Alfa Laval introduces MaxiLobe rotary lobe pump range
Alfa Laval has launched its MaxiLobe and MaxiLobe UltraPure rotary lobe pump ranges, designed to improve volumetric efficiency, reduce energy consumption and simplify maintenance in hygienic and high-purity processing applications.
The new positive displacement pumps are aimed at manufacturers in the food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical and personal care industries. According to Alfa Laval, their improved volumetric efficiency and wider operating range can allow smaller pumps to achieve the same duty at lower speeds, potentially reducing both initial investment and running costs.
Under defined operating conditions, MaxiLobe delivers at least 5% higher flow rates than the equivalent Alfa Laval SRU model. The company also claims energy savings of more than 25% in many applications.
Russ Kelly, Portfolio Manager, Pumps at Alfa Laval, said: “MaxiLobe builds on that legacy with improved hygienic design across a wider operating range, enabling smaller pumps to achieve the same duty at lower speeds. Lower speeds reduce shear, helping improve operating efficiency and safeguard shear-sensitive products.”
The ability to operate at lower speeds is particularly relevant when handling shear-sensitive products. Alfa Laval also says the reduced mechanical stress can help extend service intervals and equipment life, while a gearbox designed for demanding operating conditions supports reliability.
For users looking to upgrade existing installations, the new pumps retain the key porting dimensions of Alfa Laval’s SRU range and most SX and SX UltraPure models. This allows replacement without modifying existing pipework, potentially reducing installation costs.
Hygienic design is another focus. Alfa Laval says the standard MaxiLobe range has European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG) and 3-A certification, alongside full Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliance.
For pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications, MaxiLobe UltraPure offers additional material and surface finish options, with product-wetted materials conforming to FDA and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) requirements. Alfa Laval says the UltraPure range also complies with ASME Bioprocessing Equipment (BPE) standards and Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines. Its Q-doc documentation package provides traceability and validation support for regulated applications.
Maintenance has been addressed through front-loading single seals that can be replaced without removing the pump from the process line. Interchangeable components and accessible shimming arrangements are intended to make servicing quicker and more straightforward.
Every pump is factory-tested and supplied with a performance certificate confirming that it meets its specified operating curve before delivery.
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