Food & Drink Processing & Packaging Issue 45 2023 | Page 40

Handling abrasive liquid transfer whilst avoiding a life time of pumping problems

Handling an abrasive or viscous liquid is often one of the most demanding applications a pump can experience .
The inability of such fluids to flow well under gravity , suspension of sharp particles which can cut seals or gaskets creating leaks and solid concentrations which can reduce pumping efficiency , often mean that only a handful of pump technologies exist to handle such a requirement .
Whilst often there can be more than one solution for transferring an abrasive or viscous solution , selecting the right pump for the process application can often mean the difference between lowest life time cost , or a lifetime of problems !
PROJECT BACKGROUND
A client approached us with an application to transfer ceramic resin from containers to machines . This was a new process and they wanted to ensure any unit supplied could handle sharp solids without experiencing wear or failure as part of a robust manufacturing process .
The pump will transfer ceramic resin which is around 1000cst at up to 800Litres an hour , well within the pumps performance range meeting process requirements .
The customer had various existing pumps on site , but were concerned that when handling the ceramic resin , premature damage may be incurred to the pump or internal parts .
We worked with the customer to obtain an overview of the process and once the specifics of the process were understood we determined that a peristaltic pump which transfers fluids at low speeds via a reinforced natural rubber hose was the correct solution . With a maximum operating speed of only 29 revolutions per minute , it would ensure that ceramic particles would not be given enough energy or velocity to cause damage to either internal parts , pipework or seals .
Peristaltic pumps not only operate at very low speeds , but as they are seal
40 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk less there are not prone to leaks when handling abrasive media as is found with other pump designs .
The pump will transfer ceramic resin which is around 1000cst at up to 800Litres an hour , well within the pumps performance range meeting process requirements .
4 Reasons why a Peristaltic Pump was the best solution :
1 . Slow pump operation ensured sharp particles were not transferred at high velocities which could damage pipework or the pump .
2 . Variations in viscosity means flow rates would not be affected due to its positive displacement design .
3 . The Unit can run dry or with higher concentrations of solids without damage .
4 . As the unit is seal less and contains a single wearing part , maintenance can be performed with ease , with very little experience , and only 1 spare part is required – a hose .
Additionally , the pump was supplied with 2 spare reinforced hoses , ensuring should maintenance be required in the future , they are on hand for maximum reliability in a hazardous environment .
If you have a process requiring the pumping of abrasive solid laden fluids , or have aging process equipment that is holding back your plant , contact us on 01773 302 660 or visit www . northridgepumps . com to see how we can help .