Applications

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Waste Water

Waste Water

Problem: Vishay Measurements Group uses a Wilden 1" Air Operated Double Diaphragm pump to pull the plants processed waste water out of a pit and pump it over to the waste water plant to be processed. The reciprocating action of the pump caused pulsation in the PVC discharge pipe which caused the system to vibrate. The continuous shaking of the PVC pipe caused joints to break apart and stress caused cracking in the discharge pipe.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste

Problem: A major chemical company in Michigan uses air operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps for unloading hazardous waste, including many different chemicals and products (e.g., acids, solvents, methyl chlorides, etc.). Each of the AODD pumps are 2 inch stainless stee; with PTFE internals, and are pumping at a flow rate of 80 to 100 gpm at 30 psi discharge pressure. The company has experienced pump diaphragm failure due to the elastomer material wearing out or damage from metal particles. When a diaphragm fails, the product goes into the air system and then out through the pump’s air exhaust. Because the product is hazardous, there is zero tolerance for spills. If a spill occurs, HAZMAT is called and the cost of cleanup can range from $20,000 to $100,000 depending on severity.

Chemical Transfer

Chemical Transfer

Problem: A major U.S. paint manufacturer uses 3” air operated double diaphragm pumps (AODD) in their tank farm to transfer ingredients to their paint blending process area. One of the main ingredients is titanium dioxide (TiO2) which is both high in specific gravity and very abrasive. The 3” AODD pumps sit at the bottom of holding tanks that are 25 feet tall. Pump inlet pressure is high and this combined with the characteristics of the TiO2 acts to shorten normal pump diaphragm life. When an unexpected diaphragm failure occurs, several thousand gallons of TiO2 can be lost because when a pump diaphragm fails, the TiO2 is pulled through the diaphragm on the pump’s suction stroke and then expelled out the air exhaust.

Decontamination

Decontamination

Problem: A decontamination facility pumped acids and water through a series of 15" spray nozzles to rinse radiation from contaminated metals. However, the pulsating action of their reciprocating pumps caused uneven spray into the rinse tanks, and the metals were not rinsed completely.

Chicken Plant

Chicken Plant

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.

Pharmaceutical Solvent

Pharmaceutical Solvent

Problem: The Boulder, CO Roche Pharmaceutical manufacturing facility uses a 3" air operated double diaphragm pump to transfer methylene chloride from an underground tank to various spots throughout the plant site. The diaphragm pump is ideal for this application because it creates enough vacuum to lift the methylene chloride 12' at an elevation of 5300' above sea level, even when outside temperatures reach 90-100°F. The reciprocating action of the pump causes the discharge pipe and other components in the system to vibrate and shift.