Label Adhesive Application

Label Adhesive Application

Problem: A manufacturing facility needed to apply glue precisely to labels on plastic containers, but they were experiencing significant quality control issues. Their existing AODD pump produced inconsistent and highly variable flow due to hydraulic pulsations inherent in the pump design. These flow fluctuations made it impossible to apply the adhesive evenly and accurately to the product labels, resulting in defective products, waste, and potential production slowdowns. The challenge was particularly difficult given the nature of the material—a water-based adhesive with high viscosity (110,000 centipoise)—which amplified the pulsation problems.

Chronic Pulsation Issues at Power Plant in Central PA

Chronic Pulsation Issues at Power Plant in Central PA

Problem: The facility experienced persistent pulsation and vibration in a process line operating with two pumps. Operators noted:

- Poor pulsation control
- Unstable pressure readings
- Concerns that the dampener was “not working”
- Consideration of taking the dampener offline


Initial discussions suggested potential equipment malfunction. However, system layout and installation practices had not yet been fully evaluated.

During the site visit, the system configuration was reviewed in detail. Two critical issues were identified:

1. One Dampener Serving Two Pumps
Both pumps were discharging into a single pulsation dampener—an arrangement not suitable for proper attenuation or balanced operation.

2. Improper Dampener Placement
The dampener was installed well outside the recommended 10 pipe diameters from the pump discharge. At this distance, the unit could not effectively mitigate pressure fluctuations.

These conditions explained the apparent performance issues despite the dampener itself being fully functional.

Chemical Process Leak in Boston

Chemical Process Leak in Boston

Problem: A chemical processing plant in the Boston area experienced a critical failure when the diaphragm on their AODD pump tore during operation. As a result, process fluid began escaping through the muffler, creating both a safety hazard and potential contamination issue.

Additionally, the system was experiencing vibration, causing the connected pipes to shake. This combination of fluid leakage and excessive vibration posed risks to personnel safety, equipment integrity, and process reliability, requiring immediate attention to prevent further damage and potential downtime.

Achieving Even Application of Screen Coating

Achieving Even Application of Screen Coating

Problem: A manufacturer producing coated screens for residential and industrial windows relied on air operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps to deliver coating material to their screen coating machines. However, pulsations generated by the pumps caused the spray nozzles to apply an uneven coating across the screens.

This inconsistency led to quality issues and required re coating, increasing both material waste and production time. Compounding the challenge, the existing equipment layout provided no vertical installation space for a traditional pulsation dampener.

Reliable Rosin Size Dosing

Reliable Rosin Size Dosing

Problem: A pulp and paper facility required highly accurate and reliable rosin size dosing as part of its pulp treatment process. The application demanded precise chemical control to ensure consistent paper quality, while also providing uninterrupted operation in the event of pump maintenance or failure.

Given the critical nature of rosin sizing, the customer needed a fully integrated dosing system that could deliver accuracy and reliability throughout continuous operation.

Chemical Compatibility Diaphragm Failure

Chemical Compatibility Diaphragm Failure

Problem: A large manufacturing facility was using a polypropylene 5 gallon unit equipped with a PTFE (Teflon) diaphragm for a chemical application. The diaphragm material was initially believed to be compatible with the process fluid, but over time the chemical slowly degraded the PTFE, leading to internal wear and eventual leakage.

As the material deterioration progressed, leakage began occurring through threaded connections. Temporary fixes such as taping the threads were attempted but ultimately failed as the chemical continued to attack the diaphragm material.

The repeated leaks created reliability concerns and highlighted a material compatibility issue that had not been identified during the original selection.

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