Centrifugal pumps
Alfa Laval centrifugal pumps elevate both product quality and process productivity in hygienic applications. Select from our range of standard pumps designed for general product transfer tasks or specialized pumps tailored for evaporation, high-pressure, self-priming, CIP return, and high-purity applications. These pumps are engineered for peak performance, delivering high efficiency, increased uptime, gentle product handling, energy conservation, ease of maintenance, and a reduced total cost of ownership. Make the smart choice for superior pumping solutions in your industry.
How does a centrifugal pump work?
The centrifugal pump impeller, mounted on a shaft driven by an electric motor, rotates, transferring energy to the liquid, thereby increasing pressure. The increase in pressure is due to the centrifugal force generated, subsequently increasing the kinetic energy of the liquid.
Centrifugal Pumps | Alfa Laval
Robust, reliable hygienic centrifugal pumps for gentle and efficient product transfer
As Alfa Laval’s premium range of centrifugal pumps, the LKH centrifugal pumps are distinguished by high efficiency, low energy consumption, several options, and a wide range of flow rates and pressures. Centrifugal pumps are widely used in various industries due to their efficiency and reliability. Typical applications include water supply, sewage treatment, and chemical processing.
High efficiency
A precision-engineered pump and motor provide high energy efficiency and gentle product treatment. The robust design and tight tolerances, together with the advanced impeller design, minimize recirculation and ensure efficient energy transfer.
Lower energy consumption
The LKH centrifugal pump generally delivers greater energy efficiency than similar premium pumps and up to 50% compared to similar mid-range pumps.
Hygienic design
Controlled compression gaskets, crevice-free interior, external mechanical seal, and optimized impeller with balancing holes ensure hygiene and cleanability. Perfectly aligned components and joints with elastomers tightened to a predefined compression minimize elastomer product contact surfaces.
Easy maintenance
Positioning the shaft seal outside the pump eases maintenance, ensuring difficult-to-clean components do not come into direct contact with the product. The front-loading design enables quick, easy replacement, boosting uptime and reducing costs. Interchangeable single, single flushed, and double seals simplify spare parts inventory.
Maximize efficiency in your hygienic processes with Alfa Laval centrifugal pumps. From basic transfer duties to demanding high-purity applications, these pumps reduce total cost of ownership across the dairy, food, beverage, home-personal care, biotech, and pharmaceutical industries.
LKH pump family
- Base hygienic transfer duties
- Evaporation and concentration
- High-pressure and multistage applications
- Self-priming and CIP return duties
- Applications with entrained air
SolidC pump family
- Basic hygienic duties
- Utility and intermittent product pumping
- CIP fluid transfer
UltraPure range (LKH & SolidC)
- High-purity and pharmaceutical-grade processes
- Processes requiring full traceability and documentation
LKH Centrifugal Pump
The Alfa Laval LKH centrifugal pump is a highly efficient, chemical-resistant pump for gentle product treatment. Its advanced design with premium motor and semi-open impeller makes process transfer easy and minimizes recirculation. Precision-engineered, the LKH increases productivity and delivers greater energy efficiency than similar pumps. Perfect for use in hygienic applications, it meets the most stringent requirements of the dairy, food, beverage, and personal care industries.
Benefits of the Alfa Laval LKH pump
- Gentle product treatment, accurate flow control, and solid energy savings
- Enhanced product safety and quality thanks to hygienic design with optimal cleanability
- Maximized uptime and minimized maintenance due to robust mechanical design and modular, easy-to-maintain front-loading seals
- Increased productivity and sustainability thanks to high energy efficiency, reduced use of cleaning media, minimal waste, and a smaller carbon footprint
- Reduced capital investment with high efficiency and wide performance envelope, eliminating the need to arrange pumps in series or parallel
- Compliance with international hygienic design requirements to minimize contamination risks
Get high pump efficiency, gentle product treatment, and substantial energy savings in hygienic applications from the premium Alfa Laval LKH centrifugal pump. It outperforms similar pumps thanks to its robust mechanical design, wide performance envelope, long-lasting seals, and simplified maintenance routine. Compliance with international standards ensures process hygiene.
With its wide performance envelope, the LKH helps reduce capital investment. It comes in 13 sizes, handling flow rates up to 500 m3/h and differential pressures up to 11 bar (160 psi) at 50 Hz. The LKH is also available in specific executions to meet special requirements, such as evaporation, high-pressure, self-priming, and high-purity applications.
How does the LKH centrifugal pump work?
Operating principle
The impeller of the LKH centrifugal pump is mounted on a shaft and driven by an electric motor. The shaft turns, transferring rotational energy to the fluid passing through the pump. The centrifugal force of the fluid increases its kinetic energy and velocity as well as the pressure inside the pump, then directs it towards the outlet.
