When thinking of chemical pumps, centrifugal or diaphragm types often come to mind first. Screw pumps, however, tend to be underestimated—especially by mechanical engineers unfamiliar with their unique advantages. In reality, screw pumps are easy to operate, gentle on fluids, and effective in specific process conditions.
This article explores why screw pumps are more useful than many might expect.
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The area of the chemical plant that I am in charge of only handles low-viscosity liquids and mostly uses centrifugal pumps.
If you work within this range, you will not have any choice other than centrifugal.
The rotary screw pump is one such example.
This post is in a series about pump device
Why Gear Pumps Are Ideal for High-Viscosity Liquids
What Is a Line Pump? Features and Applications for Beginners
Supplying Air to Diaphragm Pumps: What Beginners Need to Know
Where and Why Plunger Pumps Are Used: High-Pressure Solutions for Tough Applications
for high viscosity
Screw pumps can be used for high-viscosity liquids. High-viscosity liquids may seem special, but they occur in a fairly wide range of liquids, including resins, wastewater, and food.
People who are used to working with only low viscosity liquids will likely have trouble if they encounter a situation where they need to handle high viscosity liquid.
In such cases, a screw pump can be one solution.
Although they are handled differently from centrifugal types and require more maintenance, they are still reliable.
for high slurry
Screw pumps are easy to use with slurries.
Other pumps cannot be used with high-concentration slurries.
There is a general need to increase the concentration of slurries in drainage and other applications.
High pressure
Be careful because screw pumps generate high pressure.
It is natural that high pressure will be generated when pumping high viscosity or high concentration liquids.
Make sure that the piping, etc., can withstand pressure.
Low Flow
Screw pumps have low flow rates.
This is only natural when pumping high viscosity, high concentration liquids.
Even without memorizing the terms high pressure and low flow rate, this conclusion is obvious if you think about pressure loss.
✅ Conclusion
Screw pumps may not be the default choice in every design manual, but they deserve more attention—especially in the chemical industry. Their simple design, reliable performance, and versatility make them a practical option for various plant conditions. If you’re planning equipment for a chemical process, don’t overlook the value a screw pump might bring.