Applications

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Pharmaceutical Solvent

Pharmaceutical Solvent

Problem: The Boulder, CO Roche Pharmaceutical manufacturing facility uses a 3" air operated double diaphragm pump to transfer methylene chloride from an underground tank to various spots throughout the plant site. The diaphragm pump is ideal for this application because it creates enough vacuum to lift the methylene chloride 12' at an elevation of 5300' above sea level, even when outside temperatures reach 90-100°F. The reciprocating action of the pump causes the discharge pipe and other components in the system to vibrate and shift.

Rocket Propellant

Rocket Propellant

Problem: A nationally recognized leader in the manufacture of solid rocket propellant uses air operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps to transfer a particularly aggressive fluid to a unique piece of equipment that requires a constant and steady flow. The reciprocating action of the pump causes excessive pulsation in the discharge piping. Constant pulsation causes erratic flow which prevents the pumps from performing as required.

Sewage Treatment

Sewage Treatment

Problem: The Maquoketa, Iowa sewage treatment facility uses a twin disc type reciprocating pump to transfer pretreated sewage sludge from a clarifier to a digester. The twin disc pump is ideal for this application because this type of pump has no valves that can clog or restrict flow. Each disc of the pump transfers about one gallon of liquid with each stroke. The reciprocating action of the pump causes the discharge pipe and other components in the system to vibrate. This constant shaking causes joint leakage and premature failure of instrumentation. Pipe support brackets have been pulled loose from the wall.

Sewage Treatment

Sewage Treatment

Problem: The City of Colorado Springs WWTP uses Abel mechanical double diaphragm pumps to transfer sludge throughout their facility. The pump is ideal for their application due to the solids handling capability, and the fact that the pump is a positive displacement pump which allows the flow to be metered. The reciprocating action of the pump causes excessive pulsation in the discharge piping. The constant pulsation has caused broken pipes, failed gaskets, damaged valves, and has pulled pipe supports from foundations.

Centrifugal Pump Startup

Centrifugal Pump Startup

Problem: An internationally known tool manufacturer located in the Pacific Northwest was experiencing severe pipe vibration in an overhead manifold system. The system delivers coolant to several production grinding machines. The coolant is delivered to the manifold by a 300 gpm centrifugal pump located in a reservoir on the plant floor. When the pump is started, a ball valve at the pump discharge is opened and fluid is pushed vertically up to the horizontal manifold. The manifold does not stay filled with liquid during idle periods so, when the pump is started the coolant flowing into the manifold must first push the air trapped in the manifold out the machine coolant nozzles before coolant reaches the machines. Since air moves more quickly out of the nozzles than liquid, when the coolant reaches the nozzles the velocity of the coolant is instantly reduced and a water hammer effect occurs creating severe pipe vibration.

Facilities Maintenance

Facilities Maintenance

Problem: Our customer moved into their new building which did not have a pressure reducing valve in the water main and the system pressure in the building was around 90 psi. The owner's office is near the men's restroom. Every time the urinal was flushed, extreme water hammer occurred. This was very aggravating to the owner and he was afraid that the water hammer might cause a pipe to rupture and flood the building.