While rotary vane pumps can handle moderate viscosity liquids, they excel at handling low viscosity liquids such as LP gas (propane), ammonia, solvents, alcohol, fuel oils, gasoline and refrigerants. Rotary vane pumps have no internal metal-to-metal contact and self-compensate for wear, enabling them to maintain peak performance on these non-lubricating liquids. Rotary vane pumps are noted for their dry priming, ease of maintenance, and good suction characteristics over the life of the pump.
Advantages
- Handles thin liquids at relatively higher pressures
- Compensates for wear through vane extension
- Sometimes preferred for solvents, LPG
- Can run dry for short periods
- Can be equipped with a gasket or a stuffing box
- Develops good vacuum
