Global Lobe Pumps Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

The Global Lobe Pumps Market is expected to grow by registering a CAGR of about 4.6% during the forecast period. Rapid growth in urban population and industrialization are among the major factors driving the studied market growth.

Key Highlights

• Lobe pump technology uses two rotary lobes that rotate, trapping a volume of liquid into a chamber. The pump also has two sets of mechanical seals to maintain. Additionally, lobe pumps must be specifically designed for the application. The pumps typically have a long service life, but maintenance can be complex and time-consuming when they fail.
• The lobe pump is popular across diverse industries owing to its good sanitary qualities, reliability, high efficiency, and corrosion resistance properties. High-frequency usage of lobe pumps in various applications, such as in food applications, and pumping of thick, dense material in the oil & gas industry, has led to an increase in the global sales of lobe pumps.
• Considering the growing demand, the vendors focus on expanding their market presence by innovating new products and establishing an efficient supply chain network. For instance, in March 2021, Packo introduced the ZLC rotary lobe pump. The new ZLC is the ideal process pump for the demanding sterile applications in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
• Other factors that positively impact the growth of the studied market are the ability of lobe pumps to handle larger-sized particles that can be pumped, compared to different types of positive displacement pumps, and it is higher efficiency while pumping very viscous liquids.
• However, these pumps use two sets of mechanical seals and are driven with a motor and gear reducer. The high cost of maintenance and ownership owing to additional equipment and parts required, along with the large footprint required for installations, are some of the major factors challenging the growth of the studied market.
• The global outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly impacted most end-user industries where lobe pumps are used. The restrictions imposed by the governments across various parts of the world significantly reduced the demand, and a majority of enterprises had to either suspend their operations or operate with a limited capacity which led to companies putting a halt on new projects, negatively impacting the growth of the studied market.

Key Market Trends

Chemical Industry to Hold Significant Market Share

• Valuable chemical compounds such as acids, caustic alkalis, solvents, and polymers are commonly used in the manufacturing process of many industrial plants, as effective fluid management is highly critical in ensuring a safe environment and productive manufacturing process. Positive displacement pumps, such as lobe pumps, are an ideal solution for these industries, as they are more efficient than centrifugal pumps in moving highly viscous liquids and can provide higher pump pressure.
• In addition, lobe pumps have several advantages, including the ability of the pump to move solids suspended in the slurry without damaging the product. The gentle pumping action further minimizes product failure. Lobe pumps can process larger particles than other types of positive displacement pumps can.
• There are several vendors who are offering lobe pumps specifically designed to fulfill the requirements of the chemical industry. For instance, Bonve, offers a comprehensive range of chemical-grade lobe pumps, that are suitable for transferring chemical products with high solid, high viscosity, strong corrosion, etc.
• Considering the benefits these pumps offer, the demand for lobe pumps is increasing significantly in the chemical industry, which in turn is encouraging the vendors to launch new products and invest in R&D to further enhance the efficiency and reduce the complexity of these pumps. For instance, in March 2022, Vogelsang launched two new industrial pump series, EP and VY series rotary lobe pumps. The EP and VY series has an integrated body designed for optimal flow, hence, can be equipped with various sealing systems, giving it flexibility in demanding areas such as the oil, gas, and chemical industries.

Asia Pacific to Witness Fastest Growth in the Market

• The Asia Pacific region is considered to be one of the leaders in the global lobe pump market. The increase in urban population and rapid industrialization across various countries of the Asia Pacific region has created greater demand for lobe pumps. For instance, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, industrial production in the country increased by 9.6 percent in 2021 as compared to the previous year.
• The high growth of process industries such as food and beverage, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals are expected to increase the demand for lobe pumps in the region. Increasing investment in the pharmaceutical industry across countries such as India, Vietnam, etc., is also driving the use of new rotary lobe pumps. For instance, according to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, pharmaceutical exports from India have witnessed a growth of 103% since 2013-14, from INR 90,415 Crores in 2013-14 to INR 1,83,422 Crores in 2021-22.
• Across the Asia Pacific region, wastewater treatment is another major industry. The demand for lobe pumps is expected to grow as various countries increase their industry investment to ensure sufficient water availability for multiple purposes. For instance, in April 2022, SUEZ was awarded a 30-year, build-and-operate contract for an industrial wastewater treatment plant in Changshu through a local joint venture. The project has an estimated investment of about EUR 37 million and a daily treatment capacity of a 15,000-meter cube.
• In addition, upgrades and refurbishment of oil and gas exploration assets in the region are expected to create positive market prospects. Furthermore, the growing concerns about limited water resources have led governments in several areas, including China and India, to promote wastewater treatment and recycling. These factors are creating a favorable market scenario for the region's lobe pumps market growth.

Competitive Landscape

The Global Lobe Pump Market is competitive with the presence of various key players such as Borgers GmbH, Alfa Laval, GEA Group, Netzsch Group, and more. These players in the market are focusing on innovating new products with the adoption of the latest technologies, as well as business expansions by participating in collaborations and acquisitions.

• February 2022 - Selwood announced a new partnership with Borger. To complement its existing stock of 5,000 pumps for rental, primarily in water and wastewater applications, Selwood will purchase 15 custom-designed, positive displacement process-critical lobe pumps, as part of the agreement.
• July 2021 - Borger GmbH released its new Nova, a new generation of its BLUEline rotary lobe pump. The BLUEline Nova is available with and, for the first time, also without casing protection. The "clean" version has been designed to convey pure, non-abrasive media. Casing protection is not required.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support