01
Viscous Products
When you're moving anything above roughly 300 cP — mayo, caramel, peanut butter, lotions, emulsions — rotary lobe delivers consistent flow a centrifugal simply can't.
Waukesha Cherry-Burrell · APV · Authorized Distributor
Sanitary Rotary Lobe Pumps. Engineered for hygienic processing.
The complete line of sanitary positive displacement pumps for food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical and personal care manufacturers — backed by on‑hand inventory, technical sizing support, and rapid parts shipping from Schaumburg, IL.
Quick answer for pump selection
When should you use a sanitary rotary lobe pump?
Use a sanitary rotary lobe pump when you need positive-displacement flow for viscous, shear-sensitive, or particulate-bearing products in hygienic processing. For thin, high-flow transfer, compare centrifugal first; for one pump covering a wide viscosity range or process plus CIP duties, compare twin screw.
Request sizing help →
Compare twin screw →
Compare centrifugal →
Viscosity guide →
Friction loss calculator →
Brochures →
| Application signal | Likely direction | Triplex next step |
|---|---|---|
| Viscous product, gentle handling, solids, or accurate metering | Rotary lobe pump | Review Waukesha Universal and APV R Series options below. |
| Low-viscosity, high-flow liquid transfer | Centrifugal pump | Compare efficiency, head, sanitary requirements, and total duty cycle. |
| Wide viscosity range or process + CIP with one pump | Twin screw pump | Check whether the higher upfront cost simplifies the system. |
01 — The Lineup
Five pumps. One family of hygienic performance.
Every rotary lobe pump we carry is selected, sized, and supported by our technical team. From the original Universal 1 that set the sanitary standard to the high-pressure Universal 3, each model solves a specific processing challenge.
The Original Workhorse
WAUKESHA U1 SERIES
Waukesha Universal 1
The original "Can Do" pump. Designed for Clean Out of Place (COP) applications, the U1 has been the sanitary processing standard for decades — still spec'd today for its proven reliability and straightforward serviceability.
COP Design
Universal Mounting
Proven Reliability
Explore U1 Specs
Our Go-To Sanitary PD
WAUKESHA U2 SERIES
Waukesha Universal 2
Purpose-built for Clean In Place (CIP) applications. The U2 combines versatility with performance-enhancing and cleanability features — our recommended default for modern hygienic processing plants.
CIP Optimized
500 PSI Rated
3-A Certified
Explore U2 Specs
Heavy Duty Industrial
WAUKESHA U2 ND SERIES
Universal 2 ND
Purpose-built for heavy-duty industrial applications. Long-life internals and installation flexibility let this robust PD pump run at pressures of up to 500 psi.
500 psi
Industrial Duty
View U2 ND
High Pressure Sanitary
WAUKESHA U3 SERIES
Universal 3
The newest addition to the Universal family. Excels in high-pressure applications and features an internal seal design that makes service dramatically simpler.
High Pressure
Internal Seal
View U3
Economical & Gentle
APV R SERIES
APV R Series
Our most economical offering. Ideal for applications where metal rotors aren't quite right — dough, yeast, dairy. Unique features include a degassing cover for air-entrained products.
Elastomer Rotors
Degassing Cover
View R Series
Start Here
Sanitary PD vs. twin screw vs. centrifugal: where to start.
Sanitary positive-displacement pumps — including rotary lobe and circumferential piston designs — are often the first place to look when the product is viscous, shear-sensitive, contains soft particulates, or needs controlled flow against changing pressure. Twin screw pumps enter the conversation when the same pump may need to transfer product at one speed and move cleaning solution at a much higher speed, or when the process covers a wide viscosity range. Centrifugal pumps remain the usual first choice for clean, lower-viscosity liquids where efficient continuous flow is the main requirement.
Particle size, firmness, concentration, pump speed, rotor style, clearances, and allowable product damage still matter. "Gentle handling" is application-specific; real product damage depends on speed, slip, viscosity, pressure differential, and product sensitivity.
If the application is borderline, Triplex can size more than one pump style and compare the trade-offs before a model is selected.
| Application signal | Usually compare first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Viscous, shear-sensitive, or soft-particulate sanitary product | Sanitary PD pump | Positive-displacement flow with application-specific rotor, speed, and clearance review. |
| One pump expected to support product transfer and CIP flow | Twin screw | Wider speed range may support both operating points when the system allows it. |
| Thin, clean liquid at higher flow | Centrifugal | Often simpler and more efficient for low-viscosity transfer. |
| Product viscosity changes significantly during the process | Sanitary PD or twin screw | Selection depends on viscosity range, pressure, suction conditions, and cleaning duty. |
| Unsure which pump style fits | Triplex sizing review | Application details matter more than generic pump categories. |
Sizing Data
What to send for rotary lobe pump sizing.
For a cleaner recommendation, send the product, flow rate, viscosity at pumping temperature, temperature range, pressure or head, suction conditions, solids or particulates, cleaning method, seal expectations, and any existing pump nameplate or photos. If the product is shear-sensitive or texture-critical, include that too — the right pump is not just a GPM decision.
02 — Side by Side
Quick-spec comparison matrix.
Not sure where to start? Here's how the five models stack up across the specs that matter most when you're specifying a sanitary PD pump.
| Specification | Universal 1 | Universal 2 | U2 ND | Universal 3 | APV R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Legacy COP plants | Modern CIP plants | Industrial / high pressure | High-pressure sanitary | Dough, yeast, dairy |
| Cleaning Method | COP | CIP | CIP | CIP / COP | COP |
| Pressure Rating | Standard | Standard | Up to 500 psi | High pressure | Standard |
| Rotor Material | Alloy 88 | Alloy 88 | Alloy 88 | Alloy 88 | Elastomer |
| 3-A Sanitary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Degassing Cover | — | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Internal Seal | — | — | — | ✓ | — |
03 — The Decision
Why a rotary lobe (and not something else)?
