The Screw Pump Frame Sleeve is a critical mechanical component that connects, supports, and protects the key structural elements of a progressive cavity screw pump. It acts as a mechanical housing and alignment sleeve between the pump stator, drive shaft, and headstock, ensuring smooth rotation, tight sealing, and mechanical integrity during continuous operation.
In simple terms, the frame sleeve is the main connecting shell or bearing frame that keeps the internal components of the pump—such as the rotor, stator, coupling rod, and seals—precisely aligned. This ensures that the pump’s torque transmission and hydraulic performance remain stable even under heavy-duty, high-viscosity, or abrasive conditions.
Constructed from high-strength stainless steel, carbon steel, or coated alloy materials, the screw pump frame sleeve resists mechanical deformation, chemical corrosion, and thermal expansion. It provides both mechanical rigidity and service longevity in challenging industrial environments such as wastewater treatment, oil production, chemical transfer, and food processing.
Modern screw pump designs rely on the frame sleeve’s dimensional accuracy and concentricity to minimize vibration and wear. This component not only supports the pump’s moving parts but also helps protect the drive assembly, bearings, and mechanical seals from environmental exposure.
Precision Machined Design: Each frame sleeve is CNC-machined to meet ISO and API dimensional tolerances, ensuring perfect fit and easy assembly.
High Structural Strength: Built to withstand the torsional and axial loads generated by the screw pump’s helical rotor system.
Corrosion Resistance: Available in 304, 316L stainless steel, duplex stainless, and high-alloy carbon steel, suitable for use with aggressive or acidic fluids.
Thermal Stability: Maintains consistent geometry under varying temperature and pressure conditions.
Protective Housing: Shields critical components such as seals and bearings from contamination, dirt, or fluid ingress.
Long Service Life: Designed for continuous operation with low maintenance requirements.
Customizable Dimensions: Can be manufactured to match OEM specifications for various screw pump brands like Seepex, Netzsch, Mono, and Allweiler.
| Parameter | Specification Range | Description |
Material | Stainless Steel (304, 316L), Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, Duplex Steel | Selectable according to fluid type and application |
Surface Finish | Polished, Sandblasted, Passivated, Epoxy-Coated | Improves wear and corrosion resistance |
Inner Diameter | 30 mm – 400 mm | Matches rotor or stator assembly size |
Outer Diameter | 50 mm – 500 mm | Provides structural rigidity |
Length | 200 mm – 1500 mm | Varies by pump model |
Wall Thickness | 5 mm – 25 mm | Based on operating pressure |
Operating Pressure | Up to 6 MPa | Suitable for medium to high-pressure screw pumps |
Operating Temperature | -40°C to +250°C | Designed for harsh environmental conditions |
Tolerance | ±0.02 mm | Precision concentricity ensures rotor alignment |
Service Life | > 20,000 operating hours | Under standard industrial conditions |
Each frame sleeve can be custom-designed to accommodate specific installation layouts, groove positions, and bearing housings. Optional internal coating or sleeve lining materials—such as PTFE or ceramic—are also available for pumps handling abrasive or corrosive fluids.
In wastewater management systems, screw pumps are used to convey viscous sludge and biosolids. The frame sleeve plays a vital role by maintaining the precise alignment between the rotor and stator, preventing leaks, and ensuring stable performance even when handling fibrous or abrasive materials.
In environments where screw pumps handle acids, solvents, and reactive fluids, frame sleeves made of 316L stainless steel or duplex alloys provide excellent chemical resistance. They ensure mechanical protection for internal seals and help maintain a clean, leak-free operation.
Screw pumps used in oil extraction, drilling mud circulation, and crude oil transfer rely on the frame sleeve to handle high torque and heavy mechanical loads. The sleeve prevents shaft misalignment and maintains the correct coupling distance between the pump and drive motor.
Food-grade screw pumps, used for transferring syrups, creams, or dairy slurries, require smooth, hygienic frame sleeves that meet FDA and 3A sanitary standards. Polished stainless-steel sleeves reduce product residue buildup and simplify cleaning.
