FEATURE BOILERS, PUMPS & VALVES
MAINTENANCE REDUCED in process-critical operation
In a process-critical abrasive slurry transfer operation a hose pump is greatly reducing maintenance costs
A
new APEX35 hose pump from Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology
Group is proving that it can deliver significantly reduced maintenance requirements at the world’s largest manufacturer of freight carriage components Amsted Rail.
Put to the test in a process-critical abrasive slurry transfer operation, the trial has demonstrated that in comparison with existing air operated diaphragm pumps the Bredel APEX35 can extend the time between scheduled maintenance intervals dramatically for this important producer of rail side frames and bolsters. Amsted Rail’s engineering manager Scott Schuette had worked with Bredel hose pumps in the past at Elementis Pigments and brought his confidence in the technology to the company. “Amsted Rail has used air-operated diaphragm [AOD] pumps in this particular process for many years,” explains Kurt Krummrich, industrial sales manager at Watson-Marlow. “Scott's willingness to try something new coupled with our discussion that maintenance cost savings could be
achieved by installing the new APEX35 got our foot in the door.”
PERFECTLY SUITED TO ABRASIVE HANDLING When handling abrasive substances including the core wash slurry a major advantage of APEX hose pumps is that they have no costly wearing components such as seals, valves, membranes, stators, rotors or glands to maintain. The pumps are self-priming and dry running.
MAINTENANCE AND ENERGY COST SAVINGS The Bredel APEX35 hose pump replaced an AOD pump on one of the dip tanks, running with flooded suction and virtually no pressure. While the AOD pumps need to be maintained every two weeks the APEX35 hose pump ran continuously for 10 weeks before any maintenance was carried out. In addition to the significantly longer
uptime periods, when maintenance of the APEX pump is required it takes less than 50% of the time needed to reinstate the AOD pump to operating condition with only a single replacement part: the precision machined hose element. Although the AOD pumps have been in
In comparison with existing air operated diaphragm pumps the Bredel APEX35 can dramatically extend the time between scheduled maintenance intervals
use for many years, Schuette aims to choose pumps in the future that not only reduce maintenance and downtime but do not require compressed air to operate. The benefits of the APEX pumps'
increased uptime and process continuity at Amsted Rail are clear and the company can look forward to substantial savings in labour and parts with a greatly decreased cost of ownership.
Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology T: 01326 370370
www.watson-marlow.com
VACUUM PUMP OFFERS LOW NOISE AND 50% ENERGY SAVINGS
Atlas Copco has introduced a range of highly efficient vacuum pumps for the UK manufacturing industry. The GHS 350-900 VSD+ range promises average energy savings of 50% compared with conventional oil-sealed and dry vane vacuum pumps and best in class noise levels and oil retention. Generating nominal displacement of up to 900m3/h, the range incorporates VSD technology that enables users to precisely adapt their
vacuum generation requirements to the demands of their process. Coupled with an innovative motor design and inlet control valve the range sets new standards for energy efficiency in rough vacuum pumps, leading to a dramatic reduction in total cost of ownership. Further benefits depend on the application including increased production for food packaging lines. The GHS VSD+ only delivers energy and performance when and where it is needed. If demand drops to half it only delivers half and the power consumed is halved. The range is designed to aid efficient production in manufacturing industries including food and meat processing, bottling, canning, plastics, packaging, printing, paper, electronics, woodworking, house vacuum and central systems. Typical applications include lifting and handling, forming and shaping, vacuum packing, preservation, freeze drying, pick and place and pneumatic conveying. When benchmarked against oil-sealed and dry vane vacuum pumps
currently available on the market the GHS VSD+ pump offers a 50% reduction in noise levels down to 51 dB(A) so it can be placed on the factory floor without disturbing operators. The range is based on Atlas Copco’s proven compressors and provides a fully wired, complete system in a single housing with all access points for service on the same side. Due to its plug-and-play design the GHS VSD+ Series is easy and fast to install which saves time and space. The footprint is one of the smallest on the market, being no larger than a standard pallet.
Atlas Copco 14 SEPTEMBER 2015 | FACTORY EQUIPMENT T: 0800 181085
www.atlascopco.co.uk / FACTORYEQUIPMENT
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