Flow pumps that move volume—not generate pressure.
When very high flow rates must be delivered at low to medium heads, conventional pump technology quickly reaches its limits. Flow pumps are designed specifically for this operating condition. The key factors here are not only the hydraulics, but above all the inlet, the NPSH reserve, and the prevention of cavitation and vortex formation.
HARTON Anlagentechnik GmbH therefore does not view flow pumps in isolation, but always in conjunction with the intake structure, water level, operating point, and control strategy.
HARTON Anlagentechnik GmbH therefore does not view flow pumps in isolation, but always in conjunction with the intake structure, water level, operating point, and control strategy.
Why choose a flow pump from Harton Anlagentechnik GmbH?
We consistently design every flow pump in conjunction with the intake structure. Since stilling basins and a uniform inflow prevent the formation of vortices and swirl, these systems achieve stable operation even with fluctuating water levels. This makes them the ideal choice for pumping stations and recirculation systems where reliability is the top priority.
Our design incorporates a thorough NPSH analysis. By evaluating the inlet head, pressure losses, and impeller geometry, we can minimize the risk of cavitation even before commissioning. This enables our engineers to effectively prevent material erosion, vibrations, and a drop in performance.
Many of our flow pumps are designed in conjunction with the intake structure, sump geometry, and piping layout. Since the pump and the structure are considered as a single unit, this ensures a stable, trouble-free pumping process. This largely eliminates the risk of failure due to unfavorable flow conditions.
Technical Specifications
Based on our portfolio, you'll find the typical specifications here to help you make an informed preliminary selection:
| Volume flow rate Q | 500-1,300 m³/h (and even higher depending on the project) |
| Delivery head H | 1-950 m WS (depending on the model) |
| Operating Pressure | up to 25 bar (cast iron/duplex), up to 16 bar (AISI 316 stainless steel) |
| Rotational speed | 1,000-3,000 1/min |
| Media temperature | -40 °C to +180 °C |
| Viscosity | Optimized for water-like media |
| Solid content | typically up to about 0.05% by weight |
| Note | All information is specific to each model |
Media and Applications for Flow Systems
Our flow pumps are ideally suited for transporting large volumes of water:
Cooling Water Technology:
Circulation of large flow rates in industrial cooling circuits.
Hydraulic Engineering:
Support for pumping stations in flood control and drainage operations.
Industrial recirculation:
Circulation of process water and raw water in production facilities.
Environmental Technology:
Movement of large volumes of water with a limited solids content (materials available to meet specific media requirements).
Despite the high throughput, we make no compromises when it comes to material selection:
- Pump housing: Cast iron, AISI 316 stainless steel, or duplex materials such as 1.4462 for high corrosion resistance.
- Corrosion protection: Epoxy coatings and cathodic corrosion protection for aggressive media.
- Shaft and bearing design: Consideration of vibration, cyclic loading, and critical speeds to ensure low-vibration operation.
The combination of a robust drive system and a tailored control strategy gives you a competitive edge:
- Standard drive: Squirrel-cage motor (TEFC) with IP55 protection class and IE3 efficiency.
- Speed variants: 2-, 4-, or 6-pole for different operating points.
- Control strategy: Frequency converter or adjustable propeller blades to avoid inefficient partial-load ranges.
Every flow pump undergoes defined test cycles at Harton Anlagentechnik GmbH:
- Performance curve testing: Comparison of actual values with the target performance curve (Q/H).
- Electrical safety: Operational test and electrical inspection in accordance with relevant guidelines.
- Documentation: Complete data sheets, general arrangement drawings, and test reports are provided as standard.
A robust inlet and hydraulic design keeps operating costs to a minimum. The investment in a well-designed flow pump system quickly pays for itself through:
- Lower energy consumption at a stable operating point.
- Elimination of cavitation damage through proactive inlet design.
- High system availability thanks to corrosion-resistant material designs.
