Chicken Plant
Industry Served: Food & Beverage
Problem:
Steggles Chickens of Newcastle uses a 4" electric diaphragm pump to transfer chicken waste from a wash-down sump to a centrifuge. The diaphragm pump is suited to the application because of its ability to handle large solids such as chicken heads and viscous sludge consisting of congealed chicken blood. The pump's reciprocating action created vibration in the piping system which caused damage to brackets, fittings and valves.
Solution:
After trying various measures and seeking to source a different style of pump, a Blacoh SENTRY IV 5 gallon pulsation dampener was installed as a final resort. The dampener was installed directly at the pump discharge. This dampener had aluminum wetted construction with a Buna-N bladder.
Result:
The installation of the pulsation dampener solved the problem and reduced the pipework vibration. At one point, a pump diaphragm would be lucky to last one week. Now normal life expectancy is approximately six months. The system now operates correctly resulting in less down time and lower costs.