Pump range
The LKH centrifugal pump is available in 13 sizes to handle capacities up to 500 m3/h and pressures up to 11 bar at 50 Hz. Options include different shaft seal types and elastomer materials, casing drain, heating jacket, and various surface finishes.
Unique impeller design
The semi-open impeller with unique multi-vane design ensures particularly low NPSHr (Net Positive Suction Head required), which helps prevent cavitation and reduces mechanical damage risk. Balancing holes improve circulation around the shaft seal and reduce axial forces, maximizing cleanability and minimizing wear on seals and bearings.
External shaft seal
With the spring and washers mounted on the atmospheric side, the front-loading shaft seal makes maintenance fast, easy, and cost-effective. It can be replaced within minutes, and its balanced design reduces the risk of opening during unforeseen pressure shocks.
Optimized shaft seal
One shaft seal fits a wide pump range. The same LKH single shaft seal fits most LKH models and all SolidC models. Interchanging to an optional single or double flushed shaft seal takes only minutes with a few extra components, reducing inventory and simplifying wear part replacement.
Compression coupling
The compression coupling securely attaches the stub shaft to the motor shaft with precise alignment. This simple setup minimizes noise and vibration and extends the service life of both the shaft seal and the motor.
LKH Evap Centrifugal Pump
The Alfa Laval LKH Evap centrifugal pump is a premium pump designed for hygienic applications. As a low-NPSHr, high-efficiency centrifugal pump, the LKH Evap is a tailored evaporator pump supported by strong and extensive documentation, including a comprehensive vacuum curve package. It features a special scraper impeller, ClearFlow, that solves product buildup problems in high solids applications, prolonging production time between cleanings.
Benefits of the LKH Evap pump
- High efficiency centrifugal pump optimized for evaporation applications
- Superior energy efficiency resulting in reduced energy consumption and CO2 footprint
- Hygienic design meeting the most stringent standards and verified effective Cleaning-in-Place
- Low NPSHr enables optimized system designs and prevents cavitation
- Maximized uptime and reduced maintenance costs thanks to robust mechanical design and modular front-loading seals
Precision-engineered, the LKH Evap pump delivers greater energy efficiency than similar pumps. Its optimized design, premium motor, tight tolerances, and advanced impeller minimize recirculation and reduce energy consumption. The LKH Evap centrifugal pump is designed for hygienic applications across dairy, food, beverage, brewery, alcohol, ethanol, starch, and chemical industries. It is ideal for evaporation duties such as liquid concentration, powder processing, and plant or equipment dewatering. Available in 10 sizes, it handles capacities up to 280 m3/h and differential pressures up to 11 bar at 50 Hz, making it a versatile evaporator pump.
How does the LKH Evap centrifugal pump work?
Pump range
LKH centrifugal pumps are currently available in 13 sizes to handle capacities up to 500 m3/h and pressures up to 190 H/(m). Options include various types of shaft seals, flushing arrangements, and elastomers.
LKH Evap as a dedicated evaporator pump
Based on the LKH range, the LKH Evap is a specialized evaporator pump supported by strong documentation, including a comprehensive vacuum curve package. Its special scraper impeller, ClearFlow, solves product buildup in high solids applications, significantly extending production time between cleanings.
Unique impeller design
The semi-open impeller with special vane design ensures particularly low NPSHr, helping prevent cavitation and minimizing mechanical damage. Balance holes enhance circulation around the shaft seal and reduce axial forces, minimizing wear on seals and bearings.
External shaft seal
The front-loading shaft seal, with spring and washers mounted on the atmospheric side, makes maintenance fast, easy, and cost-effective. It can be replaced in minutes, and the balanced design minimizes the risk of opening during pressure shocks.
Optimized shaft seal
One shaft seal fits a wide pump range. The same LKH single shaft seal fits 11 LKH models and all SolidC models. It can be easily converted to single or double flushed versions in minutes with minimal extra components, simplifying inventory and wear part replacement.
Compression coupling
The compression coupling securely attaches the stub shaft to the motor shaft with precise alignment. This simple setup minimizes noise and vibration and prolongs the service life of both the shaft seal and motor.
LKH Multistage Centrifugal Pump
The Alfa Laval LKH-110, LKH-110P, and LKH-120P pumps are highly efficient multistage centrifugal pumps for use in hygienic applications. Precision-engineered and available with up to four stages, these LKH Multistage Pumps deliver high energy efficiency. Their optimized design, premium motor, tight tolerances, and advanced impeller design minimize recirculation and reduce energy consumption.
