Pump copes with abrasive mixture

Using conventional metering pumps to dispense controlled amounts of a special sand and resin mixture into moulds was proving difficult for a manufacturer of ceramic shower trays. Due to the abrasive nature of the mixture, which had a viscosity of between 10,000 and 15,000cps, and with suspended solids content of 80% the pumps were failing.

Hydra-Cell high pressure pumps were installed on the dosing machine which has to deliver the sand and resin mixture at flow rates between 6 and 7L/min and discharge pressures between 5 and 6 bar.

The Hydra-Cell G25 pump selected for this slow running, medium pressure pumping application has a cast iron pump head, Buna diaphragms with 316 stainless steel valves and seats. To achieve the flow required for this application the feed tank was installed 2m above the pump and has a large diameter inlet pipe to ensure a good feed.

The pumps, available through Michael Smith Engineers, have not needed maintenance since installation.