Rotary lobe pumps aren't the right answer for every process, but when they are, nothing else comes close. Here's when to spec one.
02
Shear Sensitive
Yogurt, cottage cheese, creams and finished emulsions degrade under high shear. Gentle rotor action preserves product integrity and texture.
03
Solids & Particulates
Fruit chunks, cheese curds, meat pieces, pulp. Non-contacting lobes pass inclusions gently without pulverizing them.
04
Accurate Metering
Positive displacement means near-linear flow vs. RPM. Dial in precise dosing without complicated feedback control.
04 — Industries We Serve
Applications across hygienic processing.
Our rotary lobe pumps run in production lines across North America. These are the industries where they do their best work.
// 01
Food
Sauces, dressings, fillings, soups, spreads, condiments, bakery mixes.
// 02
Dairy
Milk, cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream base, cream cheese.
// 03
Beverage
Juices, concentrates, syrups, flavorings, functional drinks.
// 04
Pharmaceutical
Slurries, creams, gels, suspensions, fermentation transfers.
// 05
Personal Care
Lotions, shampoos, conditioners, gels, emulsions, pastes.
05 — FAQ
Technical questions, answered straight.
The questions we get most often from engineers, maintenance teams and procurement spec‑ing rotary lobe pumps.
What is a sanitary rotary lobe pump?
A sanitary rotary lobe pump is a positive displacement pump that uses two counter-rotating lobed rotors to move product through the pump head. Because the rotors do not contact each other or the casing, the pump gently handles viscous, shear-sensitive and particulate-laden fluids used in food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical and personal care processing. Sanitary versions meet 3-A Sanitary Standards with polished contact surfaces and CIP/COP cleanability.
What's the difference between the Waukesha Universal 1 and Universal 2?
The Universal 1 (U1) is designed for Clean Out of Place (COP) applications and has been the long-standing workhorse for sanitary PD pumping. The Universal 2 (U2) was engineered for Clean In Place (CIP) cleaning with a broader seal lineup — single and double mechanical plus knife and high-pressure barrier seals — improved cleanability and upgraded performance (up to 500 PSI), all in the same footprint. If you're speccing a new installation today, the U2 is usually the right call; the U1 remains popular for existing COP facilities and as a direct replacement.
When should I choose a rotary lobe pump over a centrifugal pump?
Choose a rotary lobe pump when you need to move viscous products (above roughly 300 cP), handle shear-sensitive fluids like yogurt or creams, meter product accurately, transfer fluids containing solids or particulates, or generate higher discharge pressure. Centrifugal pumps are better for low-viscosity, high-flow transfer applications like CIP solutions, water and thin juices. For borderline applications, our team is happy to size both options for you.
What pressure can Waukesha rotary lobe pumps handle?
Pressure capability varies by model. The Universal 1 and Universal 2 are rated for typical sanitary process pressures. The Universal 2 ND industrial series is rated up to 500 psi for heavy-duty applications. The Universal 3 is purpose-built for high-pressure sanitary applications and features an internal seal design that simplifies service compared to external seal configurations.
Do you stock rotary lobe pump parts?
Yes. Triplex Sales stocks rotors, seals, gaskets, O-rings and complete seal kits for the full Waukesha Universal line and APV R Series. Registered customers can view on-hand Waukesha PD pump inventory through our online portal. We handle quoting, part number cross-referencing, and expedited shipping from our Schaumburg, IL facility. Send us a part number or a pump nameplate photo and we'll take it from there.
Can you help with pump sizing and selection?
Absolutely — it's most of what we do. Share your process conditions (flow rate, viscosity, pressure, product type, temperature, CIP requirements) through our RFQ form or call us directly at 847.839.8442. We'll recommend the right model and configuration, and walk you through trade-offs before you commit. No-obligation technical support is part of the package.
Can a rotary lobe or sanitary PD pump run CIP solution?
A rotary lobe or other sanitary PD pump can be part of a CIP-able process design, but the pump itself does not guarantee CIP line velocity. Many systems still require a dedicated centrifugal CIP pump, bypass, or separate cleaning circuit to meet plant cleaning standards.
When is a rotary lobe pump not the best choice?
A rotary lobe pump is not always the first choice for thin, clean, high-flow liquids where a centrifugal pump can do the job efficiently. It may also be worth comparing twin screw if the same pump is expected to handle both product transfer and high-speed CIP flow, or if the application has a very wide viscosity range.
What information helps Triplex cross-reference an existing Waukesha or APV pump?
Send the pump model, serial number, nameplate photo, application details, product, flow rate, pressure or head, seal type if known, and photos of the pump and connections. For parts, include any existing part numbers or photos of the worn components.
06 — Facility Audit
Find the rotary lobe pumps worth rebuilding — and the ones that need a different plan.
For Waukesha and APV rotary lobe pumps that have been in service for years, a Triplex site survey looks beyond the nameplate. We help identify seal failure patterns, rotor and elastomer compatibility issues, outdated configurations, spare-parts gaps, and pumps that may be better rebuilt, reconfigured, or replaced.
That creates a cleaner plan for uptime, parts planning, and replacement priorities across your installed PD pump base.
Ready when you are
Experience the future of fluid solutions today.
Whether you need a replacement pump, a complete system, or just a second opinion on your current setup — we'll meet you where you are. Technical sizing, quoting, and follow-through from a team that's been doing this since 1978.