Benefits of the LKH Multistage pump
- Increase process productivity with high efficiency and gentle product handling
- Superior energy efficiency resulting in reduced energy consumption and CO2 footprint
- Hygienic design meeting the most stringent standards and verified effective CIP cleanability
- Handles high inlet pressures up to 40 bar for demanding filtration applications
- High differential pressure reduces the need for serial pump installations, saving space and energy
Available in two-, three-, or four-stage models, the LKH Multistage Pumps save space and energy by replacing up to three booster pumps in a line. Used primarily in high-pressure applications with low capacity, they withstand system pressures up to 40 bar and deliver differential pressures up to 19 bar at 50 Hz. Designed for Cleaning-in-Place (CIP), the pumps are suitable for many filtration applications across the food, beverage, home and personal care, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries.
How the LKH Multistage pump works
Pump range
LKH centrifugal pumps are currently available in 13 sizes to handle capacities up to 500 m3/hour and pressures up to 190 H/(m). Options include various types of shaft seals, flushing arrangements, and elastomers.
LKH Multistage for high outlet pressures
Suitable for high-pressure applications with low capacity requirements, this compact, efficient pump is ideal for reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration processes. A single pump can replace up to three booster pumps on a production line, saving valuable floor space.
Unique impeller design
The semi-open impeller with a special vane design ensures particularly low NPSHr, helping prevent cavitation and minimizing mechanical damage. Balance holes enhance circulation around the shaft seal and reduce axial forces, minimizing wear on the shaft seal and motor bearings.
External shaft seal
The front-loading shaft seal, with spring and washers mounted on the atmospheric side, makes maintenance fast, easy, and cost-effective. It can be replaced in minutes, and its balanced design minimizes the risk of opening during unforeseen pressure shocks.
Optimized shaft seal
One shaft seal fits a wide pump range. The exact same LKH single shaft seal fits 11 models of LKH pumps as well as all SolidC models. It can be converted to single or double flushed versions in minutes with minimal extra components, simplifying inventory and making wear part replacement quick and easy.
Compression couplings
The compression coupling securely attaches the stub shaft to the motor shaft with precise alignment. This simple setup minimizes noise and vibration, improving operational security and extending the service life of both the shaft seal and motor.
LKH Prime Self-priming Centrifugal Pump
For higher pump efficiency and big energy savings, choose the Alfa Laval LKH Prime self-priming pump. Advanced design with air-screw pump technology makes handling Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) duties containing entrained air as well as pumping process media easy. This reduces capital investment. Like the Alfa Laval LKH pump range, the LKH Prime meets the most stringent requirements in the food, dairy, beverage, home and personal care industries. An extended performance envelope adds versatility.
Benefits of the LKH Prime pump
- High pump efficiency and low noise level optimize tank emptying and CIP return applications
- Low process contamination risk with hygienic design, FDA-conforming materials, and USP class VI elastomers
- Improves yield and sustainability by reducing energy use and cleaning media, minimizing CO2 and chemical emissions
- Maximized uptime and reduced maintenance costs with robust mechanical design and front-loading seals
- Reduces capital investment as it handles CIP duties containing entrained air and can also pump product, reducing the need for additional pumps
- Quiet operation ensures a safe working environment for plant operators
Part of the LKH pump portfolio, the Alfa Laval LKH Prime self-priming pump combines advanced air-screw technology, optimized impeller and casing geometry for quiet, reliable operation, increased energy efficiency, and a reduced carbon footprint. Engineered from a solid bar without welds for a smooth finish, the air-screw meets stringent hygienic standards. The self-priming pump has a mechanical seal without leachables, designed for CIP return applications containing air/gas and liquid mixtures. Long seal life and lack of contamination increase productivity and yield.
How does the LKH Prime centrifugal pump work
Construction
The Alfa Laval LKH Prime is a self-priming centrifugal pump based on air-screw technology. It offers excellent operational efficiency and reduced energy consumption, achieving capacities up to 110 m3/hr and pressures up to 115 m head. It shares many components with the LKH range, including a trim-optimized impeller. Dedicated components include the air-screw, casing, recirculation pipe, and cover.
Operating principle
The self-priming function uses a combination of air and water to create a vacuum, lifting fluid from a lower level. With media containing air and liquid, air-screw rotation forms a continuous liquid ring within the canister. The eccentric canister position forms air chambers that separate into pockets between air-screw vanes. Rotation forces air pockets into the suction stage of the impeller, which then pumps them out via the discharge. Liquid recirculates via the pipe to maintain the liquid ring. When no air is present, the pump acts as a traditional centrifugal pump.
Self-priming pump configuration options
- Impeller with reduced diameter
- Motor with increased safety/flameproof rating
- Double mechanical shaft seal
- Product wetted surface finish Ra ≤ 0.8 µm
- Product wetted elastomers in EPDM, nitrile (NBR), or fluorinated rubber (FPM)
- Silicon carbide rotating seal ring
- ½” tri-clamp drain connections (two connections)
LKH Prime UltraPure Self-priming Centrifugal Pump
Alfa Laval LKH Prime UltraPure is a quiet-running, high-purity pump that meets the needs of the pharmaceutical industry for liquids containing air/gas such as CIP fluids. Certified to EHEDG and authorized to carry the 3-A symbol, this versatile pump’s air-screw technology is suitable for CIP (cleaning-in-place), SIP (sterilization-in-place), and manual cleaning.
