Robust new pump for animal rendering plant cuts downtime
In our latest case study , we ’ re looking at a recent project where we were asked to supply a high capacity solid transfer pump to a client who operated a facility which rendered animal products . They wanted a rugged , reliable unit which would pump a 50 / 50 mixture of water and dry solids made up of dry meat , bone and tissue solids at around 350L / min at 2 bar .
All industries create by-products that need to be reused , reprocessed or disposed of . Animal production and slaughter is no different , and this kind of by-product presents particular challenges .
High capacity solid transfer pumps help convert animal by-products from the meat and livestock industry into usable materials . Rendering is a cooking or drying process that simultaneously destroys pathogens , dries the waste animal tissue and converts it into stable , usable materials .
The process separates the fat from the bone and protein , and produces three main products : water , protein and fat . The water is treated and returned to the environment . The protein and fat are used in a range of products including animal and fish feed , biodiesel , biogas fuel and fertilisers .
WHAT WAS THE PROJECT BRIEF ?
Our client was looking to pump a 50 / 50 mixture of water and dry solids consisting of dry meat , bone and tissue solids at around 350L / min at 2 bar .
The mixture had a viscosity of around 50,000cPs which is similar to ketchup or mustard . In addition , the formulation of the liquid and its consistency meant
20 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk
Auger Feed Hopper
that it flows slowly so a pump with a built-in hopper was required .
Having a hopper built into the high capacity solid transfer pump ensures that the mixture doesn ’ t clog and the hopper pump is not damaged through either dry running , or having oversized solids clogging the inlet .
Rendering pump hoppers can be customised for a variety of liquids and applications . They act as a first stage in the process , feeding the pump with more manageable pieces and making sure that mixtures which don ’ t flow are fed into the pumping mechanism evenly .
Hoppers are available in a variety of designs :
BRIDGE BREAKER
These are used to slice large solids found into more manageable pieces which can be accommodated by the pump without processing . Fluids which rat hole , prevent free flow or obstruct pipework often need breaking up and kept moving via the use of paddles .