Recirculation Pumps (Process Loops, Mixing, Thermal & Utility)
From cooling water and jacket loops to resin mix tanks and CIP return, recirculation duty rewards stable head, quiet operation, and easy service. We apply inline and end-suction centrifugals for most water/glycol loops, multistage where head is high, mag-drive for corrosives, progressive-cavity for viscous circuits, and gear for lube oil. Brands: Grundfos, Goulds, Griswold, Finish Thompson, Iwaki, Netzsch, Roper, Blackmer, Wilden, Yamada, ARO, LMI, Neptune, Emec, Walchem, Flux, J.L. Wingert, Gorman-Rupp, BJM.
Best-Fit Pumps for Recirculation
| Service | Best Pump Type | Recommended Brands | Why It’s Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling water / tempered water loops | Vertical inline / End-suction centrifugal (VFD) | Grundfos TPE; Grundfos NB/NK; Goulds; Griswold | Quiet, efficient circulation; back-pull-out maintenance; ECM/VFD control |
| High-head recirculation (RO skids, towers) | Multistage centrifugal | Grundfos CR | Compact footprint with high head and stable curve |
| Corrosive chem recirculation (acid/alkali) | Mag-drive sealless centrifugal (PP/PVDF/ETFE) | Finish Thompson DB/UC; Iwaki MX/MD | Leak-free containment; strong chemical compatibility |
| Viscous resin/adhesive loops | Progressive-cavity (VFD) | Netzsch | Pulse-free, low-shear flow across viscosity swings |
| Lube oil & thermal oil recirc | External gear (relief) / End-suction hot-oil | Roper, Blackmer; Goulds/Griswold (hot service) | Positive displacement accuracy or robust high-temp centrifugal |
| CIP return / sanitary utility recirc | Sanitary centrifugal | Grundfos (hygienic/inline); Goulds; Griswold | Cleanable hydraulics and efficient recirculation |
| Portable mixing/turnover loops | AODD (cart-mount) / Self-priming | Wilden; Yamada; ARO; Gorman-Rupp | Self-priming, run-dry tolerant, easy to move between tanks |
| Instrumentation chemical trim | Digital/peristaltic metering | LMI PD/TD & KML/KBL; Neptune; Emec; Walchem (control) | High turndown accuracy with validation hardware |
Note: We check NPSH margins at operating temperature, expected air entrainment, and elastomer compatibility vs. your SDS.
Recommended Recirculation Packages (Placeholders)
Tip Share loop fluid, temp, viscosity, target GPM/TDH, duty cycle, and control method (DP, flow, temp). We’ll return curves and a serviceable BOM.
How We Engineer Loop Duty
- Operate at BEP: selections aimed at low vibration, long bearing/seal life.
- Controls: VFD/ECM tuning for stable pressure/flow and energy savings.
- Materials: elastomers and alloys matched to chemistry and temperature.
- Serviceability: isolation valves, drains/vents, back-pull-out frames.
- Validation: metering kits with back-pressure, anti-siphon, columns, quills.
Common Recirculation Uses
- Cooling & tempered water loops
- Jacketed reactor recirculation
- Filter feed/backwash circuits
- CIP supply/return
- RO/UF loop pressure
- Resin/adhesive recirculation
- Lube & thermal oil systems
- pH/biocide trim dosing
- Portable tank turnover
- Scrubber and utility loops
Stable Pressure. Lower Energy. Easier Service.
Send fluid, temp, duty points, loop volume, and control scheme. We’ll quote a quiet, efficient package with curves and submittals—fast.
Recirculation Pump FAQs
Inline or end-suction for my loop?
Inline saves space and aligns piping; end-suction offers broad hydraulics and back-pull-out service. We choose based on head, flow, and layout.
When is multistage worth it?
Use multistage when you need high head in a compact footprint (RO feed, tall head exchangers). Efficiency and controllability are excellent.
How do you manage corrosives in recirculation?
We specify sealless mag-drive pumps in PP/PVDF/ETFE, confirm elastomers vs. SDS, and ensure proper venting/secondary containment as required.