Why Screw Pumps Are Better for Pulp Transfer

 Why Screw Pumps Are Better for Pulp Transfer

In the pulp and paper industry, pulp transfer is a critical process that directly affects production stability and product quality. Many operational issues—such as clogging, unstable flow, excessive wear, and frequent downtime—are often not caused by poor operation, but by using an unsuitable pump type.

Based on long-term field experience, screw pumps have proven to be a more reliable solution for pulp transfer in many paper mills.

Challenges of Pulp Transfer

Pulp is not a simple liquid. It usually has several challenging characteristics:

High fiber content

Variable viscosity and consistency

Presence of solids and impurities

Tendency to entangle and settle

Requirement for stable, continuous flow

When centrifugal pumps are used under these conditions, problems such as fiber wrapping, flow fluctuation, rapid wear, and frequent maintenance are common.

How Screw Pumps Address These Challenges

Screw pumps are positive displacement pumps that move media through continuous, low-speed rotation. This working principle makes them especially suitable for pulp transfer.

Gentle, Low-Shear Conveying

Screw pumps transport pulp smoothly without intense turbulence, helping preserve fiber structure and reduce the risk of clogging.

Stable and Continuous Flow

Consistent pulp supply is essential for downstream processes such as forming and pressing. Screw pumps deliver nearly pulse-free flow, improving process stability.

Strong Capability for Fibrous Media

Unlike impeller-based pumps, screw pumps can handle fibrous and solid-containing media more effectively.

Good Self-Priming Performance

Screw pumps are suitable for low-level installations, such as pulp pits and storage tanks, which are common in paper mills.

Typical Applications in Paper Mills

Screw pumps are widely used for:

Pulp preparation and transfer

Medium- and high-consistency pulp handling

Recycled paper pulp systems

Thick stock and sludge transfer

Continuous production line feeding

Their advantages are particularly evident in applications involving high consistency and high fiber content.

Key Factors When Selecting a Screw Pump for Pulp

When choosing a screw pump for pulp transfer, experienced engineers usually focus on:

Wear resistance of rotor and stator materials

Compatibility with fiber length and pulp consistency

Seal reliability for long-term continuous operation

Ease of maintenance and spare parts replacement

Proven performance in industrial pulp applications

Proper selection often results in fewer failures and lower overall operating costs.

Domestic Screw Pump Solutions

With advances in manufacturing technology, domestic screw pump suppliers now offer reliable solutions for pulp transfer.

Shanghai Shangcheng Pump Valve Manufacturing Co., Ltd. provides screw pumps designed for fibrous and high-viscosity media, which have been applied in various pulp transfer systems with stable performance and reduced maintenance requirements.

More information about screw pump solutions is available at:

https://www.scpv.cn/luoganbeng/

Conclusion

In pulp and paper production, choosing the right pump type is more important than choosing the most common one.

For pulp transfer, screw pumps offer smoother conveying, better handling of fibers, and higher long-term reliability. Selecting a suitable screw pump can significantly reduce downtime and improve overall production efficiency.