Viscous & Solids-Bearing Media
Consider this platform for sludge, oil-based fluids, and digestate where low-speed transfer and wet-end access matter.
Key check: Check viscosity and solids against the operating point.
Industrial rotary lobe pump guide
Rotary Lobe Pumps: Design, Applications & Selection
Understand how rotary lobe pumps work, where they fit, and how to compare designs, materials, specifications, and configuration options for your transfer duty.
Download Brochure
01 / Structural Options
Factory-fitted reduction gears for compact packages that run a standard-speed motor at lower rotor speed.
02 / In-Situ Service
Front-cover access for wet-end inspection, rebuilds, and spare swaps where pipework clearance allows.
03 / Shaft Support
Double-support is standard; single-support is available for simpler duties.
04 / Reversible Transfer
Full-speed reverse running for pipeline purge and tanker load/unload loops.
What Is a Rotary Lobe Pump?
A rotary lobe pump is a positive-displacement pump. Two synchronized, counter-rotating lobes trap fluid between the rotors and casing, then carry it around the casing from inlet to outlet. Timing gears keep the rotors synchronized without rotor-to-rotor contact.
Working principle and design
Rotor profile, clearances, speed, and fluid viscosity affect delivered flow, solids passage, and pulsation. Explore the working principle →
Applications and limits
Typical duties include sludge, oil, digestate, and viscous process fluids. Suitability depends on suction conditions, solids, abrasion, and material compatibility; clean, low-viscosity transfer may favor another pump type. Review industry applications →
Selection factors
Start with flow, differential pressure, operating and startup viscosity, temperature, and solids. Then review inlet conditions, wetted materials, seals, drive speed, and maintenance access. Open the pump selection guide →
01 / What's inside the pump package
Main Service and Drive Components
The cutaway marks the key service and drive parts. Each one affects seal life, maintenance access, or fluid containment on the duty.
01 / Quick-release front cover
Allows wet-end inspection and maintenance without dismantling the pump, where pipework and clearance allow.
02 / Fully supported shaft design
The standard double-support layout maintains rotor alignment and handles higher-pressure duties. Single-support is available where simplicity or access takes priority.
03 / Wear plates and liners
Optional liners protect casing wear areas and extend service life on abrasive or solids-bearing duties.
04 / Non-contacting lobes
Non-contacting lobes enable low-shear, low-pulsation transfer. Bi-lobe, tri-lobe, and helical profiles can be selected by duty.
05 / Oil-filled intermediate chamber
The oil-filled intermediate chamber lubricates the seals and protects the gear unit if fluid leaks past the seal.
06 / AGMA Class 9 timing gears
AGMA Class 9 timing gears synchronize the lobes so rotor clearance is maintained without rotor-to-rotor contact.
07 / Integrated reduction option
Factory-fitted speed reduction sits in the drive housing when a standard-speed motor and lower rotor speed are needed without an external reducer.
08 / 42CrMo4 / ASTM 4140 shaft
The shaft and drive end are matched to bearing layout, torque load, and service clearance for the installation.
Assembly & Pre-Dispatch Checks
Configured pump packages are assembled and checked against the order scope before shipment.
- Assembly against order scope
- Export documents
- Service-access check
- Package build record
02 / Model range and capacity
YL Series Flow and Pressure Range
Standard model range for YANESS rotary lobe pumps. Use this table as a first-pass check to see which models cover your flow rate and pressure requirements.
Scroll horizontally to compare all specifications ↔
| Model | Rated Speed (rpm) | Rated Flow, USGPM | Max Pressure, psi |
|---|---|---|---|
| YL 10 | 0 - 760 | 0 - 26.5 | 230 |
| YL 18 | 0 - 720 | 0 - 44 | 230 |
| YL 28 | 0 - 720 | 0 - 66 | 230 |
| YL 52 | 0 - 630 | 0 - 110 | 260 |
| YL 87 | 0 - 530 | 0 - 150 | 230 |
| YL 150 | 0 - 530 | 0 - 260 | 230 |
| YL 196 | 0 - 640 | 0 - 420 | 230 |
| YL 224 | 0 - 530 | 0 - 400 | 230 |
| YL 300 | 0 - 530 | 0 - 530 | 230 |
| YL 360 | 0 - 550 | 0 - 660 | 230 |
| YL 540 | 0 - 550 | 0 - 970 | 230 |
| YL 720 | 0 - 550 | 0 - 1320 | 230 |
| YL 990 | 0 - 500 | 0 - 1630 | 150 |
| YL 1450 | 0 - 500 | 0 - 2420 | 150 |
| YL 1980 | 0 - 500 | 0 - 3300 | 150 |
| YL 2900 | 0 - 500 | 0 - 4840 | 150 |
| YL 3434 | 0 - 500 | 0 - 5720 | 150 |
| YL 3830 | 0 - 500 | 0 - 6380 | 145 |
Nominal ranges are for initial screening. Final sizing depends on the fluid, viscosity, suction conditions, and required operating point; the maximum flow and pressure may not be available together.
Ask an engineer to confirm your model →
For model specifications, performance curves, and dimensional drawings, see the product brochure.
Download Brochure PDF · 31 pages · 13.4 MB 03 / What gets configured per duty
Configuration Options for Your Duty
Review the available material, rotor, seal, drive, and layout choices. The final combination is confirmed through duty and installation review.
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Wetted Materials
Casing and cover materials, rotor elastomers, optional liners, and wear parts.
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Rotor Profile & Clearance
Bi-lobe, tri-lobe, or helical profiles, with duty-specific rotor clearances.
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Mechanical Seal Options
Mechanical seal arrangement and seal-face materials, with isolation chamber requirements reviewed.
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Drive Configuration
Integrated reduction or external drive, motor selection, and operating speed.
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Port & Access Layout
Port orientation and package footprint, with clearance for front-cover removal and maintenance.
To prepare for configuration review, check the sizing checklist →
04 / Where this pump fits
Check the Fit for Your Duty and Installation
Start with your medium and installation needs. Compare alternatives for clean, low-viscosity transfer, and review sanitary or special requirements before selecting a configuration.
Compact Installation & Service Access
Integrated drive options and front-cover access can suit space-limited packages that need in-place maintenance.
Key check: Allow clearance for cover removal and maintenance.
Clean, Low-Viscosity Transfer
For clean liquid at high flow, compare centrifugal and rotary lobe options against the required duty.
Key check: Compare efficiency at the required flow and pressure.
Sanitary & Special Requirements
Cleaning, pressure, material, or documentation requirements need a dedicated review to establish the available configuration.
Key check: Agree project requirements before configuration approval.
05 / Before you send an inquiry
What to Include in Your Pump Inquiry
Share the information you have below so YANESS can review the duty and identify any details needed for sizing.
Fluid & Viscosity
Fluid name and viscosity during normal operation and startup, if known.
Flow & Pressure
Required flow rate and discharge pressure, with units.
Solids & Abrasion
Particle size, solids concentration, and any abrasive content.
Temperature & Runtime
Operating temperature range and continuous or intermittent duty.
Suction & Installation
Suction lift or inlet pressure, pipework layout, and available installation space.
Special Requirements
Cleaning method, material preferences, and required documents or certifications.
Incomplete data is welcome. For a replacement, include the current pump model, nameplate details, and failure symptoms. Site and nameplate photos can be shared during follow-up.
Request Pump Sizing
Tell us what you need to transfer. YANESS reviews your duty before recommending a pump model and configuration.
Typical reply within 1 business day.
Further Reading
Application & Technical Guides
Browse application, design, sizing, and maintenance guides for more detail.