Pneumatically Driven Pumps

January 12, 2018 in Diaphragm Pumps

Pneumatic driven pumps are extremely popular in applications where toxic or flammable fluids are needing to be transferred. The pneumatic pump does not have any of the problems associated with rotary seals as found in normal centrifugal. gear pumps or piston type pump units.
Being pneumatic, the pumps are inherently safe for operation in flammable environments.

Pneumatic double diaphragm pumps for difficult fluid transfer applications

When it comes to handling flammable, strong alkalines and acids, or even toxic chemicals, the most important issue is the selection of the correct pump seal. Not only the type of seal but also the seals’ materials of construction. What faces to choose, what elastomer etc?
Danger of a seal failure to the operator, the infrastructure, (floors and support metal work), increase in flammable dangers, and the environment in general, make the seal selection crucial.

When selecting a pneumatic diaphragm pump these obstacles all seem to melt away. The pneumatic pump was initially designed to negate these issues. The diaphragm pump is ideal for handling these types of fluids effortlessly and with a minimum risk of any of the dangers described above.

Fluimac pneumatic diaphragm pumps are available from GM Pumps Durban. Our technical sales team will welcome the opportunity to be of service.

Pneumatic driven pump

January 10, 2018 in Working Principle

Pneumatic Driven Pump

Pneumatics is one of the safest ways to drive a pump from an operator point of view. Pneumatics are economical to use when considering other pump technologies currently available for pumping calcifying or crystallizing fluids.

Typically other pump technologies will incorporate some form of seal, rotating equipment using mechanical or packed gland seals, typically in centrifugal, sliding vane, gear, progressive cavity type pump. Piston pumps will suffer from similar limitations.

Seals will always be the wear component within a pump system.

Stockist/distributor opportunities

January 10, 2018 in Contact

NEW UK CONTACT AND WEBSITE IN PROGRESS

LINK TO OUR UK WEBSITE HERE

Fluimac is interested in developing new territories and markets throughout the world with existing pump reseller distribution companies.

If you are a pump supply business, or planning to be the principal owner of a pump supply business in your City/Country, please contact Fluimacsa, we will welcome your interest and we are sure we will be able to structure a business plan to aid you in promoting our product range.

Fluimac pump manufacturers are able to assist you to develop this segment of the pump market with an outstanding product, fast availability and an exciting price point that will enable you to compete against any brand.

Please contact Evan Lewis evan@fluimacsa.com for more information, we are especially interested in establishing stockists in the following countries:-

We look forward to meeting with you to discuss the opportunities.

United Kingdom

2018 is the year we have targeted the development of a stockist / distribution network for the United Kingdom. Should this be of interest to your company, please make contact with Evan (evan@fluimacsa.com) for more details.

Republic of Ireland

We are looking forward to welcoming a distributor from Dublin during 2018.

Why Choose Fluimac?

Great products
Fast delivery ex-works Milan, Italy
Rapid product development in line with market demands
Web marketing product-specific web presence in your country
On-site assistance
Detailed documentation with each product
Zone 2 Certification with each standard product
Zone 1 Certification with each ATEX product
FDA certification with each FOOD or Cosmetic duty product

Air drum pump

January 9, 2018 in Diaphragm Pumps

Air Drum Pump by Fluimac, Italy

Excellent Technical Knowledge and Assistance On Site (see note below)

An air drum pump is an ideal option when transferring fluids from 220-liter drums. The Fluimac range of air drum pumps comprises units from the P30 to the P160. The most common option, however, is the P30 with a flow rate of 30 liters per minute this model is well suited for mobile operations.
Being air driven the pump is also intrinsically safe making it useful when needing to operate in flammable environments.
Being manufactured in a variety of materials the pump can be selected to suit the application whether pumping acids, alkaline, polymer or fuels, and solvents.

