AODD Pump Pulled from Concrete

AODD Pump Pulled from Concrete

Problem: A major pulp and paper mill in the Northwest used AODD unloading pumps. The reciprocating action of these air operated pumps created violent pulsations that caused both pipe stress and mounting fatigue. In fact, these pulsations often caused the pumps to be pulled from their cement foundations. This created significant downtime, costly foundation repair, environmental hazards, and a dangerous working environment.

Submarine Constrained Piping Acceleration Head

Submarine Constrained Piping Acceleration Head

Problem: The Australian Submarine Corp (ASC) uses a 32mm peristaltic hose pump in Collins Class Submarines to transfer oily contaminated seawater from the bilge to the waste tank. The peristaltic hose pump is perfectly suited to the duty because the pump is capable of self-priming, dry running indefinitely, and can handle sludge-type materials that could be encountered in the bilge. The overall physical size of the pump coupled with the cramped internal confines of the submarine resulted in the suction and discharge pipe work being considerably twisted; incorporating many bends and valves. The pulsed flow action caused the acceleration head of the pump to sharply increase and markedly decrease hose life to the extent that offshore trials were lasting less than a week.

Wastewater Transfer Pulsation

Wastewater Transfer Pulsation

Problem: Vishay Measurements Group uses a Wilden 1" Air Operated Double Diaphragm pump to pull the plants processed waste water out of a pit and pump it over to the waste water plant to be processed. The reciprocating action of the pump caused pulsation in the PVC discharge pipe which caused the system to vibrate. The continuous shaking of the PVC pipe caused joints to break apart and stress caused cracking in the discharge pipe.

Hazardous Waste AODD Containment Failure

Hazardous Waste AODD Containment Failure

Problem: A major chemical company in Michigan uses air operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps for unloading hazardous waste, including many different chemicals and products (e.g., acids, solvents, methyl chlorides, etc.). Each of the AODD pumps are 2 inch stainless steel; with PTFE internals, and are pumping at a flow rate of 80 to 100 gpm at 30 psi discharge pressure. The company has experienced pump diaphragm failure due to the elastomer material wearing out or damage from metal particles. When a diaphragm fails, the product goes into the air system and then out through the pump’s air exhaust. Because the product is hazardous, there is zero tolerance for spills. If a spill occurs, HAZMAT is called and the cost of cleanup can range from $20,000 to $100,000 depending on severity.

Paint Manufacturing Abrasive Slurry Diaphragm Failure

Paint Manufacturing Abrasive Slurry Diaphragm Failure

Problem: A major U.S. paint manufacturer uses 3” air operated double diaphragm pumps (AODD) in their tank farm to transfer ingredients to their paint blending process area. One of the main ingredients is titanium dioxide (TiO2) which is both high in specific gravity and very abrasive. The 3” AODD pumps sit at the bottom of holding tanks that are 25 feet tall. Pump inlet pressure is high and this combined with the characteristics of the TiO2 acts to shorten normal pump diaphragm life. When an unexpected diaphragm failure occurs, several thousand gallons of TiO2 can be lost because when a pump diaphragm fails, the TiO2 is pulled through the diaphragm on the pump’s suction stroke and then expelled out the air exhaust.

Decontamination Facility Spray Pulsation

Decontamination Facility Spray Pulsation

Problem: A decontamination facility pumped acids and water through a series of 15" spray nozzles to rinse radiation from contaminated metals. However, the pulsating action of their reciprocating pumps caused uneven spray into the rinse tanks, and the metals were not rinsed completely.

JOB STORIES
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