TMXFLOW – TLX Series Lobe Pump (positive displacement hygienic pump)
TMXFLOW lobe pump The TLX series is a positive displacement pump for hygienic processes. Flow rate is up to 117.72 m³/h, and operating pressure is up to 12 bar. The series includes 16 frame sizes. The pump transfers viscous and shear-sensitive products without destroying their structure.
Steiner Ukraine supplies TMXFLOW equipment in Ukraine, and carries out selection, supply and servicing.
What is a TMXFLOW lobe pump?
This is a positive displacement pump with two or three lobe rotors. The product is conveyed from the inlet to the outlet in batches between the rotor lobes and the casing.
The manufacturer describes it as a pump for applications where hygiene and process safety are critical. Three properties define its scope of application: gentle product handling, stable delivery, and operation across a wide viscosity range.
Manufacturer: TMXFLOW Metal Endüstriyel Ürünler, Istanbul, Turkey. Other items from this manufacturer can be found on the page TMXFLOW.
How does a lobe pump work?
Two rotors rotate synchronously inside the housing. They do not touch each other: synchronisation is provided by the gearbox, not by contact between the lobes. The product is not compressed.
From this follows the main property. A centrifugal pump accelerates the product with an impeller and destroys the structure of suspensions and emulsions. A lobe pump transfers volume without acceleration, so fruit pieces, lumps and fat phases remain intact.
Delivery is proportional to the speed. This provides controlled flow when working with a frequency converter.
A positive displacement pump must not be started against a closed valve. The pressure will rise until the pipeline bursts. A safety valve or pressure switch is required in the line.
What standard sizes are available in the TLX series?
In the manufacturer's catalogue, there are 16 standard sizes, grouped into five frames.
| Frame | Standard sizes |
|---|---|
| 0 | TLX 0-10, TLX 0-15, TLX 0-20, TLX 0-25 |
| 1 | TLX 1-25, TLX 1-40, TLX 1-50 |
| 2 | TLX 2-40, TLX 2-50, TLX 2-65, TLX 2-80 |
| 3 | TLX 3-65, TLX 3-80, TLX 3-100 |
| 4 | TLX 4-100, TLX 4-150 |
Range extremes: TLX 0-10 gives 0.65–1.13 m³/h, TLX 4-150 up to 117.72 m³/h.
The manufacturer's certificate of conformity additionally lists eight models of the series TLX-E: TLX-E 1-25, 1-40, 1-50, 2-50, 2-65, 2-80, 3-65, 3-80. This series is not described in the lobe pump catalogue.
What are the technical parameters of the TMXFLOW lobe pump?
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | rotary lobe pump |
| Rotors | two or three-bladed |
| Maximum flow rate | 117.72 m³/h (TLX 4-150, wing lobe) |
| Minimum order | 0.65 m³/h (TLX 0-10) |
| Maximum pressure | 12 bar |
| Maximum engine speed | 950 rpm |
| Large-size slewing rings | 600–720 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -10 … +120 °C (FKM seal) |
| CIP temperature | up to +140 °C, for no longer than 30 mins |
| Surface roughness | Ra < 0.4 µm or Ra < 0.8 µm |
| Number of sizes | 16 in the TLX series |
The 950 rpm limit applies to the smaller frame sizes. Larger ones operate at 600–720 rpm: the greater displacement per revolution compensates for the lower speed.
What is the difference between the three types of rotors?
The manufacturer offers three rotor configurations. The choice determines not the flow rate, but the behaviour of the product within the pump.
| Rotor type | What does it give | When they take |
|---|---|---|
| Three-lobe | lowest ripple, smooth flow | sensitive products, precise feeding |
| Two blades (bi-lobe) | higher feed | low-viscosity, free-flowing media |
| Pterygoid | large volume at low shear | sensitive movement of large volumes |
The difference in numbers: for the TLX 4-150, the wing lobe design provides up to 117.72 m³/h, while the tri-lobe design provides up to 107.28 m³/h. In other words, three lobes cost about 9 % in delivery, but provide a smoother flow.
