In corrugated cardboard manufacturing, starch glue transfer and circulation are critical to ensuring consistent adhesive performance, strong bonding, and efficient production.
Because this industry operates under continuous 24/7 conditions, optimizing starch transfer systems is essential to:
From Glue Kitchen to Application and Recirculation
The starch transfer process begins in the glue kitchen, where adhesive is prepared and sent through a closed-loop system across the corrugator.
Key Process Steps:
1. Starch Glue Transfer
Starch adhesive is prepared and stored in a buffer tank
Pumps transfer glue to:
Singlefacer
Glue machines
Local storage near application points:
2. Continuous Starch Circulation
Glue is continuously circulated between:
Buffer tank → glue pans → return loop
Prevents settling, viscosity variation, and film formation
3. Starch Recovery and Reuse
Excess glue is collected under the machine
A recirculation pump, also called return pump, transfers it back to storage
Adhesive is recirculated and reused
This full loop is essential for maintaining consistent starch quality and minimizing waste
The Industry Standard for Starch Handling
Diaphragm pumps (AODD & EODD) are ideal for starch transfer because they:
Handle viscous fluids
Provide low-shear pumping (protects starch)
Do not heat adhesives
Require no mechanical seals
Can run dry
Stall safely under pressure
Are easy to clean and maintain
Widely used for starch adhesive transfer in corrugator operations for decades.
Eliminates seal failures and product leakage while handling abrasive starch slurries.
Protects the pump during startup, intermittent flow conditions, and downstream valve closures.
Easily lifts and transfers starch glue from storage tanks, mix tanks, and day tanks.
Maintains starch adhesive characteristics and helps preserve glue performance.
Suitable for starch slurries and viscosity variations common during glue preparation.
No electrical motor at the pump, making it suitable for wet or demanding plant environments.
No VFD, motor controls, or electrical infrastructure required.
Resistant to dust, washdowns, and challenging operating conditions.
Familiar technology with readily available service expertise.
Higher energy consumption due to compressed air generation; potential air valve/muffler maintenance; exhaust air can contribute to glue buildup around the pump; potential freezing issues in high-cycle applications (except technologies with anti-freezing designs such as ARO); compressed air quality directly impacts pump reliability and maintenance frequency.
Modern Efficiency Control
Eliminates compressed air, dramatically reducing operating costs.
Ensures uninterrupted 24/7 operation.
EVO Series electric diaphragm pumps feature integrated secondary fluid containment to enhance safety and reliability. This system minimizes leak risks and protects operators in critical fluid handling environments.
Easy monitoring and control by connecting to local PLC
Prevents glue buildup and maintenance issues.
Maintains adhesive integrity and bonding strength.
Ensures stable flow even with changing process conditions.
Keeps glue below critical temperature thresholds (~110–113°F).
Protects system during pressure events or blockages.
No external VFD required, simple operation and automation.
Improves plant working conditions.
Built for heavy-duty, 24/7 industrial environments.
By upgrading to electric diaphragm technology, you can:
Eliminate AODD pump exhaust freezing concerns
Secondary containment prevents pump issues if a diaphragm fails
Enhance adhesive application consistency
Reduce maintenance and unplanned downtime
Increase overall plant productivity and efficiency
Electric diaphragm pumps are ideal across all stages:
Glue kitchen circulation
Singlefacer and doublebacker supply
Return and recovery loops
Delivering consistent performance across the entire starch system
Quantify the Impact of Optimization
Upgrading your starch transfer system can deliver significant savings—especially in energy and maintenance.
Use our Cost Saving Calculator to estimate:
In a high-demand corrugated manufacturing environment, improving starch transfer and circulation is one of the most effective ways to:
