Why are Discflo Pumps ideally suited for pumping Shear-sensitive Crystals?
Disc pumps are unique in that they do not use centrifugal force or positive displacement. Instead, they operate on the boundary layer/viscous drag forces that produce a laminar flow with no pulsation[
This is significant for two reasons:
- Firstly, laminar flow conditions provide the best protection for shear-sensitive crystals and delicate pharmaceutical products. Non-impingement and laminar flow pumping have almost zero impact on the product.
- Secondly, laminar flow means lower NPSHr. Disc Pumps have NPSH requirements that are about half to a third of that required by conventional pumps plus the curve is stable through to shut off.
To re-enforce the low-shear attribute of the Discflo pump, it has actually been used in a demonstration to pump live fish.
Disc Pumps have proven ideal for a range of pharmaceutical applications, including:
- Centrifuge feed
- Crystal slurries
- Solvents
- Emulsions
- Filter press
- Abrasive slurries
- Thixotropic Fluids
- Dilatant fluids.
Customers using Discflo pumps on pumping Shear Sensitive crystals to centrifuges have reported a yield improvement as the pump does not smash the crystals and produce fines. If you have a Shear Sensitive Slurry application you would like to discuss, please contact ESI