Sweet Success at Confectionary Production Factory

Hydromarque has installed Three new Gorman-Rupp Super T Series self-priming pumps at a confectionary production factory.

Replacing existing pumps that were fitted with external priming devices, the factory approached us after hearing we were the UK’s primary distributor of America’s world-class Gorman-Rupp pumps.

Installation

We recommended the Gorman-Rupp Super-T Series self-priming pump because of its integral priming chamber that removes the need for external priming devices, thus reducing maintenance and running costs.

Initially, the client was sceptical about using this type of pump’s efficacy, but following various visits to Anglian Water sites to view the pumps in operation, they agreed to try the first pump and installed the pumps in stages. The company has never looked back since, and the pumps are all now pumping chocolate effluent from a sump approximately 4 metres deep.

The original pumps were giving constant problems with blocking and losing prime due to unreliability and faults with external priming devices. Self-priming pumps were a sensible solution for this site because they require very little attention to keep in top form, resulting in significant savings of maintenance time and money. All the Gorman-Rupp Super T Series needs is an initial priming routine then pumps will continue to re-prime automatically. In fact, the pump will reprime with only a partially filled pump casing and a completely dry suction line.

The Gorman-Rupp self-priming Super T Series pump is designed for trouble-free operation and has superior solids handling capabilities, which makes them suitable for a variety of applications. The large volute design allows automatic re-prime in a completely open system without the need for suction and discharge check valves.

Maintenance

Maintenance has been greatly improved at the confectionary factory due to the ease of servicing this type of pump. Servicing can be carried out using common hand tools without disconnecting any pipework. The Impeller, seal, wearplate and flap valve can all be accessed through the shimless coverplate opening, easily removed with a grip handle and pusher bolts.

If the pump shaft, seal or bearings need servicing then the whole rotating assembly can be removed from the pump without disturbing the pump casing, pipework, motor or overhead V belt drive arrangement. The pump is fitted with Gorman-Rupp’s exclusive double floating, self-aligning, oil-lubricated mechanical cartridge seal with stationary and rotating faces of silicon carbide (tungsten titanium is also available).

Reliability Improvements

Even though all Gorman-Rupp pumps come with a manufacturer’s 5-year warranty, extended life has been made available to the site maintenance team as both the seal and the bearings have external monitoring by means of a sight glass. Also, an atmospheric barrier, along with two lip seals, provides additional protection for the bearings.

Productivity is a major concern at this factory. However, with the Super T Series pump downtime is virtually eliminated because they are designed for clog-free performance. The pump will handle spherical solids up to 3” (76mm) in diameter and allow solids to pass through the entire pump, not just the Impeller.

In the past, it was necessary for service personnel to enter the wet sump and break down fat build-up as previous pumps were not removing this satisfactorily. The new pumps are now dealing with everything that enters the sumps and as they are mounted “high and dry” with only the suction pipe in the well, there is no longer a need for dangerous confined space entries.

The pumps were supplied with an overhead V belt drive, so should there ever be a need to change the duty of the pumps at a later date then this can be easily achieved by changing the pulley sizes.

Gorman-Rupp Super T Series Self Priming pumps are available in 2”, 3”, 4”, 6”, 8” and 10” versions, capable of achieving 40m head and up to 7.5m suction lifts.

More recently, Gorman-Rupp has launched its new self-priming pump, the Ultra V Series pump. With greater efficiencies, up to 40% increased flow, self-cleansing features, reduced footprint area and capable of heads up to 100m, it somehow finds colossal improvements on an already-leading pump.