Flexible impeller pumps · FLM20RF to FLM80RF series
FL-RF flexible impeller pump
Self-priming, reversible flexible impeller pump in AISI 304 stainless steel for transferring wine, dairy products and oils, as well as viscous products and liquids containing solid particles or gases. Five sizes, from 1,620 to 43,800 l/h, with direct-drive motor, geared motor or variable-speed drive.
- 43.8 m³/hMaximum flow rate (FLM80RF)
- 32 m headMaximum head (FLM20RF)
- 0.3–3.4 kWMotor power
- AISI 304Body; AISI 316 optional
- 6 rubbersImpeller materials to choose from
- ReversibleSelf-priming, in both directions
- Self-priming and reversible
- AISI 304 stainless steel (AISI 316 optional)
- Industrial or food finish
- 12-24 V DC versions
Prefer to speak to a technician? Call 972 58 20 40 or write to inoxmim@inoxmim.com
What is a flexible impeller pump and what is it used for?
A flexible impeller pump is a positive displacement pump with a vaned rubber impeller that rotates inside an eccentric body. As they pass through the narrowest area, the vanes bend and reduce the volume between them: this pushes the product towards the discharge and, as they recover their shape, they draw in product on the other side. The result is a self-priming pump that works in both directions and handles viscous products or products with pieces gently.
InoxMIM's FL-RF series (FLM-RF in the catalogue) comes in five sizes, from the FLM20RF to the FLM80RF, in AISI 304 stainless steel or, on request, AISI 316. The impeller is made in six different rubbers (nitrile, EPDM, silicone, polyurethane, natural rubber or neoprene) to suit the product: wine, dairy products, oils, cosmetics, jams, syrups or carbonated drinks.
This is the right pump if…
- You transfer wine, dairy products or oils and need the pump to prime itself.
- You pump high-viscosity products, such as cosmetics, jams or syrups.
- The liquid contains solid particles or gases, as carbonated drinks do.
- You want to fill and empty with the same pump, or need portable equipment with a 12-24 V motor.
Choose other equipment if…
- The fluids are clean and you need more head, up to 55 m head (water column): the FL-AL liquid ring pump is better.
- The product is very viscous, up to 100,000 cP, or is handled at temperature: the FL-PRL lobe pump is better.
- You need to move grapes at harvest, pastes or products with large solids: a progressive cavity or peristaltic pump is better.
- You need high flow rates of low-viscosity liquids with flooded suction: a centrifugal pump is better.
Applications by industry
Products listed in the catalogue for FL-RF flexible impeller pumps:
Winemaking
Transfer of wine between tanks, with the advantage that the pump primes itself and the direction can be reversed.
Dairy industry
Transfer of dairy products, with the impeller in the right rubber for the product.
Food and beverage
Oils, jams, syrups and carbonated drinks, or liquids containing solid particles.
Cosmetics
High-viscosity cosmetic products that are best pumped gently.
Features and benefits
Self-priming
It primes itself, with no need to fill the suction line before starting.
Reversible
It works in both directions of rotation: the same pump is used for loading and unloading.
Six impeller rubbers
Nitrile, EPDM, silicone, polyurethane, natural rubber or neoprene, depending on the product being pumped.
Difficult products
It handles high-viscosity products and liquids containing solid particles or gases.
Three types of drive
Direct-drive motor, geared motor or variable-speed drive, and 12-24 V DC versions.
Five sizes
From the FLM20RF, at 1,620 l/h, to the FLM80RF, at 43,800 l/h, with connections from DN 25 to DN 80.
