Apex Pumps Reduce Maintenance at Amstead Rail
A new APEX35 hose pump from Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group is proving that it can deliver significantly reduced maintenance requirements at the world’s largest manufacturer of freight carriage components, Amsted Rail.
Apex35 (Image: Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group)
Put to the test in a process-critical abrasive slurry transfer operation, the trial has demonstrated that in comparison with existing air operated diaphragm pumps, the Bredel APEX35 can extend the time between scheduled maintenance intervals dramatically at this important producer of rail side frames and bolsters.
Scott Schuette, Amsted Rail’s Engineering Manager had worked with Bredel hose pumps in the past at Elementis Pigments, and brought his confidence in the technology to Amsted Rail.
New pump offers cost savings
Kurt Krummrich, Industrial Sales Manager at Watson-Marlow Pumps Group explains, “Amsted Rail has used air-operated diaphragm [AOD] pumps in this particular process for many years. Scott s willingness to try something new, coupled with our discussion that maintenance cost savings could be achieved by installing the new APEX35, got our foot in the door.”
Perfectly suited to abrasive handling
When handling abrasive substances such as the core wash slurry, a major advantage of Apex hose pumps is that they have no costly wearing components like seals, valves, membranes, stators, rotors or glands to maintain. The pumps are also self-priming and dry running.
Significantly reduced maintenance costs
The Bredel Apex35 hose pump replaced an AOD pump on one of the dip tanks, running with flooded suction and virtually no pressure.
While the AOD pumps need to be maintained every two weeks, the Apex35 hose pump ran continuously for ten weeks before any maintenance was carried out.
In addition to the significantly longer uptime periods, when maintenance of the Apex pump is required, additional savings are apparent as it takes less than 50% of the time needed to reinstate the AOD pump to operating condition, with only a single replacement part required – the precision machined hose element.
Energy cost savingsy
Although the AOD pumps have been in use for many years, Mr Schuette s aims for the future are to choose pumps that not only reduce maintenance and downtime, but also that do not require compressed air for their operation.
In conclusion
The benefits of the Apex pumps increased uptime and process continuity at Amsted Rail are clear, and the company can look forward to substantial savings in labour and parts, with a greatly decreased cost of ownership.
