Progressive Cavity (PC) Pumps
When fluids are thick, delicate, or full of solids, progressive cavity delivers smooth, low-pulsation flow with excellent suction lift and gentle handling. We engineer PC pumps with the right rotor/stator pairing, hopper/auger feeds for non-flowing products, and run-dry protection so your line stays predictable and easy to clean.
- Self-priming with strong suction capability; handles entrained air and non-Newtonian fluids
- Low shear, nearly pulse-free flow for metering and delicate products (sauces, polymers, slurries)
- High viscosity capability (10,000–1,000,000+ cP) with correct porting and speed control
- Abrasive slurries supported with hard-coated rotors, elastomer selection, and slow RPM sizing
Manufacturers We Represent for Progressive Cavity
Featured Progressive Cavity Products
What Makes Progressive Cavity Different (and When It Beats Other Pumps)
How Progressive Cavity Pumps Work
- A single-helix rotor turns inside a double-helix stator, forming sealed cavities that progress from suction to discharge.
- As cavities move, they convey product gently with minimal pulsation and excellent volumetric accuracy.
- Speed (VFD) trims flow precisely without changing slip dramatically when sized correctly.
Where PC Pumps Win
- High-viscosity & non-flowing products (pastas, mashes, sludges, resins) — with hopper/auger feed
- Shear-sensitive foods, emulsions, and polymers that must not be damaged
- Slurries & soft solids where steady flow and gentle handling are critical
- Low-pulsation metering for chemicals and additives beyond peristaltic range
Best-Fit PC Configurations by Service
| Service | Ideal Configuration | Recommended Brands | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very viscous / non-flowing (≥100k cP) | Hopper inlet + auger feed; oversized ports; slow RPM via VFD | Netzsch | Positive feeding prevents starvation; low shear preserves texture |
| Shear-sensitive foods & cosmetics | Polished SS; EPDM/FKM stator as compatible; sanitary connections | Netzsch | Smooth cavities convey gently with near-zero pulsation |
| Abrasive slurries (minerals, pigments) | Hard-coated rotors (chrome/ceramic), abrasion-resistant NBR/HNBR stator | Netzsch | Wear package + slow RPM extends stator/rotor life |
| Low-pulsation chemical dosing | Small-stage PC, VFD, pressure relief, stator compatible with chemistry | Netzsch | Excellent turndown with smooth, linear flow |
| Sludge dewatering feed / cake transfer | High-pressure multi-stage, dry-run & overpressure protection | Netzsch | Builds pressure steadily into dewatering equipment without surging |
Sizing inputs: flow/head, viscosity vs. temperature, solids % and particle size, abrasiveness, suction geometry, CIP/SIP needs, elastomer compatibility.
Materials & Performance
Wetted Materials
- Rotors: 316SS, duplex SS, hard-chrome or ceramic-coated for abrasion
- Stators (elastomers): NBR/HNBR (oils, abrasion), EPDM (caustics, select acids), FKM (hydrocarbons/solvents)
- Housings: 316SS (sanitary), coated carbon steel (industrial)
- Seals: single/double mechanical or packed as application dictates
Real-World Ranges
- Flow: fractional to ~1,000+ GPM (model-dependent)
- Head/Pressure: up to ~600+ ft TDH via multi-stage (application-dependent)
- Viscosity: from water-like to 1,000,000+ cP with correct inlet and speed
- Solids: high % by volume feasible with proper clearances and RPM
Accessories That Make PC Installs Bulletproof
- Run-dry protection: stator temperature, power draw, or level interlocks
- Over-pressure protection: relief valve or VFD trip to save stator/drive
- Hopper/auger feeds and bridge-breakers for non-flowing products
- CIP/SIP: sanitary connections, drainability, elastomer compatibility
- Sealing packages: single/double mechanical, flush plans for abrasives
Progressive Cavity vs. Other Common Pump Types
| Use Case | PC | Gear | Peristaltic | Centrifugal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very high viscosity | Excellent | Good (clean fluids) | Excellent | Poor/Fair |
| Low pulsation / metering | Excellent | Good (steady) | Good (hose wear) | Fair |
| Shear-sensitive products | Excellent | Fair (shear risk) | Good | Poor/Fair |
| Abrasive slurries | Great (wear package) | Fair (clearances) | Great | Fair |
| Self-priming / suction lift | Excellent | Fair | Excellent | Fair (primers) |
What We Need to Size Your PC Pump (5-Minute Worksheet)
- Flow & head at operating temperature; desired turndown
- Viscosity vs. temp, density/SG, solids % and max particle size
- Fluid & elastomer compatibility (SDS), sanitary vs. industrial
- Suction: flooded vs. lift, hopper need, inlet pressure limits
- Controls & protection: VFD, run-dry/overpressure, relief strategy
Top Progressive Cavity Lines We Stock (Placeholders)
Send your duty point and fluid—We’ll return curves, NPSH checks, elastomer selection, and a complete BOM.
Need a Progressive Cavity Pump Spec’d Right the First Time?
Share viscosity vs. temperature, solids %, suction setup, and your target flow/head. We’ll return a gentle-handling, protection-equipped selection with long wear life.
Progressive Cavity Pump FAQs
Can progressive cavity pumps run dry?
Not for long—stators are elastomeric and heat quickly. We add run-dry protection (stator temperature, power draw, or level) and relief strategies to prevent damage.
Which stator elastomer should I choose (NBR, EPDM, HNBR, FKM)?
NBR/HNBR for oils and abrasion resistance, EPDM for caustics and many acids, FKM for hydrocarbons/solvents. We verify against your SDS and temperature curve.
How do PCs compare to peristaltic for thick slurries?
Both excel on viscosity and solids. PCs offer higher efficiency and continuous service without hose changes; peristaltics tolerate run-dry and can be simpler on aggressive chemicals. We’ll size both if you want a comparison.
Can progressive cavity pumps be sanitary and CIP-ready?
Yes—3-A-capable designs with polished stainless, clamp ends, drainability, and elastomers compatible with your CIP/SIP chemistry are available. We’ll specify surface finish and seal package to match.