Watson-Marlow 530 Pump Provides Accurate And Consistent Sunscreen Transfer
Pump runs for seven hours a day, transferring 400 litres of sunscreen
The Acorn Group is benefiting from dosing accuracy and consistency provided by a Watson-Marlow 530 peristaltic process pump at its Johannesburg production plant, where it is being used to transfer bulk sunscreen lotion.
The Acorn Group is a dynamic, family-owned business that is home to a wide range of domestic products, extending from detergents to insect repellents.
Acorn owns, manufactures and markets brands such as Tabard, Vapona, Teepol and Carbro. The Group also offers a broad-spectrum sunscreen range, providing world-class protection against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Accurate and reliable
Sunscreen is not viscous or shear sensitive, and there are no extreme temperatures involved in its production. With these facts in mind, the job of pumping this product, appears straightforward.
However, there is a key requirement for precision, which meant the search for a suitable pump as part of this brand new product and application had to focus on accuracy and quality.
Using the Watson-Marlow 530 process pump with a 520R2 pumphead and silicone continuous tubing, the pump is capable of dosing with +/-1% accuracy.
Robert Verseput is a representative from Acorn who is helping to enhance its business model and expand its distribution network globally. He says:
“To provide a summary of the process, bulk sunscreen is drawn from a 100-litre stainless steel holding tank with constant head height, and transferred via the Watson-Marlow 530 pump into aerosol tins. The accuracy and consistency of dosing via the pump is thus critical. Thereafter, a valve is added and crimped, and propellant introduced via the gassing plant.”

Stand-out performance
A Watson-Marlow 530 pump was the obvious choice for many reasons. For instance, this pump type maintains process integrity and offers flow rates up to 3.5 l/min at 2 bar pressure. In addition, there are four drive and five pumphead options, along with a wide range of tube sizes and materials.
At Acorn, the 530 pump runs for approximately 7 hours a day, during which it transfers around 400 litres of sunscreen.
Enhancing GMP
“I’ve used peristaltic pumps extensively in a variety of applications,” states Mr Verseput. “They are the only pumps I will use for a number of reasons. Firstly, they enhance GMP by having minimal product-machine contact points and allowing for product dedicated tubing. They are also accurate, easy to clean and versatile over a variety of applications and product viscosities. In addition, this pump type allows for a reverse cycle at the end of the fill cycle, minimising post-fill drip.”
The Watson-Marlow 530 pump at Acorn is located in a pharmaceutical GMP production area as a stand-alone foot-operated filler.
“The fact that 530 pump is robust was a big factor in the purchase decision. Add this to its durability, largely maintenance-free operation and compact dimensions, and it’s clear to see the appeal” says Mr Verseput.
Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions
- 01326370370
- info@wmftg.co.uk
- https://www.wmfts.com/
- Bicklandwater Road, Falmouth Business Park, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4RU GB
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
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