--- title: "Centrifugal Pumps vs. Sanitary Diaphragm Pumps: Food and Beverage Applications" description: We design positive displacement pumps, strainers, valves, sight glasses, bubble traps and other solutions that get the job done for your sanitary image: https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/uni_std_blog-06-centrifugal-pumps-vs.-sanitary-diaphragm-pumps_-food-and-beverage-applications.jpg --- [![](https://unibloctech.com/wp-content/uploads/Unibloc-Hygienic-Technologies-logo.png)](https://unibloctech.com/) - [Products](https://unibloctech.com/products/) - [Overview](https://unibloctech.com/products/) - [Hygienic Pumps](https://unibloctech.com/products/hygienic-pumps) - [Industrial Pumps](https://unibloctech.com/products/industrial-pumps) - [Bubble Traps](https://unibloctech.com/product/hygenitec-bubble-traps/) - [Sight Glasses](https://unibloctech.com/subcategory/sight-glasses/) - [Strainers](https://unibloctech.com/subcategory/strainers) - [Oil Coolers](https://unibloctech.com/product/hygenitec-oil-coolers/) - [Valves](https://unibloctech.com/subcategory/valves/) - Brands - [Unibloc® Pumps](https://unibloctech.com/brand/unibloc-pumps) - [Flotronic® One-Nut Pumps](https://unibloctech.com/brand/flotronic-one-nut-pumps) - [Hygenitec Flow Control](https://unibloctech.com/brand/hygenitec) - [Standard Pump](https://unibloctech.com/brand/standard) - [Industries](https://unibloctech.com/industries/) - [Overview](https://unibloctech.com/industries/) - [Bakery and Confection](https://unibloctech.com/industries/bakery-and-confection/) - [Beauty and Personal Care](https://unibloctech.com/industries/beauty-and-personal-care/) - [Beverages and Spirits](https://unibloctech.com/industries/beverages-and-spirits/) - [Dairy](https://unibloctech.com/industries/dairy/) - [Food Processing](https://unibloctech.com/industries/food-processing/) - [Poultry](https://unibloctech.com/industries/poultry/) - [Beef and Pork](https://unibloctech.com/industries/beef-and-pork/) - [Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology](https://unibloctech.com/industries/pharmaceutical-and-biotechnology/) - [Transportation](https://unibloctech.com/industries/transportation/) - [Industrial](https://unibloctech.com/industries/industrial/) - [Innovations](https://unibloctech.com/innovations/) - [Resources](https://unibloctech.com/resources/) - [Product Documentation](https://unibloctech.com/resources/documentation-library/) - [White Papers](https://unibloctech.com/resources/white-papers) - [Blog](https://blog.unibloctech.com/) - [Case Studies](https://unibloctech.com/resources/case-studies) - [Videos](https://unibloctech.com/resources/videos) - [In The News](https://unibloctech.com/about/#in-the-news) - [Webinars](https://unibloctech.com/webinars) - [About](https://unibloctech.com/about/) - [About Us](https://unibloctech.com/about/) - [News Releases](https://unibloctech.com/about/#news-releases) - [Events](https://unibloctech.com/about/#events) - [Contact](https://unibloctech.com/contact/) - [Contact Us](https://unibloctech.com/contact/) - [Request a Quote](https://unibloctech.com/contact/#quote) - [Request Parts and Spares](https://unibloctech.com/parts-and-spares) - [Jobs](https://unibloctech.com/contact/#jobs) - [Request a Quote](https://unibloctech.com/contact/#quote) - - [English](https://unibloctech.com/) - [Deutsch](https://uniblocpump.de/) - [Español](https://unibloctech.com/es) - [Français](https://unibloctech.com/fr) View Our [Sanitary 3A Certification](https://unibloctech.com/certifications/) Unibloc Blog # Centrifugal Pumps vs. Sanitary Diaphragm Pumps: Food and Beverage Applications By [Calle Danielsson](https://blog.unibloctech.com/author/calle-danielsson) | November 1, 2021 Topics: [Standard Pump](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/standard-pump) ![](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/uni_std_blog-06-centrifugal-pumps-vs.-sanitary-diaphragm-pumps_-food-and-beverage-applications.jpg) Share   [mailto:?subject=Unibloc%20Hygienic%20Technologies%20Blog%20Post&body=https://blog.unibloctech.com/centrifugal-pumps-vs.-sanitary-diaphragm-pumps-food-and-beverage-applications](mailto:?subject=Unibloc%20Hygienic%20Technologies%20Blog%20Post&body=https://blog.unibloctech.com/centrifugal-pumps-vs.