Air Pressure Settings

Air pressure settings are very important when commissioning an air operated diaphragm type drum pump.
The drum pump application being mobile in that the drum pump is consistently moved from drum to drum, often means that the transfer is at a very low pressure normally under 10 meters of water column. This low head pressure also means that the pump should not have an air pressure setting of more than 2 bar maximum on startup.
Essentially the air pressure on the drive side of the diaphragm will be 2 bar if set correctly and the fluid side of the diaphragm is zero on startup because the pump has just been moved into position. At a 2 bar air drive pressure, the force exerted on the diaphragm without any opposing force on the fluid side is not sufficient to damage the diaphragm. However, if the pump is started without regulating the air pressure down to 2 bar, the standard plant air pressure will be applied to the drive side of the diaphragm, anything up to 8 bar can “hit” the diaphragm. With 4 bar or more on the drive side of the diaphragm at startup and zero on the fluid side, even a new pump can be severely damaged.
It is essential, specifically with drum pumps that a good quality air filter/regulator be installed and set to 2 bar as a standard.
If the head required for the transfer of fluid is greater than 10 meters above the drum, the operator can then slowly increase the air pressure so that the pump is achieving at least one pulse per second.
Also, see information on our blog on Viscosity and how that effects a diaphragm pump. If you have any questions or require more information please contact us directly for assistance.

Fluimac really does provide an excellent service.

The distributor in Durban, Bruce from GM Pumps, took time to assist us in transferring high viscosity product from 220-litre drums into our reactor vessel. Our initial pipe installation was incorrect and the pump was not performing to the design requirements.

Immediately GM Pumps reacted and took the time to identify the installation issue.

The pump works like a dream, we are 100% satisfied with their service and the technical knowledge provided.

Air operated pump

January 9, 2018 in Diaphragm Pumps

Air Operated Pump

Fluimac air operated pump units are manufactured in Italy, the range comprises of both metallic and non-metallic options. Other than material options the pumps are manufactured as a standard with ATEX class ii certification, an Atex class i certification as well as FDA options are also available.

Fluimac air operated diaphragm pumps are manufactured in sizes from 1/4″ to 2″. The exceptional quality and competitive pricing coupled to the unique design of the air valve operation make Fluimac a very attractive option when choosing a pump supply partner.

All Fluimac air operated pumps are supplied with atex

How to select a diaphragm pump?

December 19, 2017 in Diaphragm Pumps

Why Select a Diaphragm Pump?

Why select a pneumatic diaphragm pump?

Diaphragm pumps are selected when the user needs a pump that is capable of running dry, or in other words, when there is a possibility that the pump may not be monitored and the fluid being pumped could be depleted. The diaphragm pump will simply go into a snore mode. Any rotating type pump, a centrifugal for example, if left without fluid passing through the unit, would result in a damaged mechanical seal with potentially costly downtime, spares, and danger to personnel and environment.
Air Operated Diaphragm Pumps are also selected when there is a need to transfer Toxic, Flammable, Acidic or Alkaline Chemicals or Slurries. The sealless diaphragm pump design enables one to safely and simply handle difficult fluids.
Pneumatic Diaphragm Pumps are ideal for selection when there is a demand for simple, safe, low-cost plant automation. Close a valve ont he discharge pipe and the pump will simply stop, open the valve and the pump will continue to transfer fluid. One can alternatively simply shut the pneumatic feed to the air motor of the pump and the pump will stop, open the valve and the pump will continue to operate. This is one of the simplest types of pumps to automate and integrate into a process.
Air Driven Diaphragm Pumps are also extremely popular where the process is to be operated by unskilled or semi-skilled labor. The safety aspect of both staff, equipment, process, and environment is a key factor in selecting this type of pump technology. Because the pump is seal-less, it will not leak even when it runs out of fluid to pump or when an operator closes the discharge valve in error. Mine or construction site dewatering applications are prime examples for this type of pump design.
Flammable environments or applications where the pump system is required to transfer flammable fluids, makes the intrinsically safe air operated diaphragm pump a unique and preferred technology.