Benefits of the LKH Prime UltraPure pump
- Low noise level and high pumping efficiency, ideal for tank emptying and CIP return applications
- Very low risk of process contamination with hygienic design and FDA-conforming materials
- Energy and cleaning efficiency reduces energy costs and CO2 emissions, boosting sustainability
- Maximized uptime and lower maintenance costs with robust mechanical design and modular front-loading seals
- Reduced capital investment by handling CIP duties containing entrained air and also pumping product
- Quiet operation ensures a safe working environment for plant operators
The air-screw is machined from a solid bar without welds for a smooth, porous-free finish. This ensures maximum hygiene and repeatability, reducing contamination risk. The pharma-grade SiC mechanical seal, specially designed for CIP return with air/gas and liquid mixture, increases productivity and yield thanks to long seal life and no leachables.
How does the LKH Prime UltraPure centrifugal pump work
Discover LKH Prime UltraPure
Part of the market-leading Alfa Laval LKH platform, the UltraPure version delivers superior performance, high quality, and reliability. As part of the UltraPure portfolio, it ensures high performance, security, and process sustainability for the most demanding pharmaceutical applications.
Ensuring a long working life
Product-wetted components have surface finishes down to Ra ≤ 0.4 μm to reduce contamination risk and increase yield. Balance holes in the impeller enhance fluid circulation near the shaft seal, reduce axial forces, and minimize wear on seals and bearings. This design simplifies cleaning and provides longer seal life.
Complete documentation for validation
All Alfa Laval UltraPure equipment comes with the Q-doc package, providing full transparency from raw material to final delivery. Based on GDP (Good Documentation Practice), it includes performance tests, material certificates, traceability of wetted parts, and service information, ensuring maximum uptime and minimized risk.
Pump configuration options
- Impeller with reduced diameter
- Motor with increased safety/flameproof rating
- Double mechanical shaft seal
- Product wetted surface finish Ra ≤ 0.8 μm; Ra ≤ 0.5 μm; or electropolished to Ra ≤ 0.4 μm
- Product wetted elastomers in FPM or EPDM
- ½” tri-clamp drain connections (two connections) or no drain
- 0° outlet position
- Hydrostatic testing with certificate
Self-priming operation principle
The LKH Prime UltraPure is based on air-screw technology and achieves up to 110 m³/hr and 115 m head. It shares many components with the LKH range, including the optimized impeller. Dedicated components include the air-screw, casing, re-circulation pipe, and cover.
With air-liquid mixtures, air-screw rotation forms a continuous liquid ring in the canister. The eccentric position of the canister creates air chambers, which are separated into pockets by the air-screw vanes. These pockets are forced into the suction stage of the impeller and discharged. Liquid recirculates from discharge to maintain the liquid ring. Without air, the pump acts as a standard centrifugal pump.
LKH UltraPure centrifugal pump benefits
- Highly efficient and economical centrifugal pump that meets the requirements of hygienic processes
- Low contamination risk – hygienic design with pharma-grade SiC+ seals, pre-defined compression elastomers and low-delta ferrite impeller
- Maximized uptime and reduced maintenance costs – robust mechanical design and ease of maintenance with modular front-loading seals
- Increased yield – comes with full material traceability and USP Class VI elastomers to reduce risk of process contamination from extractables
- Energy and cleaning efficient – precise hydraulic design reduces energy costs and CO2/waste chemical emissions to boost yields and process sustainability
- Smooth qualification, validation and process control – material traceability, and pump supplied with Alfa Laval’s Q-doc package in line with GDP
The vane design of the semi-open impeller ensures a low Net Positive Suction Head required and prevents cavitation. Impeller balance holes help circulate process fluid in the shaft seal area, reducing axial force and wear on the seal and motor bearings. The high flow around the pump, especially behind the impeller near the shaft seal, makes cleaning easy and enhances lubrication and cooling of the seal to prolong its life.
How does the LKH UltraPure centrifugal pump work?
The LKH UltraPure centrifugal pump consists of a motor, impeller, pump casing, back plate, mechanical seal, legs, pump shaft/connections and adaptor. We use the same shaft seal for all UltraPure centrifugal pumps, regardless of size or model. This standardization reduces inventory and makes wear parts replacement quick and easy.
Inside the pump casing, the semi-open impeller rotates along with the pump shaft. The rotation of the impeller blades conveys energy to the fluid causing it to move in a circular direction. The movement of the fluid increases in velocity which is partly converted into pressure before it leaves the pump through the outlet.
