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Tank Truck

Tank Truck

Problem: Blacoh was contacted by a large manufacturer of bulk chemicals. They use air operated diaphragm pumps (AODD) to load chemicals into tanker trucks through a 20' flexible 3" reinforced hose that lies on a concrete floor. The pulsation generated by their AODD pumps caused the hose to shake back and forth, scuffing the hose on the concrete floor and causing "hose abrasion". Ultimately, these hoses would fail from abrasion due to the scuffing action. This failure meant considerable downtime, lost product, extensive cleanup, and hose replacement, all of which came with an associated cost.

Pharmaceutical

Pharmaceutical

Problem: A leader in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals uses a Goulds 3196 centrifugal pump size 1x1.5-8 to transfer 35 gallons/minute of acetone at 30 psi from the tank farm into the clean storage room. There is an automatic actuating valve in the line that opens and shuts upon plant demand. This quick shutting valve is sending pipe hammer down the line and causing shaking of the pipes, leaks, pipe hangers pulled from the ceilings, and damage to the pump, resulting in costly, unwanted repairs.

Pulp & Paper

Pulp & Paper

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.

Rocket Propellant

Rocket Propellant

Problem: A nationally recognized leader in the manufacture of solid rocket propellant uses air operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps to transfer a particularly aggressive fluid to a unique piece of equipment that requires a constant and steady flow. The reciprocating action of the pump causes excessive pulsation in the discharge piping. Constant pulsation causes erratic flow which prevents the pumps from performing as required.

Sewage Treatment

Sewage Treatment

Problem: The Maquoketa, Iowa sewage treatment facility uses a twin disc type reciprocating pump to transfer pretreated sewage sludge from a clarifier to a digester. The twin disc pump is ideal for this application because this type of pump has no valves that can clog or restrict flow. Each disc of the pump transfers about one gallon of liquid with each stroke. The reciprocating action of the pump causes the discharge pipe and other components in the system to vibrate. This constant shaking causes joint leakage and premature failure of instrumentation. Pipe support brackets have been pulled loose from the wall.

Pump Startup & Shutdown

Pump Startup & Shutdown

Problem: AGI Industries was contacted by a local construction company doing the construction on the West Closure Complex Pump Station in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is one of the largest pumping stations in the United States and is part of the Hurricane Protection Project. During heavy storm conditions, including hurricanes, pumps can inadvertently shut down due to power failure. Pumps will also quickly turn back on when power is restored. When this sudden start/stop of the pump occurs, fluid in the system will change velocity rapidly and can actually reverse direction. New incoming fluid can collide with this reverse flow as the pump restarts. This event causes a severe water hammer effect that can damage piping, valves, and the pumps.