Why Rotary Gear Pumps for Adhesive Transfer
Adhesives and sealants present unique pumping challenges — high viscosity, temperature sensitivity, and the tendency to set up in equipment that sits idle. NAPCO rotary gear pumps are designed to handle these conditions with a simple, robust construction that delivers consistent flow even with extremely thick materials.
The positive displacement design means flow rate stays predictable as viscosity changes with temperature — a critical requirement when pumping hot melt adhesives or temperature-cycled sealants. And bi-directional operation lets operators load and unload adhesive drums, totes, and tanks without re-plumbing.
High-Viscosity Capable
Positive displacement design handles thick adhesives, mastics, and sealants that would stall centrifugal pumps.
Self-Priming
Draws adhesive directly from drums, totes, and bulk tanks — no external priming or vacuum assist needed.
Bi-Directional
Forward and reverse flow from a single pump. Load, unload, and transfer without re-plumbing lines.
Consistent Metering
Predictable volume per revolution enables accurate batching and dispensing across production runs.
Ductile Iron Construction — Built for Demanding Adhesive Applications
For most adhesive and sealant applications, NAPCO ductile iron pumps deliver the durability and cost-effectiveness that production environments demand. The ductile iron housing withstands the mechanical stresses of pumping thick, viscous materials day after day, and the alloy steel shaft provides excellent fatigue resistance under continuous loads.
For adhesive formulations with corrosive solvents or chemically aggressive components, stainless steel versions are available with the same performance specifications. Both material options feature nitrile rubber gears as standard (rated to 240°F), with Viton gears available for high-temperature hot melt applications.
Recommended Pumps for Adhesive & Sealant Transfer
PA300C — 3″ Ductile Iron
The workhorse for high-volume adhesive transfer. Used by major wood products and packaging manufacturers for continuous-duty adhesive pumping.
| Max Flow | 158 GPM @ 280 RPM |
| Max Pressure | 100 PSI |
| Housing | Ductile Iron |
| Gears | Nitrile or Viton |
| Weight | 173 lbs |
PA200C — 2″ Ductile Iron
Compact option for smaller-volume adhesive lines, batch operations, and applications where space is limited on the production floor.
| Max Flow | 69 GPM @ 190 RPM |
| Max Pressure | 100 PSI |
| Housing | Ductile Iron |
| Gears | Nitrile or Viton |
| Weight | 114 lbs |
Stainless steel versions (PA300S, PA200S) available for solvent-based adhesives or chemically aggressive formulations.
Adhesive & Sealant Applications
- —Wood products manufacturing — Resin and adhesive transfer in plywood, OSB, engineered lumber, and laminated beam production.
- —Hot melt adhesive handling — Temperature-controlled transfer of thermoplastic adhesives for packaging, labeling, and assembly lines.
- —Construction sealants — Pumping silicone, polyurethane, and acrylic sealants from bulk containers to dispensing equipment.
- —Epoxy and resin systems — Metering and transfer of two-part epoxy resins, polyester resins, and casting compounds.
- —Packaging adhesives — Continuous-duty transfer of case sealing adhesives, carton closing compounds, and laminating adhesives.
Related Technical Resources
High-Viscosity Adhesive Pump Guide
Complete guide to pumping solutions for adhesives, sealants, and resin-based materials.
Nitrile vs. Viton Gears
Gear material selection guide — when to choose nitrile vs. Viton based on temperature and chemical compatibility.
Gear Pumps vs. Progressive Cavity Pumps
Side-by-side comparison of rotary gear and PCP technologies for viscous fluid transfer.
Need a pump for adhesive or sealant transfer?
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