Paper mill installs APEX hose pumps for abrasive pigment dosing

Paper mill installs APEX hose pumps for abrasive pigment dosing

The Beetham, Cumbria plant of BillerudKorsnäs has replaced a progressive cavity (PC) pump with APEX10 hose pump technology from Watson-Marlow Pumps Group on an application dosing abrasive pigment in kraft paper manufacture. The move has solved the problem of stator and rotor wear on the PC pump that was leading to a drop in performance, downtime, and the need for regular maintenance.

Abrasive pigment

At Beetham, kraft paper is produced in quantities of circa 34,000 tonnes a year across three shifts using 140 employees. In an application involving the dosing of pigment into paper stock, the plant was experiencing difficulty with its PC pump. 

“We put the pigment into the stock preparation end of the paper machine to introduce a colour shade to certain grades,” explains Engineering Manager Tony Halhead. “We dose very low, precise volumes as the shade is critical. However, the abrasive nature of the pigment was causing the stators and rotors in our 1” PC pump to wear, leading to a drop in performance.”

As a result, the engineering team at Beetham would have to speed up the three-phase inverter in the control box to maintain flow rates at the required levels, causing even faster wearing. However, if the drop in performance went unnoticed, it could lead to a variation in shade and to rejected paper. On a long production run this could be very expensive. 

“We were experiencing dips in performance on a regular basis so we decided to address the situation, particularly when also considering the downtime and maintenance issues,” says Mr Halhead. “Other Watson-Marlow pumps were being used on site successfully so we thought they would be a natural first port of call.”

Uptime and continuity

Watson-Marlow recommended the use of an APEX10 hose pump. APEX pumps are engineered for maximum uptime and process continuity. Through design attributes such as heat dissipation, precision machined hose elements and optimised hose compression, APEX pumps reduce hose element fatigue compared to other hose pumps and when a hose replacement is required, this is a quick task which can be carried out in-situ by maintenance staff.  The benefit for APEX users such BillerudKorsnäs is reduced maintenance intervals, leading to decreased cost of ownership. Operating and inventory costs are also less, as a single hose element is all that needs to be replaced. 

BillerudKorsnäs installed two APEX10 models in February 2014, one duty and one standby. The pumps are fixed to a mobile skid and piped with valves to speed changeover. Offering a 14 rpm, 0.18kW motor suitable for VSD control, the flow rate is 25-30 litre/hr when using a green pigment, and 10-15 litre/hr for a blue pigment. The pumps are flooded suction (600mm head into pump via 2.5 metres of 1/2" flexi hose). Discharge is via 18 metres of 1/2" flexi hose inclusive of an 8.5 metre lift into the paper stock tank.

Reliable performance

“Since installation the APEX10 pumps have been running reliably in a 24/7 operation,” says Mr Halhead. “We are now considering the replacement of other PC pumps on site with APEX models.”

BillerudKorsnäs is a 4300-employee strong manufacturer of primary fibre-based packaging materials, working with over 1500 customers in over 100 countries. The company has eight production facilities, seven of which are in Scandinavia, and one in the UK, at Beetham. The specialty here is the manufacture of sterilised packaging paper for medical applications.

Packaging specialist swaps membrane pumps for Qdos metering pumps

Netherlands-based packaging solutions provider, Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Technology BV, is among the first users of the Qdos peristaltic metering pump from Watson-Marlow Pumps Group. Qdos 30 models have replaced magnetic membrane pumps and progressive cavity pumps on two applications at the company’s Franeker plant on Holland’s northernmost coastline. For Huhtamaki, Qdos delivers a number of benefits including improved handling of corrosive fluids in a counter-pressure application, constant flow to eliminate pulsing, low addition rate capability and ease of calibration. As a result, the company’s engineering team is now considering standardising on Qdos models moving forward.

The Huhtamaki Group, with origins in Finland, is today a €2 billion, 14,000-strong organisation with 61 manufacturing units worldwide, largely producing consumer and specialty packaging. The company has had a presence in the Netherlands since 1938 and one of the core businesses at its 200+ employee Franeker plant is three-dimensional moulded fibre packaging for food products such as eggs, stone fruit, apples, pears and tomatoes to name only a few.

In the right mould

The Franeker mill is a 24/7 operation housing 11 production lines and pump technology plays a vital role in the production of its moulded fibre board. Although an established customer of Watson-Marlow, the site’s Process Manager, Benno Koopmans, has longed for a solution to one particular problem.

