FB BOMBAS

Manufacturer of Industrial Pump

Complete guide on industrial pumps: types (gear, centrifugal, thermal oil), applications by sector, how to select the right technology and request technical sizing.

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TL;DR

An industrial pump is fluid transfer equipment for continuous plant processes — flow from L/min to thousands of m³/h, built for severe temperature, pressure and viscosity duty.
Main types: centrifugal (water and processes), gear (viscous and oils), thermal oil (up to 350°C) and fire-fighting (NFPA 20) — FB Bombas FBCN, FBE/FBEI, FBOT and FBFS series.
Materials vary by fluid: cast iron, AISI 304/316 stainless, duplex and bronze for special seals and abrasion service — always validated against the chemical compatibility of the pumped fluid.
Selection by fluid and duty: water and processes (centrifugal), viscous fluids and oils (gear), thermal circulation up to 350°C (thermal oil), fire-fighting pressurization.
FB Bombas manufactures since 1944 in Cabreúva-SP — engineering, manufacturing, hydraulic test bench and direct factory support across all Brazilian states. CRCC Petrobras qualified.

Updated June 10, 2026

Quick answer

What is an industrial pump?
An industrial pump is a fluid-handling equipment designed for continuous operation in chemical, petrochemical, sugar-ethanol, pulp and paper, mining, food and water-treatment plants. It differs from building pumps by robust construction, special materials (stainless, carbon steel, alloys), tolerance to high temperature and pressure, and manufacturer support with spare parts. FB Bombas manufactures in Brazil since 1944.
What are the main types of industrial pumps?
The main types are: centrifugal pumps (FBCN Series — water, light chemicals, high flow rates), external gear pumps (FBE — viscous fluids, oils, pressure up to 22 kgf/cm²), internal gear (FBEI — chocolate, adhesives, low pulsation), thermal oil pumps (FBOT — circulation up to 350°C) and NFPA 20 fire-fighting systems.
How to choose the right industrial pump?
The choice depends on five parameters: fluid viscosity (centrifugal up to 100 cP, gear above); required flow (m³/h); head (m); operating temperature (°C); and fluid characteristics (corrosiveness, solids, shear sensitivity). For free sizing, consult FB Bombas application engineering in Cabreúva-SP.
Why choose FB Bombas for industrial pumps?
Brazilian manufacturer since 1944, factory in Cabreúva-SP, free sizing, in-house manufacturing with documented FAT, original spare parts and direct technical support.
Which industrial pump for 24/7 continuous processes that cannot stop?
For 24/7 duty, combine the right pump with planned maintenance: FBCN (back pull-out — the rotating assembly comes out without disconnecting piping) for water and process duty; FBOT for thermal oil up to 350°C; FBE/FBEI for viscous fluids with constant flow. Every pump ships bench-tested with documented FAT; predictive-maintenance contracts based on vibration analysis cut unplanned downtime — with domestic spare parts and no import cycle.
Do FB pumps integrate with VFDs, PLCs and SCADA?
Yes. FB industrial pumps are driven by standard electric motors — they accept direct-on-line start, soft-starters or variable frequency drives; in the gear pump series, flow is proportional to rotation, making VFD flow control direct and precise. Custom skids ship with control panel and instrumentation integrated to the plant supervisory system, and condition monitoring is covered by predictive contracts (vibration analysis and thermography).
Does FB Bombas provide service and support across Brazil?
Yes. The technical team based in Cabreúva-SP performs start-up and commissioning in all Brazilian states — shaft alignment, mechanical seal adjustment, NPSH verification and vibration validation per ISO 10816-3, with a documented report. Preventive and predictive maintenance contracts include guaranteed critical-parts stock and priority emergency response. Direct factory support, including maintenance and retrofit of pumps from other brands.

What Is an Industrial Pump?

