The global screw pumps market size was valued at USD 4.24 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 7.43 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.43% during the forecast period (2025–2033). The increasing industrialization, especially in emerging economies, is boosting the demand for screw pumps. They are used in industries such as chemicals, food processing, and pharmaceuticals, where the need for efficient fluid handling and pumping of viscous liquids is essential.
A screw pump is a type of positive displacement pump that uses one or more rotating screws to move liquids or slurries through a cylindrical casing. The design typically consists of one or two screws (also known as rotors) that rotate inside a stator, creating cavities that transport the fluid from the inlet to the discharge point.
Screw pumps are known for their ability to handle viscous fluids, such as oils, heavy chemicals, and slurries, with minimal pulsation and smooth flow. They are widely used in industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, and food production.
Rising demand in the oil and gas industry
The rising demand for screw pumps in the oil and gas industry is a significant driver for the global market. These pumps are essential for transferring highly viscous liquids, such as crude oil, and ensuring the efficient operation of pipeline systems. The increasing exploration of unconventional oil reserves, such as shale oil, has amplified the need for reliable and efficient pumping solutions.
In regions like the Middle East and North America, where oil extraction and transportation demand robust systems, screw pumps are ideal due to their ability to handle varying flow rates and pressures with minimal pulsations. Moreover, the growth of offshore oil drilling operations, where environments are challenging, has further heightened the need for screw pumps.
Therefore, companies like Nordic Pump and PCM Group have been at the forefront, providing these specialized pumps for challenging environments, ensuring operational continuity, and reducing maintenance costs. The expanding oil exploration activities worldwide continue to drive this demand.
High initial investment and maintenance costs
Screw pumps, known for their durability and efficiency, require substantial capital for installation, particularly in specialized applications such as oil and gas or chemical industries. Moreover, their complex components, such as rotors and casings, demand regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Over time, wear and tear from continuous operation can lead to expensive repairs or replacements.
For smaller companies or those with limited budgets, these costs can be prohibitive. As a result, despite the advantages of screw pumps, some businesses may hesitate to adopt or upgrade to this technology, opting for more affordable alternatives that may not offer the same level of performance or longevity.
Growing industrialization and urbanization in emerging markets
As economies like India, China, and Brazil continue to expand, the demand for efficient and reliable fluid handling systems is increasing across various industries, including oil and gas, water treatment, and chemicals. Screw pumps, with their ability to handle high-viscosity fluids and provide consistent performance, are particularly valuable in these sectors.
For instance, in India, the rapid development of infrastructure and urban areas has increased the need for water and wastewater management systems, where screw pumps are commonly used. Moreover, as industrial plants and refineries grow in these emerging markets, companies such as Flowserve and Sulzer are capitalizing on the rising demand for screw pumps in high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
The expanding middle class and the resulting surge in demand for energy and processed goods further fuel the growth potential for screw pumps in these regions.
| ATTRIBUTES | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Study Period | 2021-2033 |
| Historical Year | 2021-2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
| By Type |
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| By Applications |
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| Regional Insights |
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Progressive cavity pumps dominate the global screw pumps market due to their versatility and efficiency in handling a wide range of fluids, including viscous, shear-sensitive, and abrasive liquids. These pumps are especially popular in industries such as oil and gas, water treatment, and chemicals, where consistent, reliable flow is required.
The design of progressive cavity pumps, which feature a helical rotor inside a stator, allows for a smooth and pulsation-free flow, making them ideal for applications requiring precise and continuous pumping. Their ability to handle difficult-to-pump fluids contributes to their significant market share in the screw pump segment.
The oil and gas industry is the dominant application segment for screw pumps due to the high demand for reliable and efficient pumps in exploration, production, and transportation processes. Screw pumps, particularly twin and triple screw pumps, are used in a variety of applications within this sector, including pumping crude oil, viscous fluids, and heavy sludges.
Their ability to handle high pressures and maintain a consistent flow rate makes them indispensable in offshore and onshore operations. The demand for screw pumps in the oil and gas sector continues to grow with increasing energy production and exploration activities, ensuring their dominance in this segment.
North America is emerging as a significantly growing region for the screw pumps market, driven by its thriving oil and gas industry. The region's heavy reliance on oil production, particularly in areas like Texas, North Dakota, and Alberta, has spurred demand for high-performance pumps capable of handling the unique challenges of these environments.
North America's shale oil boom has been a key factor, with the U.S. alone producing approximately 12.5 million barrels of crude oil per day in 2023, making it the world's top producer. This increased production requires robust, efficient pumping systems that can handle viscous fluids, solid particles, and varying flow rates, making screw pumps essential.
Moreover, the shift towards offshore drilling, especially in the Gulf of Mexico, has created further demand for screw pumps, known for their reliability in harsh, deep-water conditions. The U.S. offshore oil production reached around 2 million barrels per day in 2023, and screw pumps are crucial in ensuring the continuous flow of oil under these demanding circumstances.
North American companies like PCM Group and Sulzer are also investing in advanced screw pump technology, catering to both onshore and offshore needs. The combination of growing production, evolving infrastructure, and technological advancements positions North America as a key growth market for screw pumps in the global oil and gas sector.
