Abrasive Application Too Much For AODD Pump

When equipment isn’t running properly, stress levels run high—if it’s a reoccurring problem they run really high!  Knowing what the problem is half the battle, but what if the solution is only temporary and the frustrations come back weekly or even daily? For a roofing paper manufacturer, this scenario was very real.

The manufacturer noticed their pumps required a high level of maintenance during the transfer of titanium dioxide (TI0₂) from 55 gallon drums to the coating trays. TI0₂ is very abrasive and quickly wore the components of the air operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps.  Further, the TI0₂ would occassionaly “set up” in the pumps, requiring disassembly and cleaning.

Tired of the relentless maintenance, the manufacturer was determined to find a solution that would prevent the pumps from failing so frequently, significantly decreasing of downtime and man hours spent on repairs.

The manufacturer called their Crane Engineering account manager, Jeff Simpson, to check out the problem. After hearing the details, he suggested a peristaltic hose pump.

Peristaltic hose pumps are positive displacement pumps that employ a flexible tube or hose and a series of rollers to pump fluid. As the motor turns, the rollers or cams "squeeze" the liquid from the inlet to the outlet of the pump. The compression on the hose acts like a check valve in the pump to keep the fluid moving in one direction, offering a consistent, repeatable flow.

Peristaltic pumps are known for their success with abrasive applications because the fluid never comes in contact with the pump's components. Peristaltic pumps basically only have one wearing part, the hose that the liquid flows through. Read more about peristaltic pumps in our previous post "The Quick And Dirty Guide To Peristaltic Pumps".

Before purchasing, the manufacturer wanted to be sure it would work well for their application. Simpson suggested they try a demo pump. After 3 months of use, the manufacturer reported they had no issues and didn't need to replace any spare hoses during that time.

Abrasive applications eating your pumps? Ask us about it! We gladly provide technical assistance to businesses and municipalitites in Wisconsin and upper Michigan.