Technology comparison
Two positive displacement technologies to compare under actual process conditions. Solids, compatibility, temperature and product requirements all matter.
Progressive cavity pumps can handle viscous fluids, suspensions and sensitive products depending on the execution. FBE and FBEI are gear-pump alternatives for viscous fluid transfer, with technical consultation required for solids. Selection requires comparing models, materials, suction and duty point; the presence of particles does not authorize an automatic choice.
Compare the characteristics and bring your actual process conditions to the technical discussion.
Progressive cavity · rotor and stator
materials selected for the fluid
External or internal gears
configuration for the service
Assess the characteristics below against the configuration and documentation of each pump.
| Criterion | Progressive cavity | Gear pump FBE/FBEI |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | An eccentric rotor and stator form cavities that transport the fluid | External gears in FBE and internal gears in FBEI transport the fluid |
| Solids and abrasives | Possible according to execution, particles and materials | Solids require consultation with FB; do not assume abrasion tolerance |
| Temperature | Check stator material, seals and model limit | Check series, materials, seals and any heating system |
| Start-up and dry running | Check filling and protection against lack of liquid | Follow specified filling and start-up; self-priming does not authorize dry running |
| Components to inspect | Rotor, stator, joints and seals according to the equipment | Gears, bearings, clearances and seals according to the equipment |
| Installation and dismantling | Check drawing and access for component removal or service | Check pump and driver drawings and maintenance access |
| Product shear | Assess geometry, speed and product requirements | Assess speed, clearances and product compatibility |
| Flow and pulsation | Confirm tolerances at the model duty point | FBEI catalogue describes constant flow without a published dosing accuracy |
| Selection documents | Data sheet, curve, materials and manual for the proposed model | Catalogue, manual and data sheet for the FBE or FBEI configuration |
Select the model for the actual process conditions: the range maxima are not simultaneous. Catalogues and manuals have different scopes. Where their information differs, confirm the execution in the proposal. FB Bombas documents are in Portuguese.
Characterize the fluid before comparing technologies. For suspensions, provide particle size, concentration, hardness and abrasiveness. For sensitive products, state the properties to preserve. A progressive cavity pump may suit these services, but suitability depends on the model and materials. Request specific assessment for FBE/FBEI duties containing solids.
Compare materials and thermal conditions for the complete assembly. A progressive cavity stator is commonly elastomeric, but one temperature limit cannot represent every compound and construction. FBE/FBEI gears are metallic; this does not eliminate seals, wear or operating limits. Series maxima are not the allowable temperature of every installed pump.
Include suction, protection, drawings and maintenance in the enquiry. Self-priming does not authorize dry running: follow the equipment filling and start-up procedure. Compare dismantling space and replacement parts for the quoted configurations, without assuming a size, cost or lifetime advantage for an entire technology.
Replacement requires assessment of the complete service. Provide fluid, solids, viscosity at start-up and operating temperatures, flow, pressure and existing installation data. Compare curves, materials, suction, control and dimensions. Absence of solids alone does not establish equivalence or justify promised maintenance savings.
Review each model’s components and procedures. For progressive cavity pumps, include rotor and stator; for gear pumps, include gears, bearings, clearances and seals. Use service history and spare-parts quotations to estimate costs. Neither a universal replacement interval nor a proven lifetime follows from the operating principle alone.
Compare the limits of the proposed configurations. Stator material matters for progressive cavity pumps, as do the other components. For the FBE, the 2026 catalogue states 10 to 500 °C for the series (p.3); confirm the configuration with engineering. The FBEI catalogue states up to 340 °C. These figures do not establish superiority of every model.
Specify flow and pulsation tolerances, control range and fluid conditions. Compare model data at the same duty point and agree how the result will be verified. The FBEI catalogue does not publish dosing accuracy; its relief valve, depending on configuration, provides overpressure protection rather than volumetric accuracy control.
Review the related product lines and technical resources before specifying the equipment.
Tell us the fluid, temperature, viscosity, flow rate and pressure. Our team can review the application with you.