-sanitary-diaphragm-pumps-food-and-beverage-applications)         When it comes to the food and beverage industry, nothing is more important than safety and sanitation. But of course, efficiency is nice, too. The current rate of growth in the food and beverage sector — [up 13% in sales](https://commonthreadco.com/blogs/coachs-corner/food-and-beverage-industry-trends) and 17% in net profits from 2012 to 2013 — means that processors and manufacturers have to work harder than ever to keep up with demand. A streamlined system with the right tools and equipment can make all the difference in a successful operation. [Sanitary pumps](https://unibloctech.com/products/hygienic-pumps/) are a vital component of any food and beverage line, but with so many different makes and models on the market, it can be difficult to choose the appropriate pump to best accommodate all of your needs. Two of the most common classifications of pumps in the food and beverage world are centrifugal pumps and diaphragm systems. Both can be manufactured to FDA or 3A standards for use in a wide variety of applications, but each one offers distinct advantages for certain types of use. Centrifugal Pumps are best for controlling flow rates in low viscosity fluids. The rotating propeller system allows for juices, concentrates, beer, and wines to be pumped at variable rates to meet capacity needs. Adjustable pump speeds also provides a cost-efficient method of flow control. Sanitary Diaphragm Pumps use the principle of positive displacement instead of centrifugal rotation to move liquids. Internal diaphragms inside the pump shift left to right to move materials from the suction side to the discharge side of the pump. Unlike centrifugal systems, [sanitary diaphragm pumps](https://www.standardpump.com/aodd-sanitary-pumps.html) are better equipped to handle high viscosity fluids, like chocolate or baby food, and can even handle materials with solids, like soups or chicken gizzards. While centrifugal pumps are an affordable and fast option for high flow pumping, they’re not always the best choice. Sanitary diaphragm pumps are also better for handling products that require low flow accuracy, shear sensitivity, or careful temperature regulation. Ultimately, the ingredients of your production process should guide you to the right pump system. Let our team of experts work with you to find the right pump solution to suit your food and beverage needs — safely, efficiently, and hygienically. --- ![](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/blog%20assets/Calle.jpg) ### By [Calle Danielsson](https://blog.unibloctech.com/author/calle-danielsson) Calle Danielsson is a sales engineer with Unibloc Hygienic Technologies, a manufacturer focused on sanitary pumps for food and beverage, pharmaceutical, bakery and confection, meat and poultry, brewery and transportation environments. He specializes in helping customers select the ideal pump for an application. ##### Search the Blog   ##### Subscribe to Keep Up ##### Posts by Topic [All (73)](https://blog.uniblocpump.com) - [Standard Pump (21)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/standard-pump) - [Hygienic Pumps (17)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/hygienic-pumps) All Topics - [Standard Pump (21)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/standard-pump) - [Hygienic Pumps (17)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/hygienic-pumps) - [Pump Design (17)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/pump-design) - [Flotronic One-Nut Pumps (16)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/flotronic-one-nut-pumps) - [Sanitary Pumps (15)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/sanitary-pumps) - [FoodFirst (10)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/foodfirst) - [Food (9)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/food) - [Sanitation (8)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/sanitation) - [Flotronic Pumps (7)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/flotronic-pumps) - [Quickstrip (7)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/quickstrip) - [Poultry (5)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/poultry) - [Pump Safety (5)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/pump-safety) - [Company Information (4)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/company-information) - [CIP (3)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/cip) - [Beverage (2)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/beverage) - [News (2)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/news) - [Events (1)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/events) - [Transportation (1)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/transportation) - [White Paper (1)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/white-paper) ##### Recent Posts --- ##### Recent Posts [![](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/Unibloc-cleaning.jpg)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/cip-vs.