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Michael Smith Engineers has supplied six Nikkiso canned motor pumps to Star Refrigeration for a freeze-drying plant for a food manufacturer. They operate as part of the process of manufacturing instant coffee and were commissioned in June 2001. Since then, half have operated almost continuously without any servicing or breakdown.

All six pump liquid carbon dioxide, which is non-lubricating and has a viscosity of around 0.1cP, at -54° C. Four of the units pump 50m3/h at 25m differential head; two pump 44m3/h at 35m differential head. All operate with a hydraulic efficiency of around 60%.

The Nikkiso BQ Reverse Circulation pump is mounted vertically with the motor over the pump ensuring quick, efficient venting of any vapour/gas in the rotor chamber.