Viscous Product Transfer (Syrups, Resins, Oils, Slurries & Pastes)
Thick, sticky, shear-sensitive media demand positive-displacement hydraulics and smart piping. We apply progressive-cavity for gentle, pulse-free flow, external gear for clean viscous oils and polymers, peristaltic where abrasion/air or suction lift rules, and AODD for portable, forgiving duty—plus jackets, reliefs, and VFDs to keep things moving.
Best-Fit Pumps for Viscous Products
| Service | Best Pump Type | Recommended Brands | Why It’s Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shear-sensitive sauces, slurries, resins | Progressive-cavity (low-shear, VFD) | Netzsch | Smooth, pulse-free flow protects texture and structure |
| Clean viscous oils, polymers, adhesives | External gear pump | Roper; Blackmer | Accurate, steady delivery; jacket and relief options |
| Abrasive or air-entrained viscous streams | Peristaltic hose pump | Graco; LMI KML/KBL | Only hose is wetted; strong suction; quick hose changeouts |
| Portable, variable, or tough suction conditions | AODD (bolted) | Wilden; Yamada; ARO | Self-priming, run-dry tolerant; handles viscosity swings |
| Drum/IBC unloading of viscous product | Drum/IBC pumps (progressing cavity / high-viscosity kits) | Flux | Ergonomic unloading with high-visc capability and accessories |
| Small-flow additive dosing (viscous) | Digital diaphragm / Peristaltic metering | LMI PD/TD & KML/KBL; Neptune; Emec; Walchem | High turndown accuracy; hose/elastomer matched to media |
Sizing inputs: viscosity vs. temperature curve, SG, shear limits, solids size, suction geometry, line length, and required cleanability.
Recommended Viscous Packages (Placeholders)
Tip Share temp window and viscosity curve (cP vs. °F/°C). We’ll right-size speed, torque, line size, and reliefs—and specify jackets where needed.
How We Engineer Viscous Duty
- Heat management: tracing/jackets and controlled warm-up to hit target cP.
- Suction assurance: flooded suctions, enlarged inlets, short runs, and NPSH margin.
- Speed & shear: VFD turndown with low tip speeds to protect product.
- Protection: relief valves, pressure transmitters, and dry-run protection where applicable.
- Cleanability: flush plans or quick-disassemble designs to match your CIP needs.
Common Viscous Uses
- Syrups, sauces & pastes
- Adhesives & sealants
- Heavy oils & polyol/isocyanate
- Ink & pigment bases
- Resins & coatings
- Slurries with soft solids
- Soap, surfactants & detergents
- Cosmetic & personal care
- Filler/binder additions
- Drum/IBC unloading
Low-Shear. Jacket-Ready. Easy to Clean.
Send viscosity vs. temperature, SG, solids, shear limits, suction details, and duty points. We’ll size a serviceable package with curves and a complete BOM.
Viscous Transfer FAQs
Progressive-cavity or external gear—how do I choose?
Pick PC for shear-sensitive or solids-bearing media that need smooth flow; choose gear for clean, viscous liquids when precise, steady delivery is the priority.
Can peristaltic pumps handle high viscosity?
Yes—within hose and suction limits. They excel when abrasion, air entrainment, or lift are present. We’ll match hose material and size to the duty.
How do you manage viscosity swings with temperature?
We use jackets/trace heat, enlarged suctions, conservative speeds, and closed-loop VFD control. Provide a cP vs. temperature curve for best results.