In the mining industry, screw pumps transfer abrasive slurries or grouting materials. Here, the frame sleeve must resist erosion and surface wear, especially in slurry-filled environments. Hard-coated steel or ceramic-lined sleeves are often used to extend service life.
Frame sleeves are employed in fuel feed and ash slurry pumps, providing thermal stability under varying operating conditions. Their strong design supports heavy-duty use and prevents premature misalignment due to vibration.
Inspect All Components: Before assembly, verify that the frame sleeve and associated components (stator, rotor, bearings) are free of dust, corrosion, or deformation.
Align the Pump Axis: Ensure that the rotor shaft and stator bore are properly aligned along the central axis.
Apply Anti-Seize Compound: For metallic contact surfaces, apply a light layer of anti-seize lubricant to prevent galling.
Mount Carefully: Slide the frame sleeve gently over the shaft or rotor section without forcing it.
Tighten Fasteners: Follow the manufacturer’s torque settings when securing bolts or end caps.
Check Concentricity: After installation, rotate the rotor manually to ensure smooth, uniform movement without binding.
Conduct regular inspections for wear, corrosion, or surface pitting inside the sleeve.
Replace or re-coat the sleeve if wall thickness reduction exceeds 15% of its original dimension.
Keep the sleeve interior clean and lubricated according to the manufacturer’s service intervals.
In abrasive environments, use sleeves with ceramic or hardened steel lining to extend service life.
Monitor vibration and noise levels during operation, as these can indicate sleeve misalignment or bearing wear.
Shut Down and Isolate the Pump: Disconnect power and relieve system pressure.
Disassemble End Cover: Remove bolts and seals from the pump’s headstock or stator end.
Extract the Old Sleeve: Use a puller if necessary to slide the sleeve off the shaft.
Inspect Components: Check the rotor, coupling, and bearing seats for damage or wear.
Install the New Frame Sleeve: Lubricate and slide the new sleeve into place, ensuring alignment marks match.
Reassemble and Test: Tighten all fasteners, restore system pressure, and perform a low-speed test run.
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
Excessive Vibration | Misalignment between frame sleeve and rotor | Realign shaft and inspect bearings |
Corrosion or Rust | Incorrect material selection or chemical exposure | Upgrade to stainless steel or coated alloy |
Leakage at Sleeve Ends | Worn seals or improper installation | Replace sealing rings and recheck fit |
Sleeve Cracking | Over-torque or thermal stress | Use thicker wall or temperature-resistant materials |
Abrasive Wear | Pumping of slurry or solid-laden fluids | Apply ceramic or tungsten carbide internal coating |
Noise or Friction | Insufficient lubrication | Re-lubricate according to maintenance schedule |
Shaft Seizure | Foreign particles inside sleeve | Clean and flush before reassembly |
Mechanical Stability: Maintains pump geometry, reducing vibration and extending bearing life.
Enhanced Reliability: Protects internal components from environmental exposure and corrosion.
Ease of Maintenance: Modular design allows quick replacement without dismantling the entire pump.
High Versatility: Compatible with multiple pump models and adaptable for customized installations.
Cost Efficiency: Prolongs the lifespan of critical components like stators and seals, reducing downtime costs.
Precision Operation: Supports consistent fluid flow and pressure output with minimal performance deviation.
The Screw Pump Frame Sleeve is the backbone of a Progressive cavity pump’s mechanical system. Its role in maintaining alignment, sealing integrity, and torque transmission ensures efficient and reliable pump performance across a range of industrial applications.
By choosing high-quality materials, precision machining, and regular maintenance practices, operators can achieve long-term stability, lower downtime, and reduced maintenance costs. Whether used in wastewater treatment, chemical processing, or food manufacturing, the screw pump frame sleeve remains a vital component that supports the entire pumping process.
For industries seeking customized, corrosion-resistant, and dimensionally accurate screw pump components, partnering with a reliable frame sleeve manufacturer ensures sustainable performance and operational efficiency for years to come.
Copyright ? Jiangsu Longjie Pump Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
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