Batch transfer of acidic chemicals at a personal care products manufacturer

This application note provides an overview of the successful use of magnetically coupled Liquiflo gear pumps on a highly aggressive chemical plant duty which were installed in 1996 and are still in service today, more than 20 years later.

THE INDUSTRY

The company is a leading UK manufacturer of an extensive range of industrial chemicals, including surfactants and personal care products.

THE APPLICATION

The requirement was for 3 pumps to batch transfer a range of acidic and chloride based chemicals on a daily basis operating up to 5 days per week.  Transfer rates are variable but are in the region of 700 kg/hr at around 3.5 bars differential pressure.

THE SOLUTION

With the extremely aggressive nature of the chemicals being handled, pumps manufactured in Hastelloy C276 were selected.  Due to the low viscosity of the product a Hastelloy drive gear with Ryton idler were selected to eliminate gauling of the gears though lack of lubrication.  The shafts were also Hastelloy running in Teflon bushings.

FEATURE	ADVANTAGE	BENEFIT
External gear pump	Smooth pulseless flow	Accurate delivery
Magnet drive	Sealless	Zero leakage.  Reduced maintenance costs with no dynamic seal replacement
Hastelloy-C construction	Corrosion resistant harder wearing	Extended pump life
Close coupled	Compact design	Reduced footprint allowing more available workspace
Inverter rated motors	Varaible speed control	Accurate pump delivery