Lube Oil Pumps (Transfer, Circulation, Day Tanks & Filtration)
For clean and heavy lube oils—from ISO 22 to 680—we size external gear for transfer and circulation, end-suction/inline for plant distribution, and progressive-cavity where low-shear, steady flow is critical. For tote/drum handling we add drum/IBC pumps; for waste/water-laden oils we use self-priming skids. Brands: Roper, Blackmer, Grundfos, Griswold, Netzsch, Gorman-Rupp, Flux, LMI, Neptune, Emec.
Best-Fit Pumps for Lube Oil Service
| Duty | Best Pump Type | Recommended Brands | Why It’s Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk transfer / day-tank fill | External gear (relief/bypass) | Roper, Blackmer | Positive-displacement, handles wide viscosity swings, easy relief protection |
| Circulation / kidney loops | External gear or end-suction centrifugal | Roper, Blackmer; Grundfos NB/NK, Griswold | Constant flow for coolers/filters; back-pull-out for service |
| High-viscosity at low shear | Progressive-cavity (VFD) | Netzsch | Steady, low-pulsation flow; gentle on additives |
| Plant distribution / headers | Inline circulator / end-suction | Grundfos TPE/MAGNA; Grundfos NB/NK | Efficient loop control (ECM/VFD), compact footprint |
| Waste oil, water-laden sumps | Self-priming centrifugal (trash) | Gorman-Rupp | Above-grade access; solids handling and fast clean-out |
| Drum/IBC unloading | Drum/IBC pump (viscosity kits) | Flux | Ergonomic transfer; tube/impeller sets for heavier oils |
| Additive dosing (anti-wear, inhibitors) | Digital diaphragm metering | LMI PD/TD; Neptune 500/600; Emec | Accurate ppm control into recirc lines or blend headers |
Note: We confirm viscosity vs. temperature, suction lift, NPSH, and include reliefs, gauges, strainers and isolation for safe service.
Recommended Lube Oil Packages (Placeholders)
Tip Share ISO grade, min/max temperature, target GPM/TDH, suction piping and filter micron setpoints. We’ll return curves and a complete BOM.
How We Engineer Lube Oil Systems
- Suction design—oversize lines, minimal fittings, flooded where possible.
- Protection—relief/bypass on PD pumps; pressure switches and temp interlocks.
- Viscosity control—heat tracing/jackets and VFD for cold starts.
- Filtration—strainers and offline polishing to protect bearings/seals.
- Serviceability—gauges, isolation, drains/vents and back-pull-out casings.
Common Lube Oil Uses
- Bulk transfer and day-tank filling
- Circulation through coolers/filters
- Gearbox and turbine lube systems
- Blending and additive injection
- Waste oil handling
- Hydraulic oil distribution
- Offline filtration (kidney loop)
- Drum/IBC unloading
- Hot/cold start conditions
- Bearing and seal oil skids
Protect Bearings. Reduce Downtime.
Send ISO grade, temperature range, target GPM/TDH and suction layout. We’ll size a reliable lube oil package with reliefs, strainers and controls.
Lube Oil Pump FAQs
External gear vs. progressive-cavity for oils—how to choose?
Use external gear for compact, constant flow across viscosity and pressure. Choose PC when low shear and stable flow at very high viscosity are critical.
What protects PD pumps in lube systems?
Relief/bypass valves, pressure switches and temperature interlocks. We also oversize suction and verify NPSH to prevent starvation.
Do I need heat tracing for cold starts?
Often yes for heavy grades. We can add jackets or tracing and VFD soft-start to keep viscosity within the pumpable window at start-up.