Recip., Rotary Pumps Mkt. to Show Big Gains

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.industrialautomation.frost.com), North American Reciprocating and Rotary Vacuum Pumps Market, predicts demand for reciprocating and rotary vacuum pumps in North America will grow from $484.5 million in 2005 to reach $584.2 million in 2012.

According to Frost, a lack of innovative products has compelled manufacturers of reciprocating and rotary pumps to compete on prices. However, Frost says manufacturers are working to stem this trend by offering engines that are more energy efficient, as well as by offering improved customer care from the time of initial contact to even after installation. Manufacturers are also promoting their products’ lower servicing and maintenance requirements, as well as sophisticated controls and diagnostic systems. Frost says some participants are also marketing the reduced size of their equipment as a significant product benefit.

These efforts of manufacturers are being backed by government initiatives, such as strict environment regulations regarding emissions and contamination control. Frost says these laws will increasingly compel end-users in chemical processing and other industrial sectors to replace equipment that does not comply with industry standards.

"A growing number of industries are avoiding risks of contamination by switching from older oil-filled pumps to dry pumps," said Alok Tiku, a research analyst for Frost & Sullivan, in a prepared statement. "Dry vacuum pumps, although priced at a premium, have relatively low maintenance costs as there is no need for oil changes or associated maintenance."

As a result, Frost & Sullivan says dry rotary pumps are becoming increasingly popular in end-user sectors where high purity is a requirement, such as hospitals, pharmaceutical facilities, laboratories, and certain chemical-processing environments. Meanwhile, reciprocating vacuum pumps have a reputation for optimum efficiency throughout the lifetime of the equipment, which considerably reduces maintenance needs. As a result, Frost says the aerospace and defense sector have contributed greatly to the growth in demand for this pump network.