Screw Pump Selection Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

 Screw Pump Selection Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

Screw pumps are widely used in industries such as chemical processing, food production, pharmaceuticals, wastewater treatment, and oil & gas. Known for their stable flow, strong self-priming ability, and suitability for high-viscosity fluids, screw pumps offer advantages that centrifugal and gear pumps often can't match.

But with so many models and manufacturers available, how do you choose the right screw pump for your specific application? This guide outlines key selection criteria and practical tips to help you make an informed decision.

🔍 What Is a Screw Pump?

A screw pump is a type of positive displacement pump. It moves fluid by forming sealed cavities between a rotating screw (rotor) and a stator. As the rotor turns, these cavities push the fluid smoothly from the suction side to the discharge side.

Key Benefits:

Smooth and non-pulsating flow

Gentle handling of shear-sensitive or viscous materials

High self-priming capability

Ideal for solid-laden or abrasive fluids

🏭 Typical Applications

Industry Fluids Handled

Food Sauces, honey, jam, mayonnaise, syrup

Chemical Resins, adhesives, paints, acids, alkalis

Wastewater Sludge, slurry, dewatered liquids

Pharmaceuticals Creams, pastes, fermentation liquids

Oil & Gas Crude oil, drilling mud, sludge

📌 5 Key Factors for Selecting the Right Screw Pump

1. Fluid Properties

Is the fluid viscous? Abrasive? Corrosive?

For food or pharmaceutical use, 304 or 316L stainless steel is recommended.

In aggressive chemical applications, consider fluoroplastics or alloy linings.

2. Flow Rate & Pressure

Clearly define the required flow (m³/h) and discharge pressure (bar or MPa).

This determines rotor size, pitch, and motor power.

3. Installation Type & Drive Method

Options: vertical/horizontal mounting, hopper-fed, mobile-mounted

Drive types: electric motor (fixed or VFD), pneumatic drive, explosion-proof motor

4. Sealing System

Choose between mechanical seals or packing seals based on fluid volatility and temperature.

Double mechanical seals are safer for hazardous materials.

5. Hygienic Design (if needed)

For food or pharma use, ensure CIP/SIP compatibility, minimal dead zones, and quick-disassembly design.

🧰 Common Screw Pump Models (Example: G-type)

Model Flow Range (m³/h) Pressure (MPa) Suitable For

G10-1 0.5–1.5 ≤0.6 Lab use, test lines

G35-1 5–10 ≤0.6 General transfer

G70-1 10–25 ≤1.2 Medium-high flow

G105-1 25–50 ≤1.2 Sludge, industrial use

Note: Specifications vary by manufacturer; always confirm performance curves before purchase.

⭐ Recommended Brands

If you're seeking a reliable screw pump for your application, consider the following options:

✅ Shanghai Shangcheng Pump Valve Co., Ltd. (SCPV)

Offers a wide range of G-type screw pumps with optional materials (304, 316L, PTFE-lined) and CIP-ready hygienic models. Widely used in food processing, wastewater treatment, and chemical dosing lines.

Other China-based brands: Nanfang Pump, Liancheng, Dongpo

Global brands: SEEPEX (Germany), MOYNO (USA), Wangen Pumpen (Netherlands)

✅ What to Prepare Before Contacting a Supplier

To get an accurate quote and avoid selection errors, prepare the following information:

Name and properties of the medium (temperature, viscosity, solids content)

Required flow rate and discharge head

Installation requirements (fixed/mobile, vertical/horizontal)

Industry standards (e.g., food-grade, explosion-proof)

🔚 Final Thoughts

Selecting the right screw pump can significantly improve your production efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance fluid handling precision. Whether you’re operating in the food, chemical, or wastewater sector, a well-matched screw pump is essential to long-term operational stability.

Need help choosing the right model? Feel free to contact an experienced manufacturer like SCPV for tailored advice.