The latest issue off PII is out now!

Read here!
Fluids Handling

Paper Mill Overcomes Viscosity Problem by Switching From Progressive Cavity Pumps

Listen to this article

Switching from progressive cavity (PC) pumps to a MasoSine pump from Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group has overcome a long-standing issue for a leading paper mill based in South Africa – that of viscosity

The challenge

The cooked starch used to gloss paper at the mill offers viscosity of 15,000 cP at 90°C. Adding to the challenge, the starch tends to crystalise when it comes into contact with the atmosphere or if the temperature drops below 30°C.

The requirement at the paper mill is to pump the starch (both industrial and food quality types, depending on the application) from a boiler tank to the paper machine, where it is sprayed on to the paper via nozzles. As a result, consistent and reliable pumping at 15,000 l/h is paramount.

Around two years ago, the mill replaced its existing PC pumps with a MasoSine SPS250 sine pump, and it has been running successfully ever since.

Highly efficient

In the case of highly viscous products, MasoSine pumps are particularly impressive because there is very little internal friction and minimal fluid deformation, making them more efficient than rotary pump principles. Excellent power density is another factor that makes sine pumps ideal for the transport of viscous fluid. Therefore the MasoSine pumps usually require less electrical power for the same application especially with high viscous products.  This results in the usage of a smaller motor than other pump principles which leads to less energy consumption and reduction of the carbon footprint within the pumping process.

Aside from its viscous product handling capabilities, the paper mill also reports that it has witnessed a “remarkable reduction in suction blockages” thanks to the impressive suction attributes of the MasoSine SPS250. Furthermore, the sine pump has a much lower pulsation than the PC pump, which means improved starch quality due to the gentle handling action.

Further orders

The paper mill is so pleased that it is now looking at installing MasoSine pumps at other plants moving forward. The mill is part of a group that has paper and pulp manufacturing operations on three continents.

Heather Beale – Publicity Manager
WATSON-MARLOW FLUID TECHNOLOGY GROUP
T: 01326 370370
e: Heather.Beale@wmpg.com
w: www.wmpg.com

Watson Marlow
Premium Package

Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions

About us

Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG) peristaltic tube and hose pumps meet requirements including: value for money; low cost of ownership; reliability and ease of maintenance to the food and beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, mining and many other industries.

We demonstrate how pumps deliver significant process efficiencies over the lifetime of the equipment. Whether performing flavouring addition in food processing, chemical metering in water treatment or mineral recovery, we have a solution which can cut pump downtime and reduce costs through higher accuracy metering and transfer. WMFTG has dedicated application engineers available to help customers make the right pump and tubing choice from a range providing microlitres per minute to 80 cubic metres per hour flow rates.

The only part of the pump to come into contact with the product is the tube or hose. This means there are no seals or valves that can wear or fail. Replacing the tube or hose can be performed quickly and safely. Peristaltic pump benefits include:

Total fluid containment with no seals No ancillaries Handle viscous and abrasive slurries and sludge Self-priming capability Dry running without damage to the pump In addition to their range of positive displacement pumps, Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group has added PTFE-lined chemical and industrial hoses to their range. Aflex hoses are reinforced to withstand the most severe conditions and use.

Where we supply to

Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, North America

Industries we supply to

Automation, Chemicals, Consultants, Components Electronics, Energy and Power, Food and Beverage, Glass Ceramics Cement, Metals and Minerals, OEM, Paper and Pulp, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Plastics and Rubber, Recycling, Textiles, Tobacco, Water and Wastewater

  • Flexicon PF7 tabletop peristaltic liquid filling machine

  • Sterile ReNu SU Technology cartridge

  • Quantum and ReNu SU Technology cartridge - Make sterile connections in non-sterile environments

Show More

    Would you like further information about this article?

    Add your details below and we'll be in touch ASAP!


    Input this code: captcha

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Back to top button

    Join 25,000 process industry specialists and subscribe to:

    PII has a global network of suppliers ready to help...