All LKH UltraPure pump shaft seals are machined to stringent requirements and meet the flatness requirement of 3 light bands* or less. The stationary seal ring is fixed to the back plate providing perfectly aligned seal surfaces even after long periods of operation/vibration and can withstand potential pressure shocks.
The balanced design and use of spring force contribute to pressure equalization within the shaft seal area. This minimizes the risk of opening during unforeseen events, such as pressure shock.
The defined O-ring groove securely positions the O-ring on the pump casing and ensures metal to metal contact and predefined compression of the O-rings with no crevices for contaminants.
The external shaft seal has few wear parts and is spring-mounted on the atmospheric side. This means no spring wear and reduces contamination risk.
*Measured at 20°C, one light band corresponds to 0.3 µm flatness over the entire sealing surface.
Discover Alfa Laval LKH UltraPure
A further addition to the market-leading Alfa Laval LKH pump platform, Alfa Laval LKH UltraPure is characterized by superior performance, high quality and reliability for improved operational productivity. The Alfa Laval LKH UltraPure, part of the UltraPure portfolio, delivers maximum uptime and high efficiency for pharmaceutical applications.
Total peace of mind with complete documentation for validation
All equipment and components in the Alfa Laval UltraPure portfolio are supplied with Alfa Laval Q-doc, a comprehensive documentation package that provides full transparency of the entire supply chain, from raw material to final equipment delivery. This streamlines purchasing and installation procedures and facilitates qualification, validation and change control. Based on GDP (Good Documentation Practice), Alfa Laval Q-doc covers every aspect of UltraPure equipment supply and provides customers with transparent and well-documented quality assurance of the sourced equipment.
The Q-doc package comprises performance tests, material certificates, traceability of product wetted parts, and all necessary parts and service information. This attention to detail maximizes uptime and minimizes risk.
For more information about standards and certificates, click here.
Sizes and options
The LKH UltraPure comes in eight different standard sizes with capacities up to 275 m3/h. A smart choice for pump duties requiring continuous operation, the LKH UltraPure centrifugal pump delivers the highest possible efficiency and minimizes energy consumption. It is also available with a wide range of options:
- Shaft seals
- Flushing arrangements
- Elastomers
- Surface finishes
- Drain options
- Passivation
- Hydrostatic testing
LKHex Centrifugal Pump
The Alfa Laval LKHex Centrifugal Pump is a premium pump for hygienic applications which must meet the requirements of the ATEX directive 2014/34/EU group II, category 2G, temperature class T3 and T4. To increase process productivity, it is distinguished by high efficiency, gentle product treatment, chemical resistance, and a wide range of flow rates, pressures and options.
Benefits of the LKHex centrifugal pump
- Premium ATEX pump engineered for use in potentially explosive environments
- Energy efficient: superior efficiency resulting in reduced energy consumption and CO₂ footprint
- Hygienic: designed according to the most stringent hygienic design standards and with verified effective CIP cleanability
- Maximized uptime and reduced maintenance costs: robust mechanical design and modular front-loading seals
- Conforms to ATEX directive provisions for safe use in explosive environments
Precision-engineered, the LKHex delivers greater energy efficiency than similar pumps. Its optimized design, premium motor, tight tolerances and advanced impeller design minimize recirculation and reduce energy consumption. Available in 10 sizes, it handles capacities up to 250 m3/h and differential pressures up to 11 bar at 50 Hz. Ideal for hygienic applications requiring gentle treatment and reliable operation.
How does the LKHex centrifugal pump work
Pump range
LKH centrifugal pumps are currently available in 13 sizes to handle capacities up to 500 m³/hour and pressures up to 190 H/(m). Options include types of shaft seals, flushing arrangements and elastomers.
LKHex for explosive environments
Engineered for use in potentially explosive environments, the LKHex is available in nine sizes and conforms to ATEX directive 94/9/EC Group II, Categories 2 and 3.
Unique impeller design
The semi-open impeller with special vane design ensures low NPSHr, preventing cavitation and minimizing mechanical damage. Balance holes enhance shaft seal circulation and reduce axial forces, minimizing wear on the shaft seal and motor bearings.
External shaft seal
The front-loading design allows for quick, easy maintenance. Its balanced design reduces the risk of seal opening during pressure shocks.
Optimized shaft seal
The same LKH single shaft seal fits most LKH models and all SolidC pumps. The seal can be interchanged with single or double flushed versions in minutes, simplifying inventory and replacement.
Compression coupling
Securely attaches the stub shaft to the motor shaft, minimizing vibration and noise, and prolonging shaft seal and motor life.
LKHI Centrifugal Pump
The Alfa Laval LKHI Centrifugal Pump for 16 bar inlet pressure is a premium pump for use in hygienic applications with inlet pressures up to 16 bar. To increase process productivity, it is distinguished by high efficiency, gentle product treatment, chemical resistance, and a wide range of flow rates, pressures, and options. Precision-engineered, the LKHI pump delivers greater energy efficiency than similar premium pumps.
