Lubricant and Feed Gear Pumps for Heavy-duty Lubrication Systems

BMG’s Steimel lubricant and feed gear pumps – the SF series – is used mainly on oil lube systems in mines, steel works, power stations and general industry.

BMG’s Fluid Technology division continues to strengthen its lubrication systems offering to heavy industry in Africa, through the supply and technical support of a wide range of quality branded fluid technology equipment.

A key range of pumps supplied by BMG is the Steimel SF series lubricant and feed gear pumps, developed for continuous-duty oil circulation, transfer and conditioning applications. These pumps are widely used in oil lubrication systems, including kidney filtration circuits and oil transfer duties, where stable, pulsation-free flow is critical to system reliability and equipment protection.

Typical applications for Steimel gear pump technology are in mining, power generation, steel production and general industrial environments.

“The SF series has been designed to handle a wide range of lubricating oils, including high-viscosity grades, ensuring smooth and quiet operation. The design allows for the efficient pumping of media with limited lubricity, provided chemical compatibility is ensured and solids are absent, making the pumps suitable for demanding industrial lubrication environments,” explains Joe Pinheiro, BMG’s National Product Manager, Pumps. “The SF range has a compact mechanical design that allows for easy disassembly and reassembly, to ensure effortless maintenance in the field.

“Steimel SF pumps are supplied by BMG with clockwise rotation as standard. This can be reversed by repositioning the end cover plate, simultaneously changing the delivery flow direction. For added system protection, an adjustable pressure relief valve can be integrated into the pump housing to safeguard against pressure surges.”

In standard configurations, SF pumps operate at rotational speeds up to 1 800 rpm, supporting viscosities up to 380 cSt at differential pressures of 25 bar.

In more demanding applications, these pumps are able to handle media with viscosities ranging from 5 to 50 000 cSt and withstand temperatures between –40 °C and +250 °C, with permissible speeds adjusted according to fluid characteristics. BMG also offers ATEX-certified SF pumps for use in potentially explosive environments.

Operational stability is enhanced through precision integration of pinions and gear wheels, reducing internal tolerances and contributing to low-noise, low-pulsation performance. The use of 12-tooth gear wheels further minimises delivery fluctuations, while composite bearing bushes ensure continuous operation and extended service life. In applications which impose higher mechanical loads, pump sizes can be configured with anti-friction bearings at the drive end to accommodate combined radial and axial forces.

To enhance the SF series, BMG supplies Steimel T-series feed pumps, which are rotary gear pumps, designed for the transfer of different media, at pressures up to 16 bar and rotational speeds up to 1 500 rpm. In addition, Steimel Model B pumps are available for applications involving highly fluid media, like waste oils, greases, hydraulic and hardening oils, resins and thermal oils. These units offer excess pressure capability up to 50 bar, with displacements ranging from 2 to 75 cm³ per revolution.

The BMG Fluid Technology team provides a technical advisory service focused on correct pump selection and system integration for specific operating conditions. This capability is supported by a spares and maintenance service and a distribution network across South Africa and into neighbouring territories, including Zambia, the DRC, Eswatini, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Tanzania.

For further information Joe Pinheiro, BMG’s National Product Manager, Pumps