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Circumferential Piston Pumps – Michael Smith Engineers
Michael Smith Engineers supplies specialist circumferential piston pumps from Ampco Pumps and Viking Pump Hygienic, providing solutions for demanding hygienic, food processing, pharmaceutical and industrial applications. These positive displacement pumps are particularly suited to transferring viscous, shear-sensitive and solids-containing products, while also offering high differential pressure capability and efficient handling of lower-viscosity liquids.
How do circumferential piston pumps work?
Circumferential piston pumps use two synchronised rotors that turn within a closely machined pump chamber without contacting one another. Specially shaped rotors, manufactured from non-galling materials, allow tight operating clearances. This helps improve volumetric efficiency, particularly when pumping lower-viscosity liquids, while maintaining gentle product handling.
The design is well suited to applications where product texture and integrity must be preserved. Depending on the model and configuration, pumps can also offer self-priming capabilities, high pressure performance and straightforward cleaning and maintenance.
Our circumferential piston pump ranges
Ampco ZP Series
The Ampco ZP Series provides robust, versatile pumping solutions for hygienic and industrial duties. The ZP1 is an established design used for applications ranging from food products and chocolate to paints and other industrial liquids. The ZP3 places particular emphasis on hygienic operation and cleanability, incorporating design features intended to support effective clean-in-place (CIP) processes and simplified seal maintenance. Stainless steel construction and a choice of sealing arrangements allow the range to be configured for different process requirements.
Viking Pump Hygienic TRA10 Series
The TRA10 is a proven circumferential piston pump designed primarily for strip-cleaning, or clean-out-of-place (COP), applications. Its 316 stainless steel casing, non-galling alloy rotors and robust shaft design provide reliable operation across a wide range of products. Typical applications include dairy products, confectionery, sauces, bakery ingredients, beverages, cosmetics and selected industrial liquids. The TRA10 is also dimensionally interchangeable with equivalent Waukesha Universal I models, making it a useful option for replacement projects.
Viking Pump Hygienic TRA20 Series
The TRA20 is designed for food-grade and other high-hygiene applications, with 3-A certification as standard. It offers higher differential pressure capabilities than the TRA10, together with optional CIP arrangements, front-accessible sealing and maintenance features. The range is dimensionally interchangeable with Waukesha Universal II pumps, providing a practical replacement solution for existing installations.
Viking Pump Hygienic Revolution Series
The Revolution combined circumferential piston and rotary lobe technologies in a hybrid design, with CIP capability as standard, front-loading seals and a focus on gentle product handling. This series was discontinued from 30 September 2026; however, support for existing installations continues, making it relevant to customers requiring spares, servicing or replacement advice.
Typical applications
Circumferential piston pumps are used for transferring chocolate, fondants, cream, butter, cheese products, fruit concentrates, sauces, syrups, meat emulsions, cosmetics, paints, polymers and other viscous or shear-sensitive liquids. Their ability to handle solids gently and operate at elevated differential pressures makes them valuable in food processing and selected industrial applications.
Why choose Michael Smith Engineers?
With access to circumferential piston pump technology from Ampco and Viking Pump Hygienic, Michael Smith Engineers can help customers compare designs and select the most suitable solution for their process. Our technical team considers viscosity, solids content, flow rate, differential pressure, temperature, materials compatibility and cleaning requirements when specifying a pump.
From initial selection and replacement advice to spare parts, repairs and servicing, we provide technical support to help customers maintain dependable pump performance throughout the life of their equipment.
Explore our ranges:
| Pumps | Flow Range | Maximum Pressure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ampco ZP Series | up to 100 m³/hr | 20 bar | More Info |
| Viking Pump Hygienic TRA10 Series | up to 102 m³/hr | 14 bar | More Info |
| Viking Pump Hygienic TRA20 Series | up to 70 m³/hr | 34 bar | More Info |
Performance limits, construction materials, sealing options and hygienic certifications vary by model. Please contact Michael Smith Engineers for application-specific selection and technical advice.