering applications. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. This article explores the pros and cons of progressive cavity pumps, with a focus on progressive cavity metering pumps, progressive cavity dosing pumps and low flow progressive cavity pumps.

#000000">Pros of Progressive Cavity Pumps

Progressive cavity pumps offer several advantages:

• Can handle solids and difficult media like slurries
• Work well with abrasive, air-entrained or multiphase fluids
• Provide precise dosing and metering capabilities
• Suitable for low and high viscosity fluids
• Smooth, low-pulsation flow
• Self-priming for dry startups
• Won't experience vapor lock issues
• Accurate as a metering pump
• High suction lift capabilities
• Can operate bi-directionally
• Can be installed vertically
• Quiet operation

#000000">Cons of Progressive Cavity Pumps

Some disadvantages include:

• Complex design makes maintenance and repair challenging
• Higher initial and lifetime costs than some alternatives
• Not suitable for abrasive fluids due to clearances
• Issues at very low fluid viscosities
• Require significant installation space
• Risk dry running damage to rotor and stator
• Complex pump selection process
• Limited flows for low flow applications
• Fluid temperature sensitivity
• Potential for vibration at high speeds
• Specialized experience and knowledge required

#000000">Applications of Progressive Cavity Pumps

Progressive cavity pumps are well-suited to many transfer and metering applications due to their advantages:

Progressive Cavity Metering Pumps

Used for precise chemical metering and injection thanks to their accurate and repeatable flow characteristics. Provides gentle handling for shear-sensitive fluids.

Progressive Cavity Dosing Pumps

Common in water/wastewater treatment for chemical dosage applications requiring regulated flows. Self-priming ability reduces installation costs.

Low Flow Progressive Cavity Pumps

Suitable for micro-dosing, research processes and analytical testing applications needing metering from mL/hr up to low L/min.

Other common uses include slurry/sludge transfer, oil pipelines, cosmetics production, adhesive transfer, food processing and more.

#000000; text-decoration:none">Choosing the Right Pump

Carefully selecting the correct progressive cavity pump model is important due to factors like fluid properties, flow rates, pressures, temperatures, and installation constraints. Consulting experts can ensure the best choice.