products · 1 · 2026-09-22
Selecting and Configuring a Rotor Pump for Abrasive-Particle High-Viscosity Materials
Pumping acrylic adhesive containing abrasive fillers (fumed silica) and hollow glass beads — viscosity ~20,000 cSt, particle size <150 μm, required flow ~47 L/min. Here is how to spec the rotor pump correctly.
Working condition profile: The task is to pump acrylic adhesive containing abrasive fillers such as fumed silica and particulate components such as hollow glass beads. Product viscosity is approximately 20,000 cSt (~18,000 cps), particle size below 150 μm, and the required steady flow rate is about 47 L/min (40 kg/min, density ~0.85).
Why a rotor pump suits this duty: 1. Wide flow path, no blockage — particle size is far smaller than the rotor pump flow channel; fumed silica is nano-scale and glass beads are under 150 μm, so there is no blockage risk. 2. Low shear, no particle breakage — the rotor pump generates minimal shear with smooth flow, so brittle hollow glass beads are not crushed and the material structure stays intact. 3. Strong at medium-to-high viscosity — 20,000 cSt falls squarely within the rotor pump's advantage range.
Three critical configurations for abrasive materials: 1. Abrasion resistance — fumed silica (silicon dioxide) is highly abrasive; the rotor and pump chamber should receive wear-resistant treatment, and the seal should be silicon-carbide-to-silicon-carbide mechanical seal (standard for abrasive duty). 2. Solvent-resistant sealing — acrylic adhesives contain organic monomers/solvents; O-rings must use FKM (fluoroelastomer), never ordinary NBR. 3. Low-speed principle — at 47 L/min target flow, the LX-18 model needs ~260–261 rpm (relatively high); the LX-36 model needs only ~131 rpm, running more steadily with less wear. The LX-36 is recommended.
Cleaning and maintenance: Adhesive products are viscous, tend to coat walls and are difficult to clean once cured. Equip the pump with CIP (clean-in-place) and flush promptly after use to prevent material from curing inside the pump chamber.
Piping guidelines: For high-viscosity products, pipe friction is the main loss. Within 10 m horizontal run (40 mm pipe), the LX-18 is sufficient; for 10–30 m, increase to 50 mm pipe to reduce resistance; beyond 30 m, go directly to the LX-36 for margin. Keep the outlet pipe diameter as large as practical, minimise bends and use large-radius elbows — this significantly reduces resistance and extends pump life.
Conservative configuration reference: LX-18 / LX-36 + 50 mm outlet pipe + variable-frequency motor (~1:5 ratio) + silicon-carbide mechanical seal + FKM O-rings + 304 stainless steel. (For specific seal model numbers and wear-treatment grades, consult factory.)
Why this matters for overseas buyers
Rotor pump selection and configuration guide for abrasive-particle high-viscosity materials (acrylic adhesive ~20,000 cSt, particles <150 μm): wear-resistant treatment, SiC mechanical seal, FKM sealing, low-speed principle.