First step in selecting a Diaphragm pump

The first step is to correctly identify what it is that you are pumping?

By clearly stating what one is pumping, the pump supplier will be able to assist with the correct material the pump needs to be constructed from in order to provide a long service life. Incorrect material selection will result in expensive repairs, downtime and possibly even safety issues for the operator.

Secondly, The Pumping Temperature?

The temperature of the fluid being pumped is also very important for the selection of the material of the pump casing, seals, and diaphragms. An incorrect specification in terms of the pumping temperature can result in the incorrect material choices being made. Premature pump failures with potentially dangerous consequences can at times be attributed to selecting a material that is not suited to the fluid temperatures being pumped

Thirdly, know the Viscosity?

The easiest way to think about viscosity is to consider how easily a fluid flows. Honey for example, when cold does not flow really fast, heat it up and it will run like water. The viscosity of the honey is high when cold and low when warm or hot. It is important to know the viscosity of the fluid being pumped. Before we look for a pump, we must know the viscosity of the fluid being pumped. There is a viscosity correction table that we have developed, it is an aid in adjusting the pump curve for pump model selection. One must derate the capability of the pump because all pump performance curves are base on pumping water at around 20 Degree C. Obviously the pump will not perform to the same standards of the pump curve if it is to transfer a highly viscous, sticky, wood glue.

Diaphragm Pumps Viscosity Correcion Table

Fourth, Flow Rate?

What volume of fluid needs to be transferred and how fast? A 200-litre drum of fluid needing to be decanted into a process reactor may need to be accomplished in just two minutes. That means a pump with a flow rate of 100 litres per minute must be selected. On the other hand, if the 200-litre drum is in a bulk break operation where the operator is filling 500 ml bottles, the practical flow of possibly 10 seconds may be required, this translates into a flow of 1 litre per minute. We need to clearly state the flow rate of the pump we need to select.

Pump Performance Curve for selecting flowrate

Fifth, The Pump Head or Operating Pressure?

When we consider how the pump will be installed or used, there is obviously a few basic considerations, for example, the suction side of the pump, where will the pump draw fluid from?

Will the pump be standing on the base of a tank with the fluid highest level way above the pump?

If we have this type of configuration, where the pump is piped directly from the bottom of the tank, as soon as we open the tank valve, the fluid would flood the pump and it will be primed. In the pump industry, this is called a flooded suction.

On the other hand, the pump may be located above the fluid level, so, for example, the pump is standing on a floor and the suction hose or pipe will then go down below the pump into a sump or basement. The pump will be required to draw the water from below it, this is called self-priming.

In both instances, the suction head is derived from the highest/lowest fluid point above or below the pump.

One should always take the worst case situation and design the pump to address that condition.

If the pump has to draw from a sump and the worst case depth of the water level below the pump is 6 meters, then that is a 6-meter negative suction head.

If the pump is mounted on the floor at the base of a 4-meter high tank and the minimum level in that tank is 1 meter above the pump suction, then that is your design positive suction head.

The discharge head is made up of the static head and the friction head.

Static head is the highest vertical point to which the pump needs to “push” the fluid in order for it to be delivered at the flow rate required.

Friction head is the resistance of the fluid when driven by the pump through the pipe system.

This resistance is converted into an equivalent measurement in meters.

The internal diameter of the pipe, the length of the pipe, the number of bends and other components in the pipe system, chillers, heaters, valves, flow meters and filters must all be taken into consideration when working out the pressure that the fluid will need to be driven at in order to provide the desired flow at the end of the line.

How to Select your Diaphragm Pump

1) Fluid Product A with Diesel base
2) Temperature 25 Degree C
3) Viscosity 1000 cps
4) Flow rate 120 litres per minute
5) Head Suction flooded 2 meters positive
Discharge static 5 meters
Friction 15 meters
Total 18 meters Or 1,8 