Introduction
The Eagle Pumps Stainless Steel Gear Pump is a precision-engineered positive displacement pump designed for reliable,
consistent transfer of viscous and high-viscosity fluids in sanitary applications. Constructed entirely from AISI 316/316L
stainless steel, these pumps deliver exceptional performance in food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemical
processing, and other industries requiring the highest standards of hygiene and product integrity. The pump features
precision-machined gears with tight tolerances, providing smooth, pulsation-free flow with excellent volumetric efficiency
across a wide viscosity range. With electro-polished internal surfaces and sanitary design principles, the SS Series gear
pump meets FDA, 3-A, EHEDG, and USDA requirements for direct food contact applications.
Applications
The Stainless Steel Gear Pump excels in transferring a wide range of viscous fluids including chocolate, syrups, honey,
molasses, glucose, edible oils, fats, shortenings, fruit concentrates, tomato paste, sauces, creams, ointments, lotions,
pharmaceutical syrups, polymers, resins, adhesives, lubricants, and other high-viscosity products. The pump's positive
displacement design ensures accurate, repeatable flow rates regardless of viscosity changes or pressure fluctuations,
making it ideal for batching, metering, filling, and transfer operations. Its gentle pumping action preserves product
quality by minimizing shear and heat generation, which is critical for temperature-sensitive and shear-sensitive materials.
The SS Series Gear Pump handles viscosities from 1 cP to 1,000,000 cP, flow rates up to
80 m³/h, and pressures up to 16 bar.
Benefits
- Exceptional volumetric efficiency (up to 95%).
- Self-priming capability with excellent suction lift.
- Reversible flow direction for versatile operation.
- Handles wide viscosity range without performance degradation.
- Minimal maintenance with easily replaceable wear parts.
- Compact footprint and lightweight design.
- Long service life with corrosion-resistant construction.
Standard Design
All product-wetted components including the pump body, gears, shafts, and end covers are manufactured from W. 1.4404/W. 1.4435
(AISI 316/316L) stainless steel with electro-polished internal surfaces finished to Ra ≤ 0.8 μm. The precision-ground gears
are designed with optimized tooth profiles to minimize pulsation, noise, and wear while maximizing volumetric efficiency.
The pump features external gear design with both gears driven by synchronized timing gears in the gearbox, eliminating
metal-to-metal contact between pumping gears for extended service life.
The standard Eagle SS Gear Pump is available in both external gear and internal gear configurations. External gear pumps
are ideal for medium to high viscosity fluids, while internal gear pumps excel with very high viscosity materials and
shear-sensitive products. All pumps feature sanitary connection options (Tri-Clamp, DIN, SMS, RJT) and are designed for
tool-free disassembly and cleaning. The modular design allows for quick gear and seal replacement without removing the
pump from the pipeline.
Single mechanical shaft seals are standard, with options for single flushed, double mechanical, or magnetic drive
(seal-less) configurations. All seal options are designed to meet FDA and EHEDG requirements for sanitary applications.
The Eagle SS Gear Pumps can be supplied as bare shaft pumps or as complete turnkey systems mounted on stainless steel
baseplates with motor, coupling, guard, gearbox, relief valve, strainer, and control panel.
Working Principle
The gear pump operates as a positive displacement pump using two intermeshing gears rotating in opposite directions
within a close-fitting housing. As the gears rotate, fluid is trapped in the spaces between the gear teeth and the
pump casing. The rotation carries this fluid from the inlet (suction) side around the outside of the gears to the
outlet (discharge) side. As the gear teeth mesh at the center, they displace the fluid, forcing it out through the
discharge port. This continuous process creates a steady, pulsation-free flow. The tight clearances between gears
and housing (typically 0.002-0.005 inches) minimize internal leakage (slip), resulting in high volumetric efficiency.
External timing gears ensure the pumping gears never contact each other, eliminating wear and extending pump life.
Flow rate is directly proportional to pump speed and displacement, making gear pumps ideal for precise metering
and batching applications.
Stainless Steel Gear Pumps for Food Processing: Selection and Best Practices
Why Stainless Steel is Essential for Food Processing Pumps
Food processing operates in a unique environment where product safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance are
non-negotiable. Pumps used to transfer food ingredients—syrups, oils, chocolate, flavorings, and dairy products—must
resist corrosion from both the food product itself and the alkaline cleaning agents used to sterilize equipment between
production runs.
Stainless steel construction is the industry standard for food processing equipment because it provides three critical
advantages:
Corrosion Resistance
Stainless steel resists attack from acidic food products (citrus juice, vinegar, wine), alkaline
cleaning solutions (caustic soda, chlorine-based sanitizers), and salt-based preservation agents.
No Metal Contamination
Unlike ductile iron, stainless steel will not corrode or shed metal particles into food products,
eliminating a contamination pathway and potential health hazard.
Cleanability
Smooth stainless-steel surfaces are easier to clean and sterilize in place (CIP systems), reducing
biofilm formation and supporting food safety protocols.
Regulatory Alignment
FDA guidance documents recognize stainless steel as the preferred material for direct-food-contact
equipment and sanitary processing systems.
Long Service Life
Stainless steel pumps last 10-15 years in food service, compared to 5-7 years for ductile iron,
reducing replacement costs and production interruptions.
Technical Data
Standard Specification
| Product Wetted Steel Parts |
SS316/SS316L |
| Inside Surface Finish |
Electro-Polished Ra ≤ 0.8 μm |
| Pump Body |
AISI 316L Stainless Steel |
| Gears |
AISI 316 Hardened & Ground |
| Shafts |
AISI 316 Precision Ground |
| Gearbox |
Cast Iron or Aluminum |
| Baseplate |
Stainless Steel (Optional) |
| Gear Type |
External or Internal |
| Shaft Seal |
Single Mechanical |
| Seal Faces |
Silicon Carbide/Silicon Carbide |
Shaft Seals & Configuration
Single, single flush, double mechanical, and magnetic drive (seal-less) configurations available.
Magnetic drive option eliminates seals completely for zero-leakage applications.
- Max flush pressure, single flush: 0.5 bar
- Max flush pressure, double mechanical: 2 bar over
product pressure
- Flush medium: Water, steam, or product compatible fluid
- Seal chamber design: Fully drainable, self-venting
- Bearing lubrication: Food-grade grease (NSF H1)
Temperature & Viscosity Range
Max process temperature: 200°C (high-temp version)
Standard operating temperature: -20°C to 150°C
Viscosity range: 1 to 1,000,000 cP
Warranty
1-year comprehensive warranty covering manufacturing defects and workmanship. Extended warranties available.
Technical Data - SS Series
| PUMP MODEL |
SUCTION & DELIVERY |
CAPACITY @ 1440 RPM (LPM) |
m³/hr |
MAX. PRESSURE (kg/cm²) |
MOTOR HP (Approx.) |
WT. OF BARE PUMP (KG) |
| 015 |
1/8" x 1/8" |
5.0 |
0.3 |
10 |
0.5 HP |
1.80 |
| 025 |
1/4" x 1/4" |
8.3 |
0.5 |
10 |
0.75 HP |
2.00 |
| 040 |
3/8" x 3/8" |
16.6 |
1.0 |
10 |
1 HP |
3.00 |
| 050 |
1/2" x 1/2" |
25 |
1.5 |
10 |
1 HP |
3.50 |
| 075 |
3/4" x 3/4" |
33.3 |
2.0 |
10 |
1.5 HP |
4.50 |
| 100 |
1" x 1" |
50 |
3.0 |
10 |
2 HP |
5.00 |
| 125 |
1¼" x 1¼" |
100 |
6.0 |
10 |
3 HP |
7.00 |
| 150 |
1½" x 1½" |
125 |
7.5 |
10 |
3 HP |
10.50 |
| 200 |
2" x 2" |
150 / 200 |
9.0 / 12.0 |
10 |
5 / 7.5 HP |
20.50 / 24.0 |
| 250 |
2½" x 2½" |
250 / 300 |
15.0 / 18.0 |
10 |
10 / 12.5 HP |
35.0 / 40.0 |
Flows / Pressures / Connections (SS Series)
| # |
Pump Model |
Displacement (L/rev) |
Flow Rate (L/min) |
Inlet/Outlet Size |
Max Pressure (bar) |
Max Speed (rpm) |
Power (kW) |
| 1 |
SSG-10 |
0.38 |
5-38 |
1" |
10 |
1450 |
0.75-1.5 |
| 2 |
SSG-18 |
0.68 |
10-68 |
1.5" |
12 |
1450 |
1.5-2.2 |
| 3 |
SSG-29 |
1.05 |
15-105 |
1.5" |
12 |
1450 |
2.2-3.0 |
| 4 |
SSG-38 |
1.38 |
20-138 |
2" |
14 |
1450 |
3.0-4.0 |
| 5 |
SSG-58 |
2.15 |
30-215 |
2" |
14 |
1450 |
4.0-5.5 |
| 6 |
SSG-83 |
3.05 |
45-305 |
2.5" |
16 |
1450 |
5.5-7.5 |
| 7 |
SSG-125 |
4.60 |
70-460 |
3" |
16 |
1450 |
7.5-11 |
| 8 |
SSG-200 |
7.35 |
110-735 |
4" |
16 |
1450 |
11-15 |
| 9 |
SSG-300 |
11.05 |
165-1105 |
5" |
16 |
1450 |
15-22 |
Performance Characteristics
| Model No |
Volumetric Efficiency (%) |
NPSH Required (m) |
Max Suction Lift (m) |
Recommended Viscosity (cP) |
| SSG-10 |
90-95 |
0.5 |
5 |
10-100,000 |
| SSG-18 |
90-95 |
0.5 |
5 |
10-200,000 |
| SSG-29 |
92-96 |
0.5 |
5 |
10-300,000 |
| SSG-38 |
92-96 |
0.5 |
6 |
50-400,000 |
| SSG-58 |
93-97 |
0.5 |
6 |
50-500,000 |
| SSG-83 |
93-97 |
0.5 |
6 |
100-750,000 |
| SSG-125 |
94-97 |
1.0 |
6 |
100-1,000,000 |
| SSG-200 |
94-97 |
1.0 |
7 |
200-1,000,000 |
| SSG-300 |
94-98 |
1.0 |
7 |
500-1,000,000 |
Connection Options
- Tri-Clamp (TC) connections - Standard for food applications
- DIN 11851 threaded unions
- SMS 1145 sanitary connections
- RJT (Round Joint Thread)
- Flanged connections (ANSI, DIN)
- NPT threaded connections
Note: Tri-Clamp connections recommended for easy disassembly and CIP compliance.
Gear Types Available
- External Gear: Standard for most applications, excellent for medium to high viscosity
- Internal Gear: Ideal for very high viscosity and shear-sensitive products
- Helical Gear: Quieter operation, smoother flow for low viscosity fluids
Seal Materials & Options
Standard seal configuration: Silicon Carbide/Silicon Carbide faces with EPDM elastomers.
Alternative materials for specific applications:
- Carbon/Ceramic for standard duty
- Tungsten Carbide/Silicon Carbide for abrasive fluids
- PTFE/FKM elastomers for chemical compatibility
- FDA-compliant elastomers for direct food contact
Optional Features & Accessories
- Relief valve (internal or external mounting)
- Heating/cooling jackets for temperature control
- Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) for flow control
- Magnetic drive (seal-less) configuration
- Explosion-proof motors for hazardous areas (ATEX/IECEx)
- Pressure and temperature gauges/sensors
- Strainer/filter on inlet
- Pulsation dampener for smooth flow
Material of Construction
- Pump Body: CF8M - SS-316
- Front Cover: CF8M - SS-316
- Back Cover: CF8M - SS-316
- Gland Cover: CF8M - SS-316
- R.H. & L.H. Gear: ASIS - SS-316
- Rotor / Stator Shaft: ASIS - SS-316
- Bush Bearings: Teflon Coated 'DU'
- Mounting Bracket: C.I. Gr. 20 IS 210
- Dom Nut: ASIS - SS-316
- Sealing: "Z" Pack Teflon
- Packing: Teflon Sheet
- Key for Coupling: AISI SS-316
Industries Served
- Food Processing
- Dairy Industry
- Beverage Production
- Chocolate Manufacturing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Biotechnology
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Chemical Processing
- Oil & Fat Processing
- Bakery & Confectionery
- Brewing & Distilling
- Adhesives & Sealants
- Paint & Coatings
- Polymer Processing
- Nutraceuticals
- Laboratory Applications
Typical Fluids Handled
Food & Beverage
- Chocolate & cocoa butter
- Honey, molasses, syrups
- Glucose & fructose
- Edible oils & fats
- Fruit concentrates & pulps
- Tomato paste & sauces
- Mayonnaise & dressings
- Peanut butter & spreads
Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic
- Creams & ointments
- Lotions & emulsions
- Pharmaceutical syrups
- API suspensions
- Glycerin & sorbitol
- Essential oils
- Surfactants
- Vitamin solutions
Industrial
- Polymers & resins
- Adhesives & sealants
- Lubricating oils
- Hydraulic fluids
- Paints & coatings
- Printing inks
- Waxes & paraffins
- Asphalt & bitumen
- Install relief valve to protect against overpressure
- Provide adequate suction piping (minimize bends, use larger diameter)
- Install strainer on inlet for particle protection
- Ensure proper alignment between pump and motor
- Allow space for easy maintenance access
- Mount pump as close to fluid source as possible
- Use flexible connections to reduce vibration transmission
- Regularly inspect seal condition for leakage
- Monitor bearing temperature and noise levels
- Check gear clearances periodically
- Lubricate bearings with food-grade grease (NSF H1)
- Verify relief valve pressure setting annually
- Clean pump thoroughly during CIP cycles
- Maintain spare parts inventory (seals, gaskets, gears)
Compliance & Standards
All Eagle Stainless Steel Gear Pumps are manufactured in compliance with international hygienic and safety standards:
- FDA 21 CFR Part 177: Materials in contact with food
- 3-A Sanitary Standards: Hygienic design for dairy and food equipment
- EHEDG Guidelines: European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group certification
- EU Regulation 1935/2004: Materials intended for food contact
- USDA Requirements: United States Department of Agriculture standards
- ASME BPE: Bioprocessing Equipment standards
- ATEX/IECEx: Explosion protection (when specified)
Power Calculation Note:
For calculating the power requirement at duty point, multiply the duty point pressure with unit horse power &
add no load viscous power of appropriate viscosity. Provide safety margin before fixing the rating of the prime mover.
For higher viscosity, further margin may be kept or manufacturer may be consulted.
All sizes of SS pumps are designed to run at 1440 RPM up to viscosity of 500 CST. For small size pumps up to 1"
same can be safely run at 1440 RPM even at higher viscosity up to 1000 CST with additional horse power.
For size above 1" reduce the speed to 960 RPM for viscosity up to 1000 CST.
Why Choose Eagle SS Gear Pumps?
Superior Quality
Precision-machined from premium AISI 316L stainless steel with electro-polished surfaces for maximum hygiene and longevity.
Proven Reliability
Engineered for 24/7 operation in demanding food and pharmaceutical environments with minimal downtime.
Expert Support
Comprehensive technical support, spare parts availability, and application engineering assistance worldwide.
