KCB55 Gear Pump for Shampoo
KCB55 Gear Pump for Shampoo: A Technical Review and Selection Guide
A recent customer inquiry has brought an interesting application to our attention: using a gear metering pump for shampoo transfer. The customer provided the following specifications:
Pump type: Gear pump
Medium: Shampoo
Viscosity: 1,000-4,000 cP
Flow rate: 650-1,600 L/H
Power supply: 220V 50Hz, 1.5kW (quantity: 2 units)
Quantity: 1 unit
Based on the customer's reference image, our technical team identified the required model as the KCB55 gear pump. However, a critical technical consideration requires further clarification before finalizing the recommendation.
Understanding the KCB55 Gear Pump
The KCB55 is a positive displacement gear pump widely used for transferring lubricating oils and similar fluids without solid particles or fibers. Key specifications include:
Parameter Specification
Flow Rate 55 L/min (3.3 m³/h)
Discharge Pressure 0.33 MPa
Power 1.5 kW
Inlet/Outlet Diameter 1 inch
Speed 1,400 rpm
The Viscosity Challenge
The KCB series gear pump is rated for a standard viscosity range of 5 to 1,500 cSt (centistokes) . While some technical data suggests that reducing pump speed allows handling viscosities up to 50,000 cSt, the customer's stated viscosity range of 1,000-4,000 cP (which is equivalent to cSt when specific gravity is approximately 1) exceeds the pump's standard maximum of 2,000 cP that we typically recommend for the KCB55.
Industry Best Practices for Shampoo Pumping
For shampoo and similar personal care products with viscosities in the 1,000-4,000 cP range, industry experience shows:
Final shampoo viscosity typically ranges between 800 and 3,000 cP depending on formulation
For products above 500 cP, external gear pumps (FBE type) are significantly more efficient than centrifugal pumps
Stainless steel materials (304/316L) are recommended for corrosive or hygienic applications
The CHEM series gear pumps from established manufacturers are known to handle shampoo and cosmetic products effectively, with applications ranging from classic transfer to high-precision metering tasks.
Our Recommendation and Key Clarifications
While the KCB55 appears to be the correct model based on the customer's reference image, we recommend the following clarifications before proceeding with the order:
1. Confirm Actual Viscosity
Please confirm the actual viscosity of the shampoo being transferred. If it exceeds 2,000 cP, we may need to:
Reduce the pump speed (rpm) to accommodate higher viscosity
Consider alternative pump models better suited for high-viscosity fluids
2. Material Selection – 304 Stainless Steel
We recommend the 304 stainless steel construction for:
Corrosion resistance
Hygiene requirements for cosmetic/personal care applications
Extended service life
3. Power Supply Confirmation
The customer specified "220V 50Hz, 1.5kW" but also mentioned "2" – this requires clarification:
Single-phase 220V – standard household power
Three-phase 380V – industrial power supply
Most industrial KCB55 pumps are configured for three-phase motors. Please confirm the available power supply to ensure correct motor configuration.
4. Customization Options
We offer the following customization options for the KCB55 pump:
Stainless steel construction (SS304, SS316, SS316L)
Various shaft seal types (oil seal, mechanical seal, packing)
Frequency control for variable speed (VFD)
Customized flange connections
Next Steps
We invite the customer to provide the following information to finalize the pump selection:
Actual operating viscosity (measure at operating temperature)
Required discharge pressure
Power supply type: 220V single-phase or 380V three-phase
Any special requirements (seal type, connection method, etc.)
Contact CIXIFM for a Fast Quote
whatsapp:86 18049841995
