PeopleFlo launched an internal project, code named Rhine, to develop an innovative, sealless, positive-displacement pump for hygienic markets. Rhine is targeted at the mainstream food & beverage and pharma applications currently served by traditional rotary lobe pumps.
Most problems with the traditional pumps in this market stem from their having two mechanical seals in every pump, which cause reliability and maintenance issues, as well as often waste large volumes of flush water. Additionally, mechanical seals can frequently be the source of contamination hazards. Rhine’s goal is to design a sealless pump, with no mechanical seals, to eliminate these problems.
As is typical of PeopleFlo product development projects, there’s an expectation to come up with a solution that’s new, innovative and patentable, yet built upon a solid foundation of proven technology. Once this project reaches a level where much of the development is complete and the major risks have been eliminated, then PeopleFlo intends to make this project available to interested pump OEMs.