What materials are used to manufacture the TMXFLOW lobe pump?
Materials are classified by component function.
| Node | Material |
|---|---|
| Casing and cover of the pump assembly | AISI 316L |
| Gearbox | AISI 304 |
| Shafts | duplex stainless steel |
| Base plate | stainless steel |
| Coupling guard | stainless steel |
| Sealing gaskets | EPDM, FPM, FEP |
The body and cover are cast. AISI 316L is used where there is contact with the product. The gearbox has no contact, so 304 is sufficient. The shafts made of duplex steel provide higher strength with the same dimensions, which gives a torque reserve for viscous media.
Surface roughness Ra < 0.4 µm is the standard for the most stringent hygienic requirements. Product residue does not cling to micro-irregularities on such a surface and is washed away by a flow of cleaning solution without dismantling.
What connections and seals are available?
| Position | Options |
|---|---|
| Accession | DIN 11851, SMS, ISO, Clamp |
| Shaft seal | single or double end-face |
| Friction pair material | SiC / SiC |
| Sealing elastomer | FKM or EPDM depending on the source (see note) |
DIN 11851 and SMS are hygienic screwed pipe connections, common in Europe. Clamp is a quick-release fitting, designed for dismantling without tools.
A double mechanical seal is used when the product crystallises, solidifies or is toxic. A barrier fluid is supplied to the double seal, which prevents the product from reaching the outer friction faces.
The design is intended for quick dismantling. The seals and internal parts can be removed without dismantling the pump from the line.
For which products is the TMXFLOW lobe pump used?
The manufacturer names five industries and specific products in each.
| Industry | Products according to the manufacturer's description |
|---|---|
| Food | jams, sauces, honey, chocolate, syrups, strained cheese, products with inclusions |
| Molochna | milk, yoghurt, cream, ayran, whey |
| Beverages | juices, concentrates, syrups, drinks with pulp |
| Cosmetics | creams, lotions, shampoos, gels |
| Pharmaceuticals | stated by the manufacturer as the field of application |
A common feature is either increased viscosity, shear sensitivity, or the presence of solid inclusions that must not be crushed.
Frequently asked questions about the TMXFLOW lobe pump
What is the maximum flow rate?
117.72 m³/h for the TLX 4-150 size with airfoil rotors. In the three-lobe version, the same size yields up to 107.28 m³/h.
What is the maximum pressure?
12 bar.
What is the operating temperature?
From −10 to +120 °C with FKM seals. CIP cleaning is permitted up to +140 °C for a maximum of 30 minutes.
How many sizes are there in the range?
Sixteen: from TLX 0-10 to TLX 4-150.
Can the product be pumped with pieces in it?
Right. The manufacturer explicitly names products with inclusions and strained cheese. The lobe pump transfers the product without compression, so the inclusions remain intact.
Is the pump suitable for the milk line?
Right. The manufacturer names milk, yoghurt, cream, ayran and whey. Product contact details — AISI 316L, roughness up to Ra < 0.4 µm, connection DIN 11851 or Clamp.
Does the pump have certificates of conformity?
The manufacturer holds ISO 9001:2015 LL-C certificate No. 902992. The scope of certification covers the design, manufacture, sales and service of sanitary food pumps. In addition, the TLX and TLX-E series are specifically named in the INTERTURK compliance document TRA-26044TME01 in accordance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, with the standards EN ISO 12100, EN 60204-1 and EN 13951 (requirements for food pumps).
What will happen when operating against a closed gate valve?
Pressure will rise until equipment damage occurs. A positive displacement pump does not reduce delivery when backpressure increases. A pressure relief valve or pressure switch is required in the line.
Enquiry for selection and price via ContactsOther equipment from this manufacturer — TMXFLOWRelated sections: Pumps for food production, Industrial pumps, Spare parts.