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Process Equipment Update


4 Peristaltic pumping offers a host of advantages over conventional pumping techniques, especially when coupled with the latest control technology. Sean Ottewell reports.


Peristaltic pumping tackles tricky processing problems


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Fig. 1. The Flexicon PD22I has overcome a host of processing problems, including contamination and slow product changeover.


10 www.engineerlive.com


ompared with lobe pumps, diaphragm pumps, gear pumps and piston pumps, and every other type of pump, the advantages of peristaltic pumps are many,


including no contamination of the fluid being pumped, no contamination of the pump itself, ideal for shear-sensitive and aggressive fluids, dry- running, no valves/glands/seals, and reversibility. One of the latest companies to avail of these


benefits is London, UK-based Wine Innovations, the inventor, founder and pioneer of ‘the tulip’ pre-filled wine goblet. The company is now using industrial peristaltic filling machines from Flexicon Liquid Filling, part of the Watson-Marlow Pumps Group, on its latest filling lines. Having originally used volumetric filling


equipment, the company is enjoying a vast array of benefits from its switch to Flexicon technology.


The tulip itself is a pre-filled and sealed shatter- proof plastic wine goblet (187ml) for outdoor events such as concerts, festivals, sporting events, parties and fairs. Its advantages include rapid serve time, no spillage or waste, safer than glass and full recyclability.


Growing take-up


Now the company is finding additional success as a convenient solution for airlines, ferries, hotel mini bars and railways. With its one-year shelf life, there is also growing take-up from retail outlets. The original volumetric filling machine was


accurate and quick, but came with a lot of complex parts such as stainless steel pipes, pistons, three-way valves and air diaphragms. These all cause certain issues when it comes to cleaning, for example creating opportunities for yeast, bacteria and mould to thrive.


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