A Borger rotary lobe pump has replaced a piston diaphragm pump at a manufacturer of paints, varnishes and speciality chemicals. It transfers an adhesive made for tiles and parquet floors. According to Borger, the switch followed a successful two-month trial, and the Borger rotary lobe pump has more than doubled capacity on the application while also cutting energy costs.
The manufacturer has not been named. Details of the installation were issued by Borger UK. H2O Global News has previously reported on Borger UK’s move to larger premises in Shrewsbury.
A demanding adhesive application
The adhesive is produced in a mixer and then transferred either into a storage tank or to a bottling process. Borger said the previous piston diaphragm pump was struggling with what it described as a very challenging application.
According to the company, the capacity of the piston diaphragm pump dropped rapidly as the viscosity of the adhesive increased. The pump also generated progressively high energy costs.
Viscosity is a central consideration when choosing pumps for products such as adhesives. Thicker media place greater demands on a pump’s ability to maintain flow.
How the Borger rotary lobe pump is set up
Rotary lobe pumps are positive displacement pumps, in which rotating lobes move the fluid through the pump chamber. This type of pump is widely used for handling viscous media.
To make sure the adhesive is consistently transferred from the mixer, the new pump is pressurised with Borger’s thermosyphon system, which creates a continuous circulation loop. Borger also fitted the pump with a double-acting mechanical seal.
Double-acting mechanical seals use two sets of seal faces, usually with a barrier fluid between them. A thermosyphon system is a common way of supplying and circulating that barrier fluid.
Even transfer to bottling
During the transfer of the adhesive to bottling, the very low pulsation of the Borger pump has ensured that an even transfer is constantly maintained, according to the company.
Steady flow matters at the bottling stage, where fluctuations in delivery can affect the consistency of filling.
Capacity and energy results
Borger said that, as well as dramatically reducing energy costs, the new pump has boosted capacity by more than 100% compared with the piston diaphragm pump it replaced.
The company did not publish figures for the energy savings or the throughput achieved. It also did not disclose the pump model, its size or the location of the plant.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Borger rotary lobe pump replace?
It replaced a piston diaphragm pump at a manufacturer of paints, varnishes and speciality chemicals. The previous pump was struggling with the application.
Why did the piston diaphragm pump struggle with the adhesive?
Its capacity dropped rapidly as the viscosity of the adhesive increased. It also generated progressively high energy costs.
How much did the new Borger pump increase capacity?
Borger said the new pump boosted capacity by more than 100%. It also dramatically reduced energy costs, according to the company.
What sealing arrangement does the pump use?
The rotary lobe pump is fitted with a double-acting mechanical seal. It is pressurised with Borger’s thermosyphon system, which creates a continuous circulation loop.
What is the adhesive used for?
The adhesive is made for tiles and parquet floors. It is transferred from a mixer into a storage tank or a bottling process.