Models in the series and operating flow rates
Flow rates according to the operating conditions table in the catalogue. The flow rate drops as the head increases; the full table is in the technical data sheet.
| Model | Motor | Speed | Max. flow rate (0 m head) | Max. head in the table | DN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLM20RF | 0.3–0.56 kW | 900–1,400 rpm | 1,620 l/h | 32 m head | DN 25 |
| FLM32RF | 0.37–0.75 kW | 700–1,400 rpm | 5,760 l/h | 30 m head | DN 32 |
| FLM40RF | 1.35–1.87 kW | 900–1,400 rpm | 10,000 l/h | 27 m head | DN 40 |
| FLM60RF | 1.1–1.87 kW | 470–900 rpm | 22,500 l/h | 16 m head* | DN 65 |
| FLM80RF | 3.4 kW | 470–600 rpm | 43,800 l/h | 16 m head* | DN 80 |
Values from the FLUIDMIM catalogue with the highest-speed motor of each model. (*) For the FLM60RF and FLM80RF the table goes up to 16 m head, where they still deliver 3,000 and 16,000 l/h. MF (single-phase), TF (three-phase), two-speed TF and 12-24 V DC motors depending on the model.
Technical data
Materials
Body
AISI 304 stainless steel; AISI 316 optional
Impeller
Nitrile, EPDM, silicone, polyurethane, natural rubber or neoprene
Gaskets
NBR
Hydraulics
Principle
Flexible impeller, self-priming and reversible
Maximum flow rate
43,800 l/h (FLM80RF)
Maximum head
32 m head (FLM20RF at 1,400 rpm)
Mechanical seal
Standard
I/G/N
Optional
V/V/M or W/W/V
Drive
Type
Direct-drive motor, geared motor or variable-speed drive
Power
0.3 to 3.4 kW
Power supply
Single-phase, three-phase, two-speed three-phase or 12-24 V DC, depending on the model
Connections and finish
Standard connections
GAS
Special connections
DIN 11851, RJT, MACON, SMS, Clamp, etc.
Finish level
Industrial or food
Options and customisation
AISI 316 pump
Body in AISI 316 stainless steel instead of the standard AISI 304.
Trolley
Iron or stainless steel trolley for moving the pump around the winery or plant.
Electrical panel
Panel with start and stop, 10 m of cable and plug.
Special connections
DIN 11851, RJT, MACON, SMS or Clamp, among others, instead of the GAS connections.
Mechanical seal
V/V/M or W/W/V as an alternative to the standard I/G/N seal.
Bare shaft and by-pass
Bare-shaft pump for coupling to your own drive, and by-pass.
Other industrial pumps
Frequently asked questions about the FL-RF flexible impeller pump
How does a flexible impeller pump work?
With a vaned rubber impeller that rotates inside an eccentric body. The vanes bend as they pass through the narrow area and push the product towards the outlet; as they recover their shape, they create a vacuum and draw in product. That is why it is self-priming and can work in both directions.
What flow rate does each model deliver?
At 0 m head, the FLM20RF delivers up to 1,620 l/h; the FLM32RF, 5,760 l/h; the FLM40RF, 10,000 l/h; the FLM60RF, 22,500 l/h; and the FLM80RF, 43,800 l/h. The flow rate drops as the head increases: the FLM20RF at 1,400 rpm reaches 32 m head.
Which impeller rubber should I choose?
The one that is compatible with your product and its temperature. There are impellers in nitrile, EPDM, silicone, polyurethane, natural rubber and neoprene; nitrile, for example, is commonly used with oils and fats. Tell us the product and we will recommend the rubber.
Can it pump viscous products or products with particles?
Yes. The catalogue specifies it for high-viscosity products, such as cosmetics, jams and syrups, and for liquids containing solid particles or gases, such as carbonated drinks.
Are there 12 or 24 V versions?
Yes. The FLM20RF is available with a 12-24 V DC motor (0.3 kW) and the FLM32RF with a 24 V motor (0.5 kW), for use where there is no mains power.
Can it run dry?
It is not advisable. The rubber impeller is lubricated and cooled by the product itself; if it runs dry it heats up and wears quickly. It is the pump's wear part, and it is worth keeping a spare impeller.
Request a quote for the FL-RF flexible impeller pump
Equipment: FL-RF flexible impeller pump
Tell us what product you are pumping, the flow rate, the head or pressure, the temperature, the viscosity and whether it contains particles or gases. With these data we will indicate the size, the impeller rubber and the drive.