Re-engineer slurry pumps from Bredel
In response to increased demand for higher flow rates and faster delivery times, Bredel Hose Pumps have re-engineered their high-capacity SPX280 and SPX2100 peristaltic pumps to provide improved durability and reduced maintenance downtime.
The pumps also cost less and can be supplied on short delivery times. This has been achieved by standardizing the product and optimizing the supply and value chain from manufacturer to end-user.
Additionally, the ‘total cost of ownership’ profile has also been addressed. For slurry applications, centrifugal pumps have been the historical pumps of choice, but this is now changing as, in practice, the latest peristaltic hose pumps can offer operating costs typically half that of a centrifugal pump.
In peristaltic technology, nothing but the hose touches the slurry, and abrasive wear is negligible. Slurry is drawn into the SPX pump using a hose so the slurry never touches the pump, is trapped between two shoes and expelled. The complete closure of the hose gives the pump its positive displacement action, offering hydraulic efficiency of 100%.
One of the key application areas for the new pumps is the mining sector, which is currently booming in line with soaring prices for a number of raw materials. Here, the re-engineered SPX280 and SPX2100 are said to be particularly suitable.
Fluid characteristics in the mining industry include high dry solid content. The ability of the SPX pumps to handle extremely high dry solid content, even up to 70% by volume (three times higher than centrifugals). This implies a significantly reduced need for process water, typically 4-6 times less. Centrifugal pumps offer limited ability to handle dry solid content as slurry often needs to be diluted with process water before transfer. Furthermore, centrifugal pumps consume water to flush seals, whereas there is no such requirement with peristaltic technology.
The lower requested flow rate brings a number of benefits, such as reduced energy consumption. Centrifugal pumps consume double the energy due to their higher design flow rate and lower hydraulic efficiency (65% for slurry handling).
Reduced maintenance is another advantage of SPX hose pumps over their centrifugal counterparts. If a blockage occurs in a pipeline, flow in a hose pump can be easily reversed to blow out the obstruction at the pump inlet; this is not possible using a centrifugal pump.
Hose pumps have no seals, valves, diaphragms, stators, glands or other costly hardware to replace, ensuring they can be easily maintained in-place without the need to take the pump to a workshop. Only the hose requires occasional replacement, which is a simple task and can be performed in just 1 hour.
Other maintenance-based innovations built into the re-engineered SPX hose pumps include a leak zone which has been created between the pump head bearings and the gearbox bearing, providing protection to both and giving early warning in the unlikely event of a lubricant seal failure. Additionally, a transparent inspection window gives easy access for set up and maintenance.
The SPX range carries a two-year warranty and will offer performance to 80m3/h and pressures of up to 16 bar.
Watson-Marlow Pumps, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4RU; tel: (01326) 370370; fax: (01326) 376009
The pumps also cost less and can be supplied on short delivery times. This has been achieved by standardizing the product and optimizing the supply and value chain from manufacturer to end-user.
Additionally, the ‘total cost of ownership’ profile has also been addressed. For slurry applications, centrifugal pumps have been the historical pumps of choice, but this is now changing as, in practice, the latest peristaltic hose pumps can offer operating costs typically half that of a centrifugal pump.
In peristaltic technology, nothing but the hose touches the slurry, and abrasive wear is negligible. Slurry is drawn into the SPX pump using a hose so the slurry never touches the pump, is trapped between two shoes and expelled. The complete closure of the hose gives the pump its positive displacement action, offering hydraulic efficiency of 100%.
One of the key application areas for the new pumps is the mining sector, which is currently booming in line with soaring prices for a number of raw materials. Here, the re-engineered SPX280 and SPX2100 are said to be particularly suitable.
Fluid characteristics in the mining industry include high dry solid content. The ability of the SPX pumps to handle extremely high dry solid content, even up to 70% by volume (three times higher than centrifugals). This implies a significantly reduced need for process water, typically 4-6 times less. Centrifugal pumps offer limited ability to handle dry solid content as slurry often needs to be diluted with process water before transfer. Furthermore, centrifugal pumps consume water to flush seals, whereas there is no such requirement with peristaltic technology.
The lower requested flow rate brings a number of benefits, such as reduced energy consumption. Centrifugal pumps consume double the energy due to their higher design flow rate and lower hydraulic efficiency (65% for slurry handling).
Reduced maintenance is another advantage of SPX hose pumps over their centrifugal counterparts. If a blockage occurs in a pipeline, flow in a hose pump can be easily reversed to blow out the obstruction at the pump inlet; this is not possible using a centrifugal pump.
Hose pumps have no seals, valves, diaphragms, stators, glands or other costly hardware to replace, ensuring they can be easily maintained in-place without the need to take the pump to a workshop. Only the hose requires occasional replacement, which is a simple task and can be performed in just 1 hour.
Other maintenance-based innovations built into the re-engineered SPX hose pumps include a leak zone which has been created between the pump head bearings and the gearbox bearing, providing protection to both and giving early warning in the unlikely event of a lubricant seal failure. Additionally, a transparent inspection window gives easy access for set up and maintenance.
The SPX range carries a two-year warranty and will offer performance to 80m3/h and pressures of up to 16 bar.
Watson-Marlow Pumps, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4RU; tel: (01326) 370370; fax: (01326) 376009
