In the pharmaceutical sector, each phase of production — from the handling of raw materials to the packaging of finished products — calls for hygiene, precision, and reliability. The pumps are at the forefront of making it possible for smooth, contamination-free flow of liquids and semi-solids throughout the phases. The choice of pump is not merely a question of flow rates or pressures — it's a question of compliance, safety, and efficiency.
While there are many types of pumps used in industries, pharmaceutical applications demand more than just mechanical performance — they require solutions that uphold GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and sterility at all times.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the common types of pumps used in pharmaceutical industry and how Fristam’s hygienic pump solutions meet the high standards required by pharma manufacturers across India.
Common Types of Pumps Used in Industries
Pharma processing involves the transfer of everything from purified water and buffer solutions to viscous syrups and creams. Every application needs a particular pump design. Let's discuss the most common industry types of pumps for pharmaceutical applications:
- 1. Centrifugal Pumps
These pumps are widely utilized to transfer low-viscosity fluids like purified water or cleaning solutions. They work at high velocity and are best suited for applications such as CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems or light product handling where flow consistency is important.
- 2. Positive Displacement Pumps
These are necessary for dealing with viscous products such as gels, creams, and suspensions. They provide precise dosing, minimal product movement, and perform well even at low rates, thereby being suitable for sensitive or shear-sensitive pharma products.
- 3. Peristaltic Pumps
Frequently employed in laboratories or small-scale production lines, peristaltic pumps provide sterile operation since the fluid touches only the tubing. They're appropriate for extremely sensitive applications but less prevalent in mass production because of flow rate constraints.
- 4. Liquid Ring Self-Priming Pumps
These are utilized in applications where suction of air-liquid mixtures is required, e.g., CIP return systems. They can deal with foaming liquids and evacuate complete lines, thus making them a worthwhile addition to pharma setups.
Though these pharma industry pumps are conventional, not all manufacturers offer the hygiene, traceability, and long-term dependability that the industry requires. That's where Fristam differs.
Fristam Pumps in the Pharmaceutical Sector
Fristam has been a reliable brand in hygienic pumping systems for decades. With emphasis on cleanability, durability, and precision design, Fristam pumps are specially designed for pharmaceutical manufacturing environments like a dependable medicine.
- Let's discuss Fristam's best models used for pharmaceutical purposes.
- 1. Fristam FPV Centrifugal Pump
- Ideal for: High-purity water (WFI (Water for Injection application with Option C and D), buffer solutions, and sterile liquids
The FPV Centrifugal Pump is Fristam's top-of-the-line model for sterile, high-pressure pharmaceutical applications. Fitted with a proprietary advanced mechanical seal configuration, it realizes low product loss, excellent cleanability, ensure long and consistent seal life — ideal for sterilization retention during high-purity fluid transfer.
- Key Features:
- 14 sizes to choose from
- System pressures up to 25 bar
- Flow rates up to 550 m³/h
- Viscosities up to 800 mPa.s
- Full traceability of all components
Whether you’re transferring WFI or sensitive media, this pump meets strict regulatory and process control needs.
- 2. Fristam FZ Liquid Ring Self-Priming Pump
Ideal for: CIP return, tank evacuation, foam-prone liquids
Used to drain tanks and pipelines totally, the FZ pump has excellent suction and priming performance. It's self-priming and reversible, which makes it perfect for applications where air-liquid mixtures or foamy liquids must be drained out with efficiency.
- Key Features:
- 6 various sizes
- System pressure up to 15 bar
- Flow rates up to 80 m³/h
- Supports viscosities up to 5,000 mPa.s
The FZ series is a must-have in pharma plants for reliable return systems and full product recovery.
- 3. Fristam FL/FL3 Positive Displacement Pump
Ideal for: High-viscosity products, creams, and sensitive suspensions
The FL series has a long life of service, gentle treatment, and strong performance. The FL3 version has helical three-winged rotors, enabling higher speeds for CIP return, without the necessity of a secondary cleaning pump.
- Key Features:
- 11 sizes
- Discharge pressures up to 12 bar
- Flow rates up to 70 m³/h
- Viscosities up to 1,000,000 mPa.s
FL and FL3 models are CIP/SIP compatible and compact, minimizing maintenance and maximizing productivity.
- 4. Fristam FDS Nano Twin Screw Pump
Ideal for: Handling shear sensitive products like blood, immunoglobulins, antibodies, and proteins. Also, self-priming, low shear with minimal damage and CIP capable
Designed for dosing applications for accurate precision with smooth movement, gentle handling and easy maintenance area. The Pump maintains the sterility of the fluid throughout the process, making it suitable for critical pharmaceutical applications.
- Key Features:
- Screw available in 6 sizes
- Discharge pressures up to 12 bar
- Flow rates: Product: 5 to 500 L/h and CIP: 3 m³/h
- Viscosities 0.5 – 1 million cP
- Material: high-grade stainless steel
FDS Nano Model is CIP compatible, compact, contact free-screws, easy maintenance, flexible speed setting, front loading seals and flexible couplings.
- 5. Fristam FSP Shear Pump:
Ideal for: Homogenous lumps free end products with repeatable results, saves raw material inputs, gentle product handling, handle low to high viscous products.
Shear Pumps designed based on proven centrifugal pumps FP series, rotor and stator system draws inhomogeneous products through shearing clearances of just 0.3 mm at speed of up to 38 m/s because of getting homogeneous blended solution with supreme efficiency which is the most suitable for pharmaceutical industry for infusion solution, lotions, plant extracts, ethanol, enzymes, toothpaste and toxic and alcoholic solution.
- Key Features:
- 5 different sizes
- Shear rates up to 125,000 1/s
- Revolution speeds up to 5,800 rpm
- Viscosities up to 100,000 Mpa s
FSP Shear Pump offers a customized solution, CIP capable, Hygienic design, robust and highly economical.
Why Choose Fristam Pumps for Pharma Applications?
Among all the types of pumps industries use, Fristam leads the pack with its focus on hygiene, safety, and innovation. Here's why pharma companies are opting for Fristam:
- Hygienic Design: Engineered as per global pharma regulations
- Traceability: Every component is traced and recorded — perfect for audits
- Custom Solutions: Customized according to your production requirements — from bench-scale to bulk-scale
- Energy-Efficient: Reduced power usage with high-performance output
- Service & Support: Fristam India provides strong after-sales support and maintenance instructions
When it comes to pharmaceutical industry pumps, Fristam guarantees you're not merely purchasing a pump — you're investing in consistency, safety, and long-term value.
Final Thoughts
It is important to know the types of pumps in the industry for pharma success. From sterile transfer to CIP return and viscous solution handling, the right pump makes operations smoother, lowers downtime, and improves compliance.
Fristam's pharmaceutical-grade pump solutions are renowned worldwide for their unwavering commitment to hygiene and performance. If you want to improve or construct a world-class pharma plant, Fristam is the company to believe in. Discover the full lineup of Fristam pumps designed exclusively for the pharmaceutical market.