Specialists in pumping difficult substances

When it comes to pumping systems, each business and environment has its own unique set of requirements. Sometimes these requirements are simple and the use of certain pumps is very minimal. Sometimes it’s not.

Pumping difficult substances such as oil, sewage and anything with a high viscosity has its own set of challenges. For these more difficult materials, specialist analysis of pumping solutions is needed.

So if you have a project or business where difficult substances could lead to frustration or pump failure, then find out below how Dura Pump can help you find the solution.

Why are difficult substances an issue?

Pumps are created to maintain the flow of liquid through a network. Sometimes this liquid is extremely fluid but sometimes it’s not. Different businesses and industries experience different levels of flow and substances in their systems. It’s how the pump system deals with these levels and substances that will result in there being issues or not.

Difficult substances such as oil, sewage and wastewater all have their own qualities that can put a strain on pumping systems. Oil is thick and miscible (doesn’t mix) when it enters a water flow. Therefore pumps are having to pump numerous layers of ‘liquid’.

Sewage and wastewater can contain numerous contaminants such as sludge or sand. These substances can cause wear to pump systems or cause blockages which lead to increased pressure and reduced space.

By allowing prolonged build-ups in pump systems, efficiency becomes reduced and repairs may be required. This can lead to downtime, high levels of cost and even damage to property should flooding occur. The smell of overflowing sewage can be a real dampener.

How do you deal with difficult substances?

At Dura Pump, we’ve dealt with plenty of pump systems that haven’t been adequate with meeting the needs of their flow. Making sure that you successfully compensate for the challenges of your environment means that future issues can be resolved more effectively.

A housing estate with roughly 60 homes required our service on a pump system that needed cutter blade repairs. However, we weren’t satisfied that this was the only issue. Upon further investigation, we discovered the whole pump was chock full of wet wipes and ragging.

After these substances (which shouldn’t have been in the waterway) were removed, the blockage alarm called us back 2 weeks later. Wet wipe gate hadn’t stopped. It didn’t stop after several more visits either.

We knew we had to come up with a solution. We recommended a set of new vortex pumps with 80mm clear passage or solids handling capacity. This also called for a new control system to operate the new pumps. Due to the likelihood of continual blockages, the system required new NRV’s (non-return valves).

We didn’t have to return again.

Installing the correct pump system is crucial to the smooth running of a system (especially one that deals with difficult substances) and achieving maximum efficiency.

What pumps deal with difficult substances?

Pumps are designed to cope with the demands of their business. From filtration system to yoghurt or bitumen pumping, the pump needs to be able to handle the issues these thicker liquid present. Dura Pump will analyse the needs of your business and work with you to prescribe or design a bespoke system capable of handling your requirements effectively.

External Gear Pumps

External Gear Pumps feature two gears that come into and out of mesh to produce flow. These two gears are identical and rotate against each other, one gear is driven by a motor, which in turn drives the other gear. Each gear is supported by a shaft with bearings on both sides of the gear.

Gear pumps use the actions of rotating cogs or gears to transfer fluids.  The rotating gears develop a liquid seal with the pump casing and create a vacuum at the pump inlet.  Fluid, drawn into the pump, is enclosed within the rotating gears and then transferred. A gear pump delivers a smooth pulse-free flow.

Best used for: Bitumen pumping, tallow pumping, bitumen emulsion pumping, resin pumping, molasses pumping and waste oil pumping.

Diaphragm Pumps

Air Operated Diaphragm Pumps are probably the most versatile pump on the market today. Air-powered, these pumps are able to pump thick and thin liquids, as well as solids-laden and abrasive liquids. They can dry run, dead-head (will simply stop pumping and wait for the pressure to be released) and work submerged or dry mounted.

Best used for: Beverages, bitumen, blood, caustic, chemicals, chocolate, condiments, water, fertiliser, fruit pulps, heavy fuel oil, ink, latex, lime slurry, nitric acid, oils & hydrocarbons, olive oil, polymers, sodium hypochlorite, sunflower seed oil, tomato sauce.

Magnetic Drive Pumps

Magnetic Drive Pumps are ideal for pumping toxic and dangerous chemicals. Unlike most centrifugal pumps that rely on a mechanical seal (subject to constant leakage and eventually failure) to prevent fluid leaking, magnetic drive pumps are completely sealed. The impeller is enclosed in a hermetically sealed casing and motor power is transmitted via a magnetic drive system.

Best used for: Bulk chemical transfer.

Twin Screw Pumps

Twin Screw Pumps are amazingly versatile hygienic pumps that are ideal for pumping pharmaceutical and food & beverage products. The same pump is able to pump the product at low and gentle flow rates and then speed right up to get the fast cleaning velocities required. Twin Screw Pumps are capable of pressures up to 35 bar and flow up to 300m³/h.

Best used for: Fruit purees pumping, yoghurt pumping, cream pumping, dairy pumping.

Vortex Submersible Pump

The Vortex Impeller creates a revolving mass of water. This forms a whirlpool which is a funnel-shaped opening created downward from the surface of the water. It can be developed by water flowing out of a small opening in the bottom of a basin, in a reservoir or by a pump.

The benefit of a Vortex Impeller over a Channel Impeller is the minimised risk of clogging. Therefore, they’re also a better choice when the pumped liquid has a high content of sand.

Best used for: Sewage & stormwater, particularly when dealing with a high sand content

Features:

• Large clear passage
• Gives the greatest solid handling capacity
• Significantly reduces blockages
• Typical flow range available 1 to 500 litre/sec

Grinder Pump

A Grinder Pump is a centrifugal pump equipped with a grinder system at the pump inlet, which cuts larger particles and fibres into a homogeneous wastewater mass.

As a result, the risk of clogging in the pump and the pipe system is reduced to a minimum. Grinder Pumps are best suited for pump systems with smaller pipe diameters, where the flow is typically lower.

This pump type is not suited to pumping media with a high content of sand and they consist of more wearing parts, therefore requiring additional ongoing maintenance and spares.
Best used for: Sewage, when there’s a high head application or small pipework size

Features:

• Risk of clogging greatly reduced
• Ideal for small pipe diameters
• Ongoing maintenance needed
• Typical flow range available 0.25 to 20 litre/sec

Impellers

When it comes to impellers there is no one size or type that fits all applications. Find out all about which pump impeller is the most appropriate for your needs in our previous guide.

Still not sure what pump system is right for you? Get more info by calling our pump experts on 01604 648 800.

Where can you find a pump solution?

At Dura Pump we’ve found all sorts of strange things blocking pump stations. Most importantly, we’ve dealt with a lot of companies that needed a quick, effective solution to meet their exact requirements.

From systems for pumping gravy for pooches to effective flows for foul water, Dura Pump are specialists in creating, repairing and specifying systems to deal with difficult substances.

We make sure your business faces minimum downtime during the process with no worries. We stick by you from start to finish. We will also advise you on how to increase efficiency and savings.

Is your system blocked up? Do you experience unnecessary downtime because of pump problems? Been flushing wet wipes? Contact the pros at Dura Pump today on 01604 648 800 or email mail@durapump.co.uk