Benefits of the LKHI and LKH centrifugal pumps
- Increase process productivity while providing high efficiency and gentle product handling
- Energy efficient: superior efficiency resulting in reduced energy consumption and CO₂ footprint
- Hygienic: designed according to the most stringent hygienic design standards and with verified effective CIP cleanability
- Wide performance envelope: reduces the need for parallel and serial pump installations while maintaining high efficiency
- High inlet pressure: supports up to 16 bar inlet pressure for compatibility with higher-pressure systems
Its optimized design, premium motor, tight tolerances, and advanced impeller design make the LKHI an efficient inlet pressure pump, minimizing recirculation and reducing energy consumption. Designed for Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) and inlet pressures up to 16 bar, the Alfa Laval LKHI is ideal for high-pressure hygienic applications within the dairy, food, beverage, and personal care industries. It is available in nine sizes to handle capacities up to 240 m³/h and provide differential pressures up to 8 bar at 50 Hz.
Available LKH Pump Variants
LKH UltraPure – for biotech and pharmaceutical applications
This pump is the premier choice for biopharm applications that demand high efficiency, exceptional cleanability, contamination safety, robust design, and low maintenance. For these reasons, it is also an excellent choice for some personal care processes. Alfa Laval UltraPure pumps are supplied with the comprehensive Q-doc documentation package.
LKHPF – for high-pressure applications
With heavy-duty pump casing and backplate, high-pressure internal seals, and multiple heavy-duty studs, these pumps are capable of handling high inlet pressures up to 40 bar (600 PSI). Tough under pressure, the LKHPF is ideal for demanding nanofiltration and reverse osmosis filtration installations.
LKH Multistage – for high outlet pressure
Suitable for high-pressure applications with low capacity requirements, this compact and efficient pump is ideal for use in reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration processes. One pump can replace up to three booster pumps on a production line, saving valuable floor space.
LKHSP – for self-priming applications
This self-priming pump is designed for use as a CIP return pump or for tank drainage since it is capable of transporting products with entrained gas.
LKHex – for explosive environments
Engineered for use in potentially explosive environments, the LKHex is available in nine sizes and conforms to the provisions of ATEX directive 94/9/EC Group II, Categories 2 and 3.
LKH Evap – dedicated evaporator pump
Based on the LKH range, the LKH Evap is a tailored evaporator pump supported by strong and extensive documentation, including a comprehensive vacuum curve package. It features a special scraper impeller (ClearFlow) that solves the product build-up problem in high-solids applications, which can considerably prolong production time between cleaning.
Design Features of the LKH and LKHI Pumps
Pump range and configuration options
LKH centrifugal pumps are currently available in 13 sizes to handle capacities up to 500 m³/hour and pressures up to 190 H/(m). Options include various shaft seals, flushing arrangements, and elastomer types.
Unique impeller design
The semi-open impeller with a special vane design ensures particularly low NPSHr (Net Positive Suction Head required), making it essential for high inlet pressure applications to prevent cavitation and minimize mechanical damage. Balance holes in the impeller enhance circulation around the shaft seal and reduce axial forces, minimizing wear on the shaft seal and motor bearings.
External shaft seal
The front-loading shaft seal, with the spring and washers mounted on the atmospheric side, makes maintenance fast, easy, and inexpensive. It takes just a few minutes to replace the shaft seal. In addition, the balanced design minimizes the risk of seal opening during unforeseen pressure shock.
Optimized shaft seal standardization
One shaft seal fits a wide pump range. The exact same LKH single shaft seal fits 11 models of LKH pumps as well as all models of the SolidC pump. The LKH seal also has the option of single or double flushed, which can be interchanged in minutes with just a few extra components. This standardization reduces inventory and makes wear parts replacement quick and easy.
Compression couplings
The compression coupling securely attaches the stub shaft to the motor shaft with precision alignment. Setup is simple, operation is secure, and noise and vibration are minimized. The coupling also helps prolong the service life of both shaft seal and motor.
LKHPF Centrifugal Pump
The Alfa Laval LKHPF Centrifugal Pump for High Inlet Pressure is a high-pressure, high-efficiency centrifugal pump suited for high-pressure filtration applications. To increase process productivity, it is distinguished by high efficiency, low energy consumption, gentle product treatment, chemical resistance, and a wide range of flow rates, pressures, and options.