Technical definition and positive displacement principle

Gear pump — internal cutaway showing gears

A gear pump is a type of positive displacement pump that uses the meshing of two or more rotating gears to transport fluids. With each rotation, a fixed volume of liquid is captured between the gear teeth and casing, being transferred from suction to discharge continuously and precisely.

Being positive displacement, the delivered flow is proportional to speed and virtually independent of system pressure. This makes gear pumps ideal for applications requiring constant flow, precise dosing, or pumping viscous fluids — from lubricating oils to asphalt and chocolate.

Constant flow independent of pressure

Self-priming — no foot valve needed

Operates with fluids from 1 to 1,000,000 cP

Reversible — suction and discharge interchangeable

How Does a Gear Pump Work?

Pumping cycle through rotary gear meshing

Suction

The gears rotate in opposite directions. In the tooth disengagement zone, the volume between gears expands, creating partial vacuum that draws fluid through the suction port.

Transfer

Fluid is trapped in the spaces between teeth and casing. The gears carry the fluid along the inner chamber wall, from suction to discharge.

Discharge

In the re-meshing zone, teeth re-engage, reducing chamber volume and forcing fluid out through the discharge port with minimal pulsation.

Types of Gear Pumps

External vs. internal gear — when to use each

FBE

External Gear (FBE)

Two identical gears rotate in opposite directions. Robust design for high pressure and wide viscosity range. The most versatile and widely used in industry.

Flow up to 6,500 L/min

Pressure up to 22 kgf/cm²

Temperature up to 350°C

Viscosity up to 1,000,000 cP

Best for: oils, resins, asphalt, viscous chemicals

Explore Models

FBEI

Internal Gear (FBEI)

An internal rotor spins inside an outer ring, separated by a fixed crescent. Quiet operation, very low pulsation and smooth flow — ideal for shear-sensitive products.

Flow up to 600 m³/h

Pressure up to 16 bar

Temperature up to 350°C

Minimal pulsation

Best for: chocolate, adhesives, paints, pharmaceuticals

Explore Models

Gear Pump Advantages

Why industry chooses gear pumps for viscous fluids

Constant Flow

Volume delivered per rotation is fixed and pressure-independent. Ideal for precise dosing and continuous processes.

Viscous Fluids

Efficiency increases with viscosity — unlike centrifugal pumps. Operates from 1 cP to over 1,000,000 cP.

Self-Priming

Creates sufficient vacuum to draw fluid without auxiliary devices. Simplifies installation and reduces costs.

Robust & Durable

Few moving parts, simple design. Long service life with minimal maintenance and low operating cost.

Low Pulsation

Continuous and uniform flow. Especially in internal gear, pulsation is near zero.

Reversible

Reversing rotation reverses flow direction. Flexibility for tank loading and unloading.

Industrial Applications

Sectors that use gear pumps daily

Petrochemical

Oils and petroleum derivatives

Chemical

Resins, solvents and polymers

Food Industry

Chocolate, molasses, vegetable oils

Asphalt & Paving

Bitumen, asphalt emulsions, CAP

Paints & Coatings

Paints, varnishes, pigments

Oils & Lubricants

Lubricants, hydraulic, thermal

Adhesives & Sealants

Hot-melt, PVA, silicone

Thermal Oil

Heating systems up to 350°C

Gear vs. Centrifugal

When to choose each pumping technology

Criteria	Gear	Centrifugal
Ideal viscosity	High (>100 cP)	Low (<100 cP)
Flow vs. pressure	Constant	Variable
Self-priming	Yes	No
Shear	Low	High
Precise dosing	Excellent	Limited
Ideal fluids	Oils, resins, asphalt	Water, solvents

See full comparison of all main series

How to Specify

Essential data for correct sizing

Fluid Type

Fluid name, composition and chemical compatibility with pump materials.

Viscosity

Viscosity at pumping temperature (in cP or cSt). The more viscous, the better for gear pumps.

