Hydraulics & Pneumatics October 2022

HYDRAULICS The extensive range of Finnish Thompson FTI Air-Operated Double Diaphragm pumps (AODD) has recently been expanded with the addition of a new 1 ⁄ 4 ” non-metallic model, available in polypropylene, PVDF and also conductive polypropylene for use in ATEX areas. Available in the UK from pump specialist Michael Smith Engineers, the FT025 model delivers a maximum flow rate of 22 lit/min (5.8 gpm) at a maximum air supply pressure of 120 psi (8.3 bar). The FT025 extends the minimum flow capabilities of these rugged and reliable pumps and bring the important benefits of using AODD pumps to a wider range of pumping applications. Less maintenance required For example, as with all FTI AODD pumps, they are simple to install, easy to operate, require less maintenance resulting in lower running costs and are self-priming so can be dry-run. Furthermore, they are suited to handling abrasive, viscous and shear-sensitive liquids and even ‘dirty’ liquids with particles up to 1.8 mm (0.06”) for the FT025 model. Typical applications will include handling acids, bases, plating solutions, wastewater, paints, inks, solvents, ceramic slip and glaze, lubricants and oils. This would embrace industries such as mining, painting, finishing, ceramics, electroplating and anodising, pulp and paper, wastewater and marine, chemical manufacturing and distribution. Simple, rugged design In common with the other FTI Air models, the FT025 includes a lube-free air valve design which contributes towards the philosophy of a simple, rugged and reliable design. This means 26 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS October 2022 www.hpmag.co.uk Netzsch Pumps & Systems has given the proven Tornado T1 rotary lobe pump a facelift to increase customers’ added value further. This is claimed to reduce repair times by more than 40% and significantly improve energy efficiency. Existing systems can also be upgraded. In addition to the external appearance, the focus of the upgrade was primarily on technical innovations. The first keyword is maintenance. In the past, 36 screws had to be loosened to replace the pump chamber. The design of the new model is claimed to ensure only 24 screws will be necessary for the future. In addition, patented sealing sleeves, which are fitted so that they do not come into contact with the medium, are said to ensure they can be replaced quickly in the event of maintenance. High service costs and long repair times are now a thing of the past. In addition to the revised design, the GSS technology (synchronous gear protection system) is claimed to ensure the pump and gearbox compartments are spatially separated. This prevents the medium from entering the synchronising gear and the gear oil from entering the pump chamber and counteracts possible failure costs. Optimised rotary lobe pump To counteract the currently exploding energy costs, the lobes of the Tornado T1 rotary lobe pump have been optimised to reduce the required drive power and save up to 25% energy. An increased performance spectrum usually accompanies an upgrade. This is also the case with the revised Tornado T1 rotary lobe pump from Netzsch. In the future, the new model can handle up to ten bar pressures without problems. A flow-optimised inlet and outlet of the pump chamber also ensure less pulsation and vibration. In addition to the increased performance, the system becomes even more flexible for various applications. Up to four different mechanical seal concepts can be used and can also be changed later on. The range of seal variants has also been expanded. Therefore, 50 different designs are now available for the rotary lobe pump. The new bearing concept of the Tornado T1 rotary lobe pump from Netzsch contributes to a significantly increased service life. Due to a more stable bearing of the rotary lobes and the drive shaft, wear is reduced, and the service life is increased by up to 100 percent. All versions are ATEX and CE certified. www.pumps-systems.netzsch.com Netzsch presents facelift of the Tornado T1 rotary lobe pump Expanded pump range significantly fewer components compared to other air valves, resulting in reduced servicing time and the associated maintenance costs and downtime. The air valve components include a low friction slide valve on a ceramic plate to allow for long-life and superior sealing, and a moulded Buna gasket which ensures total sealing and eliminates flat gasket tearing. FTI Air’s modular construction results in simplified maintenance with individually replaceable, lower cost wearing parts which do not require special tools for fitting. Single piece flow assembly procedures means that every pump is built to high quality specification and subjected to a three-point test for vacuum, leakage and run ability. www.michael-smith-engineers.co.uk