Flow Pumps for Your Application
We develop and supply flow pumps for applications requiring high flow rates and low to medium heads. Our focus is not solely on the pump itself, but on the entire system. From hydraulic design and the selection of suitable materials to optimal integration into your system, we take all critical factors into account. The result is a customized solution that delivers high efficiency, reliable operation, and long-term cost-effectiveness.
Centrifugal pumps
Centrifugal pumps are among the most important types of pumps in industry. However, what matters here is not the name, but whether the hydraulics, NPSH, materials, and sealing design are properly matched to the specific application.
Types and Varieties of Flow Pumps
Axial-flow pumps for maximum flow rates
Axial flow pumps move the fluid essentially parallel to the pump axis. This operating principle is designed for very high flow rates with a comparatively low pressure increase and is typically used in pumping stations, drainage systems, recirculating water systems, and flooding applications.
Unlike radial centrifugal pumps, the primary focus is not on generating high heads, but rather on the hydraulically stable movement of large volumes of water. With this design, our engineers pay particular attention to inlet losses, water level fluctuations, vortex formation, and sensitivity to unfavorable inlet conditions.
The axial design is economically dominant wherever the operating point lies within a narrow head range but high flow rates are required. For many operators, it is therefore the technically leading solution in hydraulic engineering and in high-volume circulation processes.
Unlike radial centrifugal pumps, the primary focus is not on generating high heads, but rather on the hydraulically stable movement of large volumes of water. With this design, our engineers pay particular attention to inlet losses, water level fluctuations, vortex formation, and sensitivity to unfavorable inlet conditions.
The axial design is economically dominant wherever the operating point lies within a narrow head range but high flow rates are required. For many operators, it is therefore the technically leading solution in hydraulic engineering and in high-volume circulation processes.
Axial flow pumps move the fluid essentially parallel to the pump axis. This operating principle is designed for very high flow rates with a comparatively low pressure increase and is typically used in pumping stations, drainage systems, recirculating water systems, and flooding applications. Unlike radial centrifugal pumps, the primary focus is not on generating high heads, but rather on the hydraulically stable movement of large volumes of water. With this design, our engineers pay particular attention to inlet losses, water level fluctuations, vortex formation, and sensitivity to unfavorable inlet conditions. The axial design is economically dominant wherever the operating point lies within a narrow head range but high flow rates are required. For many operators, it is therefore the technically leading solution in hydraulic engineering and in high-volume circulation processes.
| Flow rate | approx. 500 to 1,300 m³/h |
| Delivery head | approx. 1 to 30 m |
| Rotational speed | approx. 1,000 to 3,000 1/min |
| Regulation | FU or fixed speed, optional blade adjustment |
| Flow direction | predominantly axial |
| Medium | Water, process water, raw water |
| Critical Issues | NPSH, cavitation, inlet vortex, part-load instability |
| Typical industries | Hydraulic Engineering, Drainage, Cooling Water, Environmental Engineering |
Mixed-flow pumps combine axial and radial flow components. This creates a technical intermediate range between axial pumps and conventional centrifugal pumps. This design is used when the flow rate needs to remain high, but the head exceeds the typical range of axial pumps. We place special emphasis on this variant when high flow rates must be combined with an extended head range. The design is then based on the specific Q/H range, the permissible cavitation tendency, the inlet geometry, and economical operation in the partial-load range. From a regulatory or technological standpoint, mixed-flow pumps are the standard choice where axial flow alone is no longer sufficient, but radial centrifugal pumps do not yet represent the most economical solution. For buyers, this variant is particularly relevant when size, efficiency, and head must be in a balanced ratio.
