What is Wax?
Pumps for Wax
Wax is a very thick, viscous fluid that presents a number of unique challenges when it comes to pumping. It is a natural material, commonly derived from petroleum, or sourced naturally from bees. It is a versatile material and is used in a number of different industries, such as; in production of candles, crayons, lipsticks, polishes, food coatings (such as cheese wax), waterproofing wood and paper, and enhancing wear resistance in paints.
The Challenges of Pumping Wax
Wax is not a straightforward material to pump and presents a number of challenges that need to be considered during the specification phase of your process design.
One of the primary challenges lies in wax’s tendency to solidify at lower temperatures, or when exposed to air. When cooled wax hardens it can easily clog valves, pump chambers and piping which can cause significant damage to the pump, leading to costly downtime and maintenance. The molecular make up of wax means that it is shear-sensitive, so too much agitation or pulsation during transfer can impact its structure and the end product quality.
To overcome these challenges, wax pumping systems must be capable of:
Handling high viscosity materials or high temperature melted wax
Maintaining product temperature (through heated jackets or insulation)
Ensure Seal springs do not cease or stop working should Wax solidify
Avoiding pulsation and shear damage
Preventing clogging in valves or pipework
Enabling complete pump and hose emptying after use
Recommended Pump Types for Wax Applications
1. Progressive Cavity Pumps
Progressive cavity pumps are very effective at transferring wax because their gentle motion and low-shear, non-pulsating flow means that the integrity of the wax is maintained. PC pumps work well with both hot and cold wax, and can be fitted with heating jackets to maintain product fluidity. Progressive Cavity Pumps also allow for precise flow control, which makes them ideal for dosing applications. Packed gland sealing is an option available to minimise the risk of seal failures, although it relies on the constant lubrication by liquid wax which drips through the packing.
2. Peristaltic Pumps
Peristaltic Pumps offer a gentle pumping action which is ideal for sheer-sensitive fluids. They are valve-less, which helps prevent blockages and reduces the opportunities for air ingress which could harden the wax being processed.
Peristaltic pumps are able to run dry and can be adapted to reverse direction which allows the operator to empty the product from lines, or clean easily after a production run. For high temperatures hose life may be reduced with limits required for how hot wax can get, and when operated at high speeds they pulsate.
3. Gear Pumps
Gear pumps are a compact and efficient pumping solution for wax, and are often used when continuous flow is required during the process. Gear Pumps offer a steady, consistent flow and can be supplied with heating jackets to maintain the temperature of the wax to avoid it hardening. Gear pumps are not ideal for fluids with abrasive particles, or where very low shear is required. They are also reliant on gland packing for sealing, with wax dripping through the sealing rings.
4. Vane Pumps
Rotary vane pumps are another option for wax transfer, especially when used with heating jackets to stop the wax hardening and damaging the vanes. They deliver a smooth, pulseless flow and are compact, so are ideal for small working areas. Vane pumps are suitable for the handling of medium-viscosity waxes.
Which Industries Use Wax Pumps?
Wax pumps are essential in many industries, including:
Candle Manufacturing – For dosing and filling molds
Cosmetics – In lipstick and balm production
Food Industry – Cheese wax coatings and food-safe packaging
Paints and Coatings – As an additive for wear resistance
Wood Treatment – For waterproofing timber
Automotive Care – In the formulation and bottling of wax-based polishes
Choosing the Right Solution
When selecting a pump for wax applications, it is crucial to consider viscosity, temperature control, required flow rate, and how easily the system can be cleaned or emptied.
Why North Ridge Pumps?
With decades of experience in viscous fluid handling, North Ridge Pumps specialises in solutions for demanding applications like wax. Whether you require precise dosing, temperature maintenance, or clog-free transfer, we can recommend the best technology tailored to your needs. Get in touch with us today to discuss your application and explore our range of wax pumping solutions.