-cop-which-sanitation-method-fits-your-pump) ## [CIP vs. COP: Which Sanitation Method Works Best for Your Pump Technology?](https://blog.unibloctech.com/cip-vs.-cop-which-sanitation-method-fits-your-pump) *November 1, 2021* Understand the difference between clean-in-place and clean-out-of-place pump sanitation— and why it matters for your bottom line. 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[Read More](https://blog.unibloctech.com/6-reasons-to-consider-an-aodd-pump-for-your-hygienic-process) [![Unibloc QuickStrip Lobe Pump](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/uht-blog-quickstrip-pump-disassembling.jpg)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/preventing-cavitation-in-hygienic-pumps) ## [Preventing Cavitation in Hygienic Pumps](https://blog.unibloctech.com/preventing-cavitation-in-hygienic-pumps) *November 1, 2021* A cavitating pump tells you it is failing before the maintenance log does. The sound is unmistakable; the damage compounds quickly, and on a hygienic processing line, the consequences extend beyond the pump itself. [Read More](https://blog.unibloctech.com/preventing-cavitation-in-hygienic-pumps) ##### [See All Posts](https://blog.unibloctech.com)   Unibloc Hygienic Technologies Americas 1650 Airport Road, Suite 110 Kennesaw, GA 30144 USA [+1-770-218-8900](tel:+17702188900) [sales@unibloctech.com](mailto:sales@unibloctech.com) Europe Stromberger Strasse 197 D-59269 Beckum Germany [+49(0)25 21 29918 42](tel:+49025212991842) [sales@unibloctech.com](mailto:sales@unibloctech.com) UK/Ireland/Rest of the World Ricebridge Works Brighton Road Bolney, West Sussex RH17 5NA United Kingdom [+44(0)144 488 1871](tel:+4401444881871) [sales@unibloctech.com](mailto:sales@unibloctech.com) Follow us [![](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/blog%20assets/LinkedIn.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibloc-pump)    [![](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/blog%20assets/YouTube.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/UNIBLOCPUMP) Latest News [![](https://unibloctech.com/wp-content/uploads/Unibloc-Hygienic-Technologies-logo.png)](https://unibloctech.com/) - [Products](https://unibloctech.com/products/) - [Industries](https://unibloctech.com/industries/) - [Innovations](https://unibloctech.com/innovations/) - [Resources](https://unibloctech.com/resources/) - [About](https://unibloctech.com/about/) - [Contact](https://unibloctech.com/contact/) © 2026 Unibloc Hygienic Technologies US LLC [Terms & Conditions](https://unibloctech.com/wp-content/uploads/Unibloc-Pump-Terms-and-Conditions-of-Sale.pdf) [Privacy Policy](https://unibloctech.com/privacy-policy/) [GDPR Privacy Notice](https://unibloctech.com/gdpr-privacy-notice) [Terms & Conditions](https://unibloctech.com/wp-content/uploads/Unibloc-Pump-Terms-and-Conditions-of-Sale.pdf)      [Privacy Policy](https://unibloctech.com/privacy-policy/)      [GDPR Privacy Notice](https://unibloctech.com/gdpr-privacy-notice)      Consent Preferences      [Cookie Policy](https://unibloctech.com/cookie-policy/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Calle Danielsson", "url" : "https://blog.unibloctech.com/author/calle-danielsson" }, "dateModified" : "2025-03-07T15:01:22.534Z", "datePublished" : "2021-11-01T21:10:00.000Z", "headline" : "Centrifugal Pumps vs. Sanitary Diaphragm Pumps: Food and Beverage Applications", "image" : [ "https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/uni_std_blog-06-centrifugal-pumps-vs.-sanitary-diaphragm-pumps_-food-and-beverage-applications.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.unibloctech.com/centrifugal-pumps-vs.-sanitary-diaphragm-pumps-food-and-beverage-applications", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "Unibloc Hygienic Technologies US LLC." } } ```