| Medium | mostly water-like |
| Regulation | Speed control, optional hydraulic adjustment |
| Typical applications | Cooling Water, Recirculation, Water Transport |
| Flow rate | high |
| Delivery head | Low to moderate, significantly expanded depending on the project |
| Flow Path | Axial-radial combination |
| Suitability | expanded operating point window |
| Relevant to interpretation | Performance Curves, NPSH, Partial-Load Stability |
Propeller pumps are a subgroup of flow pumps with propeller-like impeller geometry and particularly efficient performance at low heads. They are frequently used in applications where water levels fluctuate and a high degree of hydraulic adaptability is required. In the context of the Harton project, propeller pumps are primarily considered when water or water-like media need to be moved with as little pressure increase as possible, but with high operational reliability. Adjustable blades can adapt the blade angle to changing load conditions, thereby improving process stability during actual operation. The technical strength of this variant lies not in maximum pressure, but in its ability to maintain high flow rates efficiently under varying operating conditions. This makes propeller pumps particularly suitable for intake structures, recirculating water systems, and regulated water flows.
| Flow rate | high, optimized for high throughput |
| Delivery head | low |
| Typical applications | Pumping stations, recirculating water, water level control |
| Wheel Geometry | fixed or adjustable propeller blades |
| Load case | Possible, depending heavily on the water level |
| Installation | vertical or horizontal |
| Energy Efficiency | high at the defined operating point |
| Safety-related | Inlet Quality, Vibration, Cavitation |
In-line pumps integrate the flow pump directly into the piping system. This horizontal design reduces flow diversion losses and is particularly well-suited for linear system configurations with defined inlet and outlet conditions. Our in-house engineers prefer this design when the structure offers limited vertical space and the pump hydraulics need to be integrated directly into the piping system. Key technical considerations here include piping losses, alignment, valve layout, and accessibility for maintenance. From an economic standpoint, the tubular casing design is often the preferred choice where compact horizontal integration and minimal structural effort are more important than vertical shaft solutions.
| Critical Issues | Inlet Stabilization, Water Hammer, Alignment |
| Typical media | Water, cooling water, process water |
| Installation type | horizontal |
| Maintenance | depending on accessibility and the expansion plan |
| Housing shape | Tubular housing / tubular |
| System Integration | directly into the pipeline |
| Space requirements | Affordable with a low profile |
| Typical locations | Industrial facilities, recirculation systems, water transport |
Vertical shaft pumps are used when the flow pump is integrated into a vertical structure. The inlet from the shaft or sump is hydraulically highly sensitive and plays a key role in determining operational reliability. At Harton, the design is based on a combination of water level, shaft geometry, guide walls, screens, stilling basins, and the maintenance access concept. Unlike with compact standard pumps, the structure itself is an active part of the overall function. This design is the technological standard in pumping stations, hydraulic engineering facilities, and large-scale infrastructure projects. For technical buyers, it is particularly relevant when installation, rail guidance, lifting technology, access safety, and long-term availability must be defined early on.
| Typical applications | Pumping Stations, Drainage, Hydraulic Engineering |
| Installation type | vertical |
| Maintenance | Removal via lifting equipment / shaft access |
| Building Integration | Shaft, Pumping Station, Sump |
| Admission Requirements | very high |
| Safety Requirements | Access, Crane Points, Flood Protection |
| Vibration Topic | relevant for long wavelengths |
| Monitoring | Pressure, Flow, Power, Vibration |
Relevance for Engineers and Technical Buyers
The design is based on flow rate, head, NPSH reserve, inlet geometry, and hydraulic boundary conditions to ensure cavitation-free and energy-efficient operation across the entire operating range.
For technical procurement, the following parameters in particular must be specified on a project-by-project basis: flow rate, material of construction, drive concept, operating pressure, medium temperature, corrosion protection, and documentation and testing requirements.
Flow pumps should be delivered with documented performance curve testing, electrical functional testing, and complete technical documentation, and must comply with the applicable standards and project-specific acceptance requirements.
FAQs by Industry
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Flow Pumps in Industry
Flow Pumps in Water Treatment: Municipal & Industrial Supply
Flow Pumps in the Chemical Industry: Standard Chemical Pumps
Flow Pumps in Food Production: Hygiene & CIP
Flow Pumps in Mechanical Engineering: Cooling & Lubrication
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