What's A Screw Pump? Understanding The Unique Characteristics and Operating Principles of 1, 2 and 3 Screw Pumps

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Whats a screw pump?


Understanding the unique
characteristics and operating
principles of 1, 2 and 3 screw
pumps
By Rob Jordan

Colfax Fluid Handling


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What is a screw pump?

Single Screw Pumps

he term screw pump is often used generically.

A single screw pump -- also known as an eccentric screw, or pro-

However, this generalization can be a pitfall as it

gressive cavity pump -- contains a single pumping element (screw)

fails to recognize the different product or screw

that rotates within a stationary, typically elastomeric stator. The

configurations, as well as the uses, advantages and design

individual turns of the screw seal a set volume of fluid by direct

considerations for each. The design differences of each

contact, with the stator. The stator has a shape that corresponds

screw configuration and pump type make each suitable

to the outside surface of the screw. The interference fit between

for different applications and handling fluids with varying

the screw or pumping element and the flexible stator create a

characteristics.

unique pump design that can handle a variety of fluid


characteristics, including high levels of solids and variable

Each screw pump operates on the same basic principal

viscosities. However, the interference fit creates a need for

of a screw turning to isolate a volume of fluid and convey

lubrication and cooling of the stator material.

it. However, the mechanical design of each is different.


The primary difference in one, two, three or multiple screw

The rotors drive end is supported by an external bearing, and the

pumps is the method in which the rotor or pumping ele-

pumping element is supported by the stator. When using a single

ment is supported within the casing. Screw pump

screw pump, chemical and temperature compatibility of the stator

configurations may include single screw/eccentric screw/

with the application parameters must be considered. Also, the

progressive cavity pumps,, external bearing, timed twin

flexibility of the stator material limits how much differential

screw pumps, internal bearing, product lubricated twin

pressure can be handled across each turn of screw. Pump rotor/

screw pumps, three screw pumps with internal bearings,

stator combinations can be staged in order to make a pump

three screw pumps with external bearings, single suction

capable of high pressure operation. These can be very effective

designs, double suction designs, multiple screw designs

in high pressure applications. In fact, high pressure multi-stage

similar to a three screw pump with more than two idler

single screw pumps can be greater than 14 feet long. Provided

rotors or even Archimedes-style flood control pumps.

that there is ample physical space available, single screw pumps


can be an attractive pumping solution in certain situations.

Two Screw Pumps


Traditionally, the term two screw pump has been applied to a
screw pump with two shafts. However, a two screw pump can
also be considered a four screw pump if it is a double
suction design (two opposing sets of screws pumping towards
the discharge). For the purpose of this article a two screw pump
is considered a double suction external-bearing, timed pumping
machine. The pumping element of a two screw pump consists of
two intermeshing screws rotating within a stationary bore/housing
that is shaped like a figure eight. The rotor and housing/body are
metal and the pumping element is supported by bearings at each
end of the shaft in this design.

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The clearances between the individual areas of the pumping

During operation of a three screw pump, the rotor turns and

screws are maintained by the timing gears. When a two screw

allows the pumping element to create a thin film of fluid around it.

pump is properly timed and assembled there is no metal-to-metal

The force of this fluid film acting on the rotor supports the

contact within the pump screws. The pumping screws and body/

pumping element within the housing. The method of supporting

housing can be made from virtually any machinable alloy. This

the rotor limits the possible materials of construction to

allows the pump to be applied for the most severe applications in

non-galling combinations and the fluids that can be handled to

aggressive fluid handling. Hard coatings can also be applied for

typically non-aggressive fluids. Screws can be hardened, but

wear resistance. The individual turns of the screw are sealed by

stainless steels cannot be used due to the galling characteristics.

the thin film of fluid that moves through the clearances separating
them.

Disrupting the fluid film around the rotor can cause the rotor
to lose support and potentially contact the rotor housing or the

An external bearing design has four shaft penetrations through

adjacent screws. Disruption of the fluid film can result from solid

the pump housings. These penetrations require sealing. Some

particles, gas bubbles, low viscosity (slugs of water or solvents)

consider the idea of four mechanical seals a nightmare -- however,

or other variable and/or process upset conditions. If the screws

this is a feature that makes a two screw pump one of the most

come in contact with one another, they potentially lock together

robust pump designs, capable of handling a wide range of

causing the pump to stop moving fluid and potentially damaging

operating conditions and fluid characteristics.

the internals.

The four mechanical seals allow the bearings to be completely

Three screw pumps are ideal for clean, lubricating fluids. Fluid

outside of the pumped fluid. This allows them to have a supply of

film thickness and operating clearance is typically smaller than

clean lubricating oil and be independent of the pumped fluid

that of a two screw design, giving higher efficiencies and higher

characteristics. The external housings also allows for cooling

pressure capabilities than a two screw pump providing viscosity

which means the quality of the lube oil can be maintained in high

is adequate and fluid is clean enough to avoid disruptions to the

temperature or horsepower applications.

internal fluid film.


In conclusion, using the generic terminology screw pump fails to
recognize the key mechanical design and performance

Three Screw Pumps

differences that each screw pump type offers. However, once they
are understand, engineers will find a proven technology suitable

A three screw pump operates on the same principle of intermeshing screws as the two screw pump, and can be configured as a
double suction pump (technically, a six screw pump). The three
screw design utilizes a centrally-located primary screw, or power
rotor, which intermeshes with two secondary screws, or idler rotors. The idler rotors are located 180 degrees from each other,
are suspended within the pump and do not penetrate the
housing. The power rotor penetrates the housing and requires
one bearing and one seal; there may be bushings or sleeve
bearings that are exposed to the pumped fluid.

for a wide range of applications in multiple industries.

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Colfax Fluid Handling, a global leader in critical fluid-handling products and


technologies, is a brand of Colfax Corporation. Through its fluid-handling
platform and reporting global operating subsidiaries, Colfax manufactures
positive displacement industrial pumps, valves and systems used in oil & gas, power
generation, commercial marine, defense, industrial and lubrication markets. Colfaxs
operating subsidiaries supply products, services and support under the well-known
brands Allweiler, Baric, Fairmount Automation, Houttuin, Imo, LSC, Portland Valve,
Rosscor, Tushaco, Warren and Zenith. Colfax is traded on the NYSE under the ticker
symbol CFX. Additional information about Colfax is available at www.colfaxcorp.com.

ALLWEILER

HOUTTUIN

IMO

TUSHACO

WARREN

Colfax Fluid Handling


1710 Airport Road
Monroe, NC 28110 USA
Tel: (704) 289-6511
(877) 853-7867
www.colfaxcorp.com

COLFAX, ALLWEILER, BARIC, COLFAX BUSINESS SYSTEM, FAIRMOUNT AUTOMATION, HOUTTUIN, IMO, LSC, ROSSCOR,
TUSHACO, WARREN and ZENITH are registered trademarks of the Colfax Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.
2011 Colfax Corporation. All rights reserved.

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