Filter Press Feed Pump upgraded.
Maintenance and downtime eliminated.
This ductile foundry experienced extremely high pump failure rates in waste slurry transfer and dewatering applications. A plate and frame filter press dewaters the extremely abrasive ash and sand slurry, with back pressure slowly increasing to 110 PSI when full. An air operated double diaphragm pump had been used for years. Slurry flow was adequate, but pumps had to be rebuilt monthly and replaced yearly.
Pitbull, progressive cavity and peristaltic pumps were considered. Pitbull looked ideal for the service demands. The decision was made to go with the Pitbull pumps.
Elimination of diaphragms and reduction of check valves from four to two addressed the highest maintenance items. Pitbull pumps produce a large volume per stroke, often as high as 70:1 versus a double diaphragm pump of equal flow rate.
After five years of service, the original Pitbull Filter Press Feed Pumps are still on line, requiring only a check valve seal replacement about once per year. Plant personnel have advised that "downtime and the chronic rebuilding and replacement of pumps on this highly abrasive slurry application have been eliminated".