“We have a 2 bar counter-pressure application that involves adding sodium hypochlorite [NaClO] to kill off bacteria in our cooling water flow – it is very important that we disinfect against the formation of algae, yeast and fungi,” he explains. “Until recently we were using magnetic membrane pumps for this task, however, due to the corrosive nature of sodium hypochlorite, leaks into the electrical circuit were commonplace, along with associated downtime and repairs. Like most in our industry we work to tight margins and there are significant costs associated with process downtime.” 

The solution arrived in the form of Watson-Marlow’s new Qdos 30 metering pump, which was installed at Franeker in February 2012. Qdos 30 pumps boost process efficiency by providing accurate, linear and repeatable flow performance from 0.1 to 500 ml/min at 7 bar, even when metering difficult fluids. There are no seals or valves in the flow path to clog, leak or corrode, which means caustic, abrasive, viscous, shear-sensitive, and gaseous fluids can be safely and securely handled.

Precise solution

“We also liked the metering pump idea because of the addition rate, which offers low variation and high significancy,” says Mr Koopmans. “For instance, in dye stock applications where we add colour to egg packaging we need a low addition rate of 0.15-0.2%, but if the revs of the pumphead are too low it can jam and result in colour variation. If this happens it’s what we call a ‘show-stopper’, so any pump we use here must be reliable.” 

Accuracy is so vital at Huhtamaki that Mr Koopmans says flow rate needs to be in the midst of the curve to prevent the pumphead running at very low speeds, which can lead to undesirable ‘pulsing’.

The Franeker plant is using flow meter control on its Qdos 30 pump, which measures the amount of cubic meters of cooling water per hour – so the process is based on flow rate-dependent addition of sodium hypochlorite. Incidentally, Huhtamaki was able to use the existing 4-20mA communications cable used by the previously-installed membrane pump, making the entire system plug and play.

Easy to calibrate

“We calibrate the Qdos pump regularly, a task that is performed quickly and easily by shift operators in the mill, and our data indicates we have witnessed no drop in flow rate since installation five months ago.  The pump has been running for 2.5 years using the original pumphead without any problem,” explains Mr Koopmans. “This has given us confidence with metering pump technology and we have just installed our 20th Qdos 30.”

Many applications

The Qdos 30 is now being deployed on other applications across the plant. For example, a Qdos 30 has been chosen to replace a magnetic membrane pump which adds anti-scale to a heat exchanger. It is critical that this substance is ever-present in the system to prevent clogging. In addition, Mr Koopmans and his team have replaced a progressive cavity pump with a Qdos 30 on a polymer addition application.

“We are now having discussions to see if we might want to standardise on Qdos technology moving forward. With eleven production lines comprising up to five pumps each, there is significant scope for further installations.”

Adhesive specialist switches from progressive cavity pumps to peristaltic pumps

 Adhesive specialist switches from progressive cavity pumps to peristaltic pumps

Incessant wear, clogging and seal changes that resulted in high periods of downtime have seen Poland-based adhesive manufacturer Zakład Chemiczny Paweł Paprocki switch from the use of progressive cavity pumps in its production processes, to peristaltic hose pumps from Bredel.

Screw pump frustration

Zakład Chemiczny Paweł Paprocki is one of the largest manufacturers of adhesives and raw materials for the production of glue and paint in Poland. The company produces more than 30,000 tons of raw material every year. The company uses  pumps for metering products, such as Caviol® or Winakar® PW-50, with viscosities varying from a few to tens of thousands millipascal-seconds (mPas). However, chemical compatibility between the constituent parts of the adhesive were causing the company’s pumps to wear, resulting in clogging and production downtime. Additionally the frequency of seal changes became problematic.

As a result, the decision was taken to change the progressive cavity pumps to Bredel 80 peristaltic hose pumps due to their significantly lower maintenance and spares costs. These seal-less, valve-less hose pumps offer highly accurate, reliable, low maintenance metering, dosing and transfer capability - right across the full range of viscosities.

The inherent design of Bredel hose pumps means there are no intrusions in the flow path, eliminating any risk of blockages. The pumped substance only contacts the reinforced, chemical-resistant hose, making them particularly suitable for handling problematic fluids such as those with a high viscosity and fluids containing abrasives or with high solids content, for example.

