Acids, alkalis and plastic sacks: solving a difficult problem

A Watson-Marlow Bredel SPX50 hose pump now handles a difficult effluent pumping duty at E & E Limited, chemical suppliers, South Kirkby site.

The problems at E & E lay in the nature of the effluent produced, which can be acidic or alkaline with up to 10% solid content. Aggressive chemicals, together with abrasive substances, as well as extraneous items, meant other pumps tried on the duty were all unable to cope to varying degrees. As well as corrosion and abrasive wear, pump blockage was a frequent problem.

All effluent and surface run-off from the entire site drains into a centrally located, six metre deep collection sump. Operating automatically under the control of high and low level float switches, the Watson-Marlow Bredel SPX50 pumps from the sump against a head of approximately three metres, to the Company's effluent treatment plant.

The Watson-Marlow Bredel SPX50 (50mm bore hose) provided the answer to E & E's problems. With its "straight through" flow path there are no vanes, valves, rotors or pistons to corrode or impede the flow of solids and the heavy duty, abrasion resistant, reinforced EPDM hose is the only component in contact with the effluent. The occasional hose blockage is inevitable when handling materials such large and irregular shaped solids, but can often be cleared by simply reversing the pump.

Pump output is 3 m³/h; the hose is changed at six monthly intervals as part of the plant's routine maintenance programme.

Details on this pump and model...