Benefits of the LKHPF high-pressure pump
- High-pressure, high-efficiency centrifugal pump ideally suited for filtration systems
- Energy efficient: superior efficiency reduces energy consumption and CO₂ footprint
- Hygienic: built to the most stringent hygienic design standards with verified CIP cleanability
- Wide performance envelope: minimizes need for parallel or serial pump installations
- High inlet pressure: handles pressures up to 40 bar, ideal for demanding filtration applications
Precision-engineered, the LKHP Filtration pump delivers greater energy efficiency than similar premium pumps. Its optimized design, premium motor, tight tolerances, and advanced impeller design minimize recirculation and reduce energy use. Designed for inlet pressures up to 40 bar and for Cleaning-in-Place (CIP), the Alfa Laval LKHPF pump is ideal for filtration systems across the food, beverage, home and personal care, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. Tough under pressure, the LKHPF excels in nanofiltration and reverse osmosis installations. It is available in nine sizes to handle flow capacities up to 280 m³/h and differential pressures up to 11 bar at 50 Hz.
How does the LKHPF centrifugal pump work
Pump range and configurations
LKH centrifugal pumps are available in 13 sizes and support capacities up to 500 m³/hour and pressures up to 190 H/(m). Options include various shaft seals, flushing configurations, and elastomer types.
Heavy-duty construction for high pressure
With a reinforced pump casing and backplate, high-pressure internal seals, and multiple heavy-duty studs, the LKHPF handles inlet pressures up to 40 bar (600 PSI). It is specifically designed for nanofiltration and reverse osmosis filtration systems that demand high durability and performance.
Unique impeller design
The semi-open impeller features a special vane design that ensures particularly low NPSHr (Net Positive Suction Head required), preventing cavitation and reducing mechanical wear. Balance holes in the impeller enhance circulation near the shaft seal and reduce axial forces, minimizing stress on seals and bearings.
External shaft seal
The front-loading shaft seal places the spring and washers on the atmospheric side for fast, easy maintenance. The balanced seal design reduces the risk of unintentional opening under pressure shock, keeping performance reliable and service simple.
Optimized shaft seal standardization
The same LKH single shaft seal fits 11 different LKH pump models as well as all SolidC pumps. It offers single or double flushed versions that can be interchanged in minutes with just a few components. This reduces inventory and simplifies replacement of wear parts.
Compression couplings
The precision compression coupling securely attaches the stub shaft to the motor shaft, ensuring exact alignment. This design reduces vibration and noise, extends the life of both shaft seal and motor, and provides simple and secure installation.
MR Liquid-Ring Centrifugal Pump
The Alfa Laval MR is a well-proven liquid-ring pump specifically developed for effective pumping of liquids with entrained air. The construction of the MR makes it perfectly suited for use as a CIP return pump. Understanding the liquid-ring pump working principle is key to appreciating its efficiency.
Benefits of the Alfa Laval MR pump
- Specifically designed for pumping liquids that contain air or gas
- Ideal for CIP return applications: well-proven design for handling entrained air
- Easy to operate: excellent suction capability ensures consistent performance despite fluid variations
- Long service life: heavy-duty design proven in CIP systems for decades
The Alfa Laval MR pump is specifically designed for pumping liquids that contain air or gas and is most commonly used for CIP return applications across the food, dairy, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. The MR pump is available in three sizes to handle capacities up to 80 m³/h and differential pressures up to 5 bar at 50 Hz.
How the MR liquid-ring centrifugal pump works
Liquid-ring operating principle
Understanding the liquid ring pump principle is key to appreciating the efficiency of the MR pump. The MR liquid-ring vacuum pump works on the basis of centrifugal force, as do the Alfa Laval LKH and SolidC pump ranges. However, in the MR design the fluid is not directed into a volute-type casing. Instead, it flows into channels on either side of the impeller, located in the front and back plate of the pump.
Vacuum and discharge via side-channel expansion
These side channels increase in volume as the impeller passes the suction port, creating a vacuum that draws liquid in. As the impeller continues, the channel volume is reduced near the discharge port, generating pressure and forcing liquid out — thus enabling the pumping action.
Liquid-ring recirculation
A portion of the centrifuged liquid is retained around the pump periphery and re-circulates, forming a "liquid ring" that maintains prime between cycles. This mechanism ensures reliable operation even in systems with high gas content.
Ideal for air/gas-laden liquids
The combination of expansion/contraction volume cycles, centrifugal force, and the liquid-ring structure allows the MR pump to handle fluids with high levels of entrained gases. This makes the MR especially suitable for CIP return duties where air bubbles and foaming can affect other pump types.
SolidC Centrifugal Pump
The Alfa Laval SolidC pump is a standardized centrifugal pump for the basic transport of process fluids in hygienic applications. Its hygienic design, cost-effective operation, and quick, easy maintenance offer excellent value for money.
Benefits of the SolidC centrifugal pump
- Solid value for money – consistent performance, excellent hygiene, and maximum cleanability
- Low contamination risk – meets global hygienic design standards and verified cleanability
- More uptime – easy maintenance with robust design and front-loading shaft seal
- Continuous operation – minimizes unplanned stops with reliable mechanical construction
- Peace of mind – extended three-year warranty for long-term assurance
The SolidC is a reliable, cost-effective centrifugal pump that delivers consistent performance in hygienic applications. Its semi-open impeller, external front-loading shaft seal, single-piece stainless steel housing, and long-life compression couplings contribute to solid performance, high product quality, and ease of maintenance.
This standard centrifugal pump is available in four models, capable of handling flow rates up to 80 m³/h, pressures up to 8 bar at 50 Hz, and inlet pressures up to 4 bar.
How does the SolidC centrifugal pump work
Operating principle
The impeller of the Alfa Laval SolidC centrifugal pump is mounted on a shaft driven by an electric motor. As the shaft turns, it transfers rotational energy to the fluid. The centrifugal force increases the fluid’s velocity, kinetic energy, and pressure, directing it toward the pump outlet.
Pump range
The SolidC range includes four models, designed to handle flow rates up to 80 m³/h, differential pressures up to 8 bar, and inlet pressures up to 4 bar at 50 Hz.
Unique impeller design
The semi-open impeller features a unique multi-vane design that ensures very low NPSHr, reducing cavitation and mechanical wear. Impeller balancing holes enhance fluid circulation around the shaft seal and reduce axial forces, improving cleanability and minimizing wear on seals and bearings.
One-piece stainless steel housing
The pump housing is made from a single solid piece of stainless steel. There is no need to disconnect the casing during inspection or maintenance. Combined with the front-loading seal, this feature reduces downtime and service cost.
Optimized shaft seal
A single shaft seal fits all SolidC and LKH models, simplifying spare parts management and reducing maintenance complexity. This external mechanical seal matches the premium LKH series, making it easy for plants to manage inventory across pump types.
Compression coupling
The precision compression coupling attaches the stub shaft to the motor shaft, ensuring precise alignment. It minimizes vibration and noise, simplifies setup, and extends the service life of both the motor and shaft seal.
Solid hygienic design
The SolidC pump minimizes contamination risk by complying with 3-A Sanitary Standards, CE, FDA, and EHEDG hygienic requirements.
Gentle product handling
The semi-open impeller ensures gentle fluid transfer, maintaining product integrity during process handling.
Easy and low-cost maintenance
With the spring and washers mounted on the atmospheric side, the front-loading shaft seal offers fast, user-friendly service. Maintenance is quick, cost-effective, and reliable — ideal for minimizing downtime.
SolidC UltraPure Centrifugal Pump
The Alfa Laval SolidC UltraPure Centrifugal Pump is part of a trusted range of high-purity pumps designed for basic transport of fluids in high-purity applications where contamination safety is of paramount importance. With its hygienic design, cost-effective operation and quick, easy maintenance, the SolidC UltraPure offers excellent value for money.
Benefits of the SolidC UltraPure centrifugal pump
- Solid value for money – consistent performance, excellent hygiene, and maximum cleanability
- Low contamination risk – full material traceability and USP Class VI elastomers reduce extractables
- Cost-effective operation – reliable and consistent pump performance
- Quick and easy maintenance – wear parts can be replaced in minutes
- Smooth qualification and validation – supports GMP and ASME BPE requirements with full Q-doc package
The Alfa Laval SolidC UltraPure pump is designed to meet the stringent demands of high-purity applications across the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, where equipment must ensure maximum material integrity. All SolidC UltraPure pumps are delivered with the Alfa Laval Q-doc documentation package to simplify validation and inspection. The pump is available in four sizes to handle flow capacities up to 75 m³/h and differential pressures up to 8 bar at 50 Hz.
How does the SolidC UltraPure pump work
SolidC UltraPure construction
The pump consists of a standard motor, stub shaft, mechanical compression coupling, stainless steel adaptor, back plate, impeller, pump casing, and shaft seal. Its modular, hygienic construction supports fast service and reliable performance.
Unique impeller design
SolidC UltraPure pumps feature a semi-open impeller with a special vane design to ensure particularly low NPSHr (Net Positive Suction Head required), which helps prevent cavitation and mechanical damage. Balancing holes in the impeller enhance circulation in the shaft seal area and reduce axial forces — minimizing wear on both the shaft seal and the motor bearings. This design improves cleanability and ensures gentle product handling.
External front-loaded shaft seal
The front-loaded shaft seal, with spring and washers mounted on the atmospheric side, allows for rapid and easy maintenance — shaft seal replacement takes just a few minutes. This setup, combined with pipe couplings on the pump housing, means the pump casing does not need to be disconnected for inspection or servicing. This reduces downtime and enables fast pump swaps with spare units when needed.
Standardized shaft seal for UltraPure range
Alfa Laval uses a single, standardized external mechanical shaft seal across the entire SolidC UltraPure range, which is also compatible with LKH UltraPure pumps. This simplifies inventory, reduces spare part handling, and speeds up the replacement process.