Rigorous trial

Before purchasing the pumps, immersion tests were performed with the Bredel hose. The tests lasted 168 hours, and confirmed that the hose materials were resistant to the chemicals found in the fluids which Zakłady Chemiczne Paweł Paprocki intended to meter. Next, Watson-Marlow provided a Bredel 80 pump for on-site trials, to check flow rates, pipe runs and pressures in the process. The trial led to the purchase of three Bredel 80 models.

"If we are confident that a pump will perform in a specific application we often agree to on-site trials by the client since it is the best proof of quality and performance," concludes Rafał Łydziński, Sales Manager at Watson-Marlow in Poland.

Electromagnetic metering pumps EJ series

Max. discharge capacity range: 30 to 80 mL/min

Electromagnetic metering pumps ES series

 

Global Pump,
Economical Price



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Features of EJ series

High speed performance

The EJ Series operate at 360 strokes-per-minute, providing high resolution chemical feed and high turndown capability. Most competitive products operate at slower speeds, resulting in slug feeding, accelerated diaphragm wear and poor feed control.

IP65 equivalent protection

A robust housing protects the pump from normal wear. Mounting the Digital Display and Key Pad control within the drive housing creates a highly water resistant design. A clear cover further protects the pump from liquids.

Universal voltage

The Universal Voltage Function enables the EJ Series to operate at any AC voltage. The EJ Series also conform to global standards.

 

Specifications

Max. discharge capacity range 30 to 80 mL/min
Max. discharge pressure 0.3 to 1.0 MPa
Main materials PVC
Stroke rate 0 to 360 spm
Power supply AC 100 - 240 V, single phase, 50/60 Hz
Liquid temperature range 0 to 40˚C
Viscous liquid Please contact us for details.
Slurry liquid Can not be handled.

Controller

  EJ-R EJ-S

Operation mode

Mode Manual Start/Stop by key operation

(Manual mode only)

EXT
Mode selection Key operation
Stroke rate Setting range 1 to 360spm
Spm programming UP key
STOP function Input signal No-voltage contact or open collector Note 1

EXT mode

Maximum spm 360spm
Pump behaviour 1 shots per signal Note 2
Input signal No-voltage contact or open collector Note 1
Buffer Non-volatile memory
Power voltage Note 3 100 to 240VAC 50/60Hz

Note 1: The maximum applied voltage from the EJ to an external contact is 15V at 3mA.When using a mechanical relay, the minimum application load should be 3mA or below.
Note 2: When the external pulse signal is entered to run the pump over the max spm, the signal is cancelled.
Note 3: Observe the allowable voltage range of 90 to 264VAC. Otherwise failure may result.

Built-in air pumps assure a long operating time Addition of a BLDC motor models to the APN-P110 series

BLDC motor
Addition of a BLDC motor models to the APN-P110 seires (AC powered motor pumps). Use of a BLDC motor allows the pumps to be fitted to 24VDC power supply free from AC power limitations.

Standardization
Speed control with 1-5VDC signal.

Parts sharing
Use of the APN-P110 pump head drastically reduced the needs of parts development.

APN-P110-D4

Specifications

Max. flow 28 L/min

Max. discharge pressure

0.1 MPa
Max. vacuum 23.99 kPa
Handling gas temperature 0〜40℃
Output 25W
Rated voltage DC24V
Mass 3.3 kg

 

Performance curves

 
 

Max. discharge capacity range (50/60Hz): 0.6 to 100/0.7 to 110 L/min

Compact air pumps featuring superior durability

APN-052HV-1

APN-085LV-1

APN-215MV-1

APN-240MAN-1

APN-450NATX-1

 

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Features of APN series

Capable of transferring clean gas

The pumps in this series are of the diaphragm type and excel in airtightness. The pump keeps the handled gas clean while compressing, suctioning, and transferring. Therefore, this pump is ideal for gas analysis and for suction and exhaust of special gas.

Wide variety of models

All pump models in this series are available as standardized single or two-heads in parallel or series. This wide variety of models, combined with various material compositions, makes it possible to handle any type of gas.

Superior durability

The pump uses a new type of diaphragm that can withstand continuous operation over a long time. The other parts used in the pump also have greatly improved durability over conventional models.

