Material Characteristics
Viscosity: Shrimp paste has a certain viscosity, usually ranging from several hundred to several thousand centipoises. Generally speaking, screw pumps, cam rotor pumps, etc. are suitable for the transportation of high-viscosity materials. They can provide a stable flow rate and are not likely to damage the structure of the shrimp paste.
Particle Size: If the shrimp paste contains shrimp meat particles and other substances, the feeding pump needs to have a certain passing capacity to avoid particles blocking or damaging the pump body. The flow channels of screw pumps and sliding vane pumps are relatively large, and they can better adapt to materials containing a small amount of particles.
Temperature: The shrimp paste may be under different temperature conditions during the production process, such as low-temperature refrigeration or normal-temperature processing. When selecting a pump, its applicable temperature range should be considered. Generally, pumps made of stainless steel materials can adapt to a relatively wide temperature range, such as approximately from -20°C to 80°C.
Flow Rate and Pressure Requirements
Flow Rate: Determine the required feeding flow rate according to the production scale and process requirements of the shrimp paste. For example, a large-scale production line may require a flow rate of several liters or even dozens of liters per minute, while a small workshop may only need a relatively small flow rate. The required pump flow rate can be calculated according to the specific production output and production cycle.
Pressure: Consider factors such as the feeding distance, height, and pipeline resistance to determine the pressure that the pump needs to provide. If the conveying distance is long, the height difference is large, or the pipeline resistance is high, a pump that can provide a higher pressure, such as a plunger pump or a gear pump, needs to be selected. However, it should be noted that the shearing action on the shrimp paste should not be too large.
Hygiene Requirements
Material: The components of the pump body that come into contact with the shrimp paste should be made of materials that meet food hygiene standards, such as 304 or 316L stainless steel, to ensure non-toxicity, corrosion resistance, and no pollution to the shrimp paste. At the same time, the sealing parts should also be made of food-grade materials, such as silicone rubber, fluororubber, etc.
Structural Design: The structure of the pump should be easy to clean and disinfect to avoid material residue. For example, pumps with a dead-angle-free and smooth flow channel design, detachable components for easy disassembly and cleaning, and those with CIP (Clean In Place) and SIP (Sterilize In Place) functions are more suitable for the hygiene requirements of shrimp paste production.
Transportation Efficiency and Energy Consumption
Efficiency: Selecting a feeding pump with high efficiency can reduce production costs and energy consumption. Different types of pumps have different efficiencies under different working conditions. For example, screw pumps have higher efficiency when transporting high-viscosity materials, while centrifugal pumps have better efficiency in transporting materials with large flow rates and low viscosities. The efficiency can be evaluated by referring to the performance curves of the pumps and actual application cases.
Energy Consumption: Select a pump with low energy consumption according to the energy supply and cost situation of the production workshop. Generally, pumps with smaller power and high operating efficiency have relatively lower energy consumption. However, the investment cost of the equipment and long-term operating costs should also be comprehensively considered.
Reliability and Maintenance Cost
Reliability: The stable operation of the feeding pump during the production process is crucial. It is necessary to select products with reliable quality and good brand reputation. The reliability of the pump can be evaluated by referring to the usage evaluations of other users and the after-sales service of the manufacturer.
Maintenance Cost: Consider factors such as the replacement cost of vulnerable parts of the pump, the difficulty of maintenance, and the maintenance cycle. Some pumps with simple structures and few vulnerable parts have relatively low maintenance costs. For example, the maintenance of screw pumps is relatively simple, while some complex pumps may require professional maintenance personnel and higher maintenance costs.
Price and Investment Cost
Equipment Price: The prices of feeding pumps of different types and brands vary greatly. On the premise of meeting the production requirements, select suitable products according to the budget. However, do not take the price as the only selection criterion. Factors such as the performance, quality, and after-sales service of the pump should be comprehensively considered.
Investment Cost: In addition to the price of the equipment itself, factors such as installation and commissioning costs, costs of supporting facilities (such as pipelines, valves, etc.), as well as later operating costs and maintenance costs should also be considered to comprehensively evaluate the investment cost.
