LKHex

The Alfa Laval LKHex Centrifugal Pump is a premium pump for use in hygienic applications which must meet the requirements of the ATEX directive 2014/34/EU group II, category 2G, temperature class T3 and T4. To increase process productivity, it is distinguished by high efficiency, gentle product treatment, chemical resistance, and a wide range of flow rates, pressures and options.

LKH centrifugal pump

Premium ATEX pump engineered for use in potentially explosive environments

  • Energy efficient: superior efficiency resulting in reduced energy consumption and CO2 footprint.
  • Hygienic: designed according to the most stringent hygienic design standards and with verified effective CIP cleanability.
  • Maximized uptime and reduced maintenance costs: robust mechanical design and ease of maintenance with modular front-loading seals.
  • Conforms to the provisions of ATEX directive: can be used in potentially explosive environments.

Precision-engineered, the LKHex pump delivers greater energy efficiency than similar pumps. Its optimized design, premium motor, tight tolerances and advanced impeller design minimize recirculation and reduce energy consumption. The LKHex is engineered for use in potentially explosive environments and conforms to the provisions of the ATEX directive 2014/34/EU group II, category 2G, temperature class T3 and T4. With verified effective CIP cleanability, it is ideal for hygienic applications within the dairy, food, beverage and personal care industries that require gentle product treatment and reliable operation. The Alfa Laval LKHex pump is available in 10 sizes to handle capacities up to 250 m3/h and differential pressures up to 11 bar at 50 Hz.

A premium performer

As Alfa Laval’s premium range of centrifugal pumps, the LKH centrifugal pumps are distinguished by high efficiency, low energy consumption, several options, and a wide range of flow rates and pressures.

High efficiency

A precision-engineered pump and motor provide high efficiency and gentle product treatment. The robust design and tight tolerances together with the advanced impeller design minimize recirculation and ensure the efficient transfer of energy.

Optimal pump design

The impeller design ensures efficient and gentle handling of the product as it moves through the pump. This ensures product integrity and minimizes NPSHr ( Net Positive Suction Head required).

Low energy consumption

Making pump energy use more efficient presents huge potential for energy savings. The optimized pump design and premium motor of Alfa Laval LKH centrifugal pumps often deliver greater energy efficiency than similar premium pumps and up to 50% compared to similar mid-range pumps.

Cleanability and hygienic design

The key is the attention to detail. Controlled compression gaskets, crevice free internals, an external mechanical seal, and an optimised impeller with balancing holes all ensure that the pump is truly cleaned during a time effective CIP cycle. Perfectly aligned components and joints with O-rings tightened to a predefined compression minimize the elastomer product contact surfaces, which also safeguards hygiene.

External shaft seal – hygienic and serviceable

By positioning the shaft seal outside the pump, difficult-to-clean components do not come into direct contact with the product. In addition, the front-loading design enables quick and easy replacement, providing more uptime with lower maintenance costs. Interchangeable single, flushed and double seals simplify spare parts inventory.

Warranty

Alfa Laval provides a three-year warranty for all non-wearing parts, provided genuine parts are used.

Product benefits

  • High efficiency
  • Hygienic design
  • Low energy consumption

Alfa Laval LKH Prime

Premium goes Prime - Setting a new standard in self-priming pump technology.
Alfa Laval LKH Prime

How it works

Pump range

LKH centrifugal pumps are currently available in 13 sizes to handle capacities up to 500 m3/hour and pressures up to 190 H/(m). Options include types of shaft seals, flushing arrangements and elastomers.

LKHex for applications in explosive environments

Engineered for use in potentially explosive environments, the LKHex is available in nine sizes and conforms to the provisions of ATEX directive 94/9/EC Group II, Categories 2 and 3.

LKH pump curves

 LKH pump range, composite curve

 

Unique impeller design

The semi-open impeller with a special vane design ensures particularly low NPSHr (Net Positive Suction Head required). This helps prevent cavitation and minimizes the risk of mechanical damage.

Balance holes in the impeller enhance circulation around the shaft seal and reduce axial forces. This minimizes wear on the shaft seal and motor bearings.

External shaft seal

The front-loading shaft seal, with the spring and washers mounted on the atmospheric side, makes maintenance fast, easy and inexpensive. It takes just a few minutes to replace the shaft seal. In addition, the balanced design minimizes the risk of seal opening during unforeseen pressure shock.

Optimised shaft seal 

One shaft seal fits a wide pump range. The exact same LKH single shaft seal fits 11 models of LKH pumps as well as all models of the SolidC pump. The LKH seal also has the option of single or double flushed, which can be interchanged in minutes with just a few extra components.

This standardization reduces inventory and makes wear parts replacement quick and easy. 

Compression couplings

Another notable feature is the compression coupling. This securely attaches the stub shaft to the motor shaft with precision alignment. Setup is simple, operations secure and noise and vibration minimized. What’s more, the coupling helps prolong the service life of both shaft seal and motor.

360° Service and maintenance videos

Alfa Laval LKH centrifugal pumps – change flushed shaft seal

Alfa Laval LKH centrifugal pumps – change single shaft seal

Alfa Laval LKH centrifugal pumps double mechanical shaft seal

Alfa Laval Service Kits

Part of a broad pump range

Alfa Laval offers a comprehensive range of pumps intended for hygienic applications in the dairy, foodbeverage, home care and personal care

Alfa Laval offers a comprehensive range of pumps intended for UltraPure applications in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

For a broader pump range, explore the different product categories: Circumferential piston pumps, Rotary lobe pumps and Twin Screw 

Food Logic

Alfa Laval's hygienic equipment combines high performance with gentle handling to preserve sensitive ingredients and keep up with the food industry trends. The equipment addresses four key challenges; supplying food products to consumers at a competitive price, getting the most from raw materials, reducing waste and emissions, and delivering safe and hygienic food products.

food logic 640x360

Close at Hand Catalogue

Alfa Laval's hygienic equipment product catalogue "Close at hand" includes product leaflets, performance curves, links to animations, brochures and lists for ordering purposes.

Close at hand 2019 - Cover image 640x360

CAD portal

Download the product models in Neutral or Native CAD file formats. It is also possible to download 3D PDF files.

 View CAD portal 

Animations

 

 

Visit the animations site and take a look inside a product to see and understand how it works. 

View animations 

Pumps

Pumps for hygienic use brochure

Learn more

 

 

 

Ten top tips: Alfa Laval LKH pump range

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Technical articles