 

Specifications (50/60Hz)

Max. air discharge capacity range

0.6 to 100/0.7 to 110 L/min

Max. air discharge pressure

0.2 MPa

Ultimate vacuum

Max. 3.33 kPa (abs)

Main materials

GFRPP, ADC12, EPDM, NBR

Required power range / Power voltage

1 to 200W / AC100V, DC12V, DC24V

Grundfos Highlights Fire Pump Portfolio at ASPE 2014

Grundfos will highlight its range of Peerless Pump-brand fire protection pumps at the American Society of Plumbing Engineers’ 2014 convention and exposition in Chicago Sept. 22 and 23. An icon in the pump industry, Peerless has more than 90 years of experience manufacturing FM UL-approved systems, as well as pumps that comply with the NFPA 20 standard.

“With more than 50,000 systems installed, Grundfos offers the world’s best-selling fire pumps,” said Tim Ballengee, vice president of Sales and Business Development for Grundfos Fire. “We design and build fire systems ranging from simple pump-driver systems on base frames to highly engineered and fully enclosed packaged systems. We have the widest range of fire pump approvals and listings worldwide, and our expertise enables us to engineer, produce, stock, distribute and service our products globally.”

Grundfos’ Peerless portfolio of fire protection products provides a versatile range of engineered-to-order packaged systems that can be tailored to accommodate any combination of diesel or electric pump sets. Electric system configurations can have either a compact system mounted on one base that includes pump, motor, wiring and control panel, or a flex system that has both pump and motor mounted on a base with the control panel separated for a wall or floor mounting.

Diesel systems also offer configurations that mirror their electric cousins: compact design with a complete diesel fire pump unit including pump, engine, batteries and control panel on one base frame, or a second option with a separate wall or floor mounted control panel.

Enclosed fire pump packages can accommodate either electric or diesel systems, or multiple fire pumps for wide variety of applications.

Some of the most highly visible and iconic buildings in the world such as the World Trade Center properties, including One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) in Chicago, the St. Louis Arch in Missouri, Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, AT&T Stadium (formerly Cowboys Stadium), and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis have Peerless fire pumps installed.

See the AEF split case fire pump, the mostly widely used model, and learn more about the full Peerless Pump line at Grundfos’ booth #1816.

Grundfos Highlights Cutting-Edge Heating, Cooling and Renewable Solutions at Comfortech 2014

Through advanced solutions for boiler heating, heat pump, solar thermal, sanitary hot water and microchip system applications, Grundfos offers customers the opportunity to maximize their investment by saving energy.

“Designed for simplicity, efficiency and reliability, our circulators optimize energy usage and system behavior through innovations in adaptive intelligence and enhanced control,” said Barry Nauss, director of HVAC OEM Sales for Grundfos USA.

This technology allows products like Grundfos’ MAGNA™ and ALPHA™ circulator lines, which feature patented AUTOADAPT TM technology, to save end users up to 85 percent in energy costs when compared to conventional circulators. Indeed, Grundfos recently announced a partnership that would make ALPHAs available as circulator options on most U.S. Boiler Company gas cast-iron heating products.

“The Grundfos ALPHA pump is a great match for industry-leading, technically advanced boilers,” Nauss said. “We look forward to collaborating with additional OEM companies.”

In addition to the MAGNA and ALPHA lines, Comfortech attendees can visit booth 832 to see a variety of pumps from both the trade and OEM portfolios, along with assorted flanges, ISO valves and Grundfos’ sensors. Grundfos has a dedicated OEM engineering department capable of providing customer-specific modifications to each product, allowing true customization for any application.

Grundfos Expands Hydro MPC BoosterpaQ Production to Meet Demand

To meet the growing demands for energy-efficient solutions, Grundfos will significantly increase production of the Hydro MPC BoosterpaQ product line in North America.

“This surge in regional manufacturing is an example of our deep commitment to the North American market,” said Heins Kart Pedersen, president of Grundfos North America Manufacturing. “It will allow us to respond to customer needs with flexibility, consistency and speed.”

For an industry demanding greater reliability and efficiency, the Hydro MPC BoosterpaQ is an easy sell. Based on the highly efficient Grundfos CR pump range, the sturdy, compact Hydro MPC is a fully integrated pressure-boosting system designed to handle even the most difficult pumping situations with ease and accuracy. The intelligent CU 352 controller optimizes pump operation based on demand, making the Hydro MPC the most energy-efficient solution for pumping applications with varying flow needs.

The increase in market demand has led Grundfos to create more than 200 new sales and manufacturing positions across North America. To ensure we meet and exceed customers’ lead-time expectations, finished systems will be stocked for immediate shipment. Grundfos will continue to increase its investment in the region as the effects of the expanded manufacturing capabilities are realized.