(951) 342-3100 sales@blacoh.com

Applications

Click on a job story below to read more.
SUBMIT YOUR STORY
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.

Bottling Line

Bottling Line

Problem: A cleaning product manufacturing facility experienced excessive pipe vibration on its bottling line due to a quick-closing valve. The rapid valve actuation was generating hydraulic shock (water hammer), compromising system stability and potentially damaging components.

Diesel Transfer Pump

Diesel Transfer Pump

Problem: The diesel transfer pumps on an offshore platform had never operated reliably or automatically since installation. This forced operators to transfer diesel to the electrical generators manually, resulting in significant delays and safety risks.

Chronic issues included:
• Recurring diaphragm ruptures
• Diesel leakage at the muffler
• Hose failures
• Excessive vibration in pump and piping
• Frequent instrument damage (pressure transmitters, PSVs, filter elements)
• Low and inconsistent transfer pressure
• Extremely long transfer times (6–8 hours for a 30% fill)

Root Causes Identified:
1. Pump suction pressure significantly exceeded recommended limits, producing severe water hammer effects and subjecting PTFE diaphragms to damaging pressure spikes.
2. Process air regulator pressure was set too high, further increasing pressure peaks and accelerating failures.
3. The original pump design lacked necessary stabilizing accessories to control pulsation and protect downstream components.

APPLICATIONS
View All Bottling Line Power Plant Chicken Plant Deionized Water Dosing in R&D Lab Oil & Gas Drilling Hazardous Waste Chemical Process Leak in Boston Spill Prevention in Contact Lens Factory Diesel Transfer Pump Filter Press Transport of Copper Bearing Solution in Remote Mining Chronic Pulsation Issues at Power Plant in Central PA Centrifugal Pump Startup Chemical Feed Cleaning Products Water Hammer in Wash-Water Header Pulsation Control in Hi-Temp Coffee Extraction Towers Waste Liquids Decontamination Label Adhesive Application Descaling Advanced Materials Facility Facilities Maintenance Paper Industry Diaphragm Life Pharmaceutical Solvent Drum Filling Line Chemical Transfer Deep Well Injection Coating Filtration Line Hydrochloric Acid Tank Truck Pharmaceutical Pulp & Paper Rocket Propellant Sewage Treatment Pump Startup & Shutdown Submarine Bilge Sump Storm Water Water Supply Waste Water