Flow & Pressure

Desired flow rate (L/min or m³/h) and system differential pressure (bar or kgf/cm²).

Temperature

Operating and maximum fluid temperature. Defines seal, packing and heating jacket materials.

Installation Conditions

Suction height, piping length, drive type (electric motor/gearbox).

Operating Regime

Continuous or intermittent, hours/day, cleaning requirements (CIP) or certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an industrial pump?

An industrial pump is a mechanical device designed to move fluids (liquids or pastes) in industrial processes. Unlike residential pumps, industrial pumps are built with resistant materials (cast iron, steel, stainless steel), mechanical seals and sized for continuous operation under severe conditions of temperature, pressure and viscosity.

What are the main types of industrial pumps?

The two main groups are: positive displacement pumps (external gear FBE, internal gear FBEI) and centrifugal pumps (normalized FBCN, thermal oil FBOT). Positive displacement is ideal for viscous fluids; centrifugal pumps are ideal for high flow rates of light fluids such as water.

How to choose the right type of industrial pump?

Selection depends on: fluid type (viscosity, temperature, abrasiveness), required flow and pressure, operating regime (continuous or intermittent) and special requirements (precise dosing, low shear, self-priming). For viscous fluids: gear. For water and light fluids: centrifugal. For high temperature: thermal oil.

Which sectors use industrial pumps?

Petrochemical, chemical, food, sugar-ethanol, mining, steel, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, paints and varnishes, asphalt and paving, fire-fighting, HVAC and power generation. FB Bombas serves all these sectors with its industrial pump line since 1944.

Is FB Bombas a Brazilian manufacturer?

Yes, FB Bombas is a 100% Brazilian manufacturer since 1944, with factory in Cabreúva, São Paulo. Produces gear pumps (FBE and FBEI), normalized centrifugal pumps (FBCN), thermal oil pumps (FBOT) and fire-fighting systems. Registered with Petrobras CRCC.

What certifications does FB Bombas hold?

FB Bombas is registered with Petrobras CRCC and meets ASME B73.1 (centrifugal pumps), API 676 (positive displacement pumps), NFPA 20 and NBR 16704 (fire-fighting systems) requirements.

Can I replace my current industrial pump with an FB Bombas?

Yes. FB Bombas replaces industrial pumps from other manufacturers. Gear: replaces Edral, Hidex, RZR, Viking, Netzsch and Maag. Centrifugal: replaces KSB, Schneider, Dancor, Ebara, Sulzer, OMEL, Thebe, Wilo, Famac and Imbil. Since 1944, Petrobras CRCC, ASME B73.1 and API 676.

Which industrial pump for 24/7 continuous processes that cannot stop?

For 24/7 duty, combine the right pump with planned maintenance: FBCN (back pull-out — the rotating assembly comes out without disconnecting piping) for water and process duty; FBOT for thermal oil up to 350°C; FBE/FBEI for viscous fluids with constant flow. Every pump ships bench-tested with documented FAT; predictive-maintenance contracts based on vibration analysis cut unplanned downtime — with domestic spare parts and no import cycle.

Do FB pumps integrate with VFDs, PLCs and SCADA?

Yes. FB industrial pumps are driven by standard electric motors — they accept direct-on-line start, soft-starters or variable frequency drives; in the gear pump series, flow is proportional to rotation, making VFD flow control direct and precise. Custom skids ship with control panel and instrumentation integrated to the plant supervisory system, and condition monitoring is covered by predictive contracts (vibration analysis and thermography).

Does FB Bombas provide service and support across Brazil?

Yes. The technical team based in Cabreúva-SP performs start-up and commissioning in all Brazilian states — shaft alignment, mechanical seal adjustment, NPSH verification and vibration validation per ISO 10816-3, with a documented report. Preventive and predictive maintenance contracts include guaranteed critical-parts stock and priority emergency response. Direct factory support, including maintenance and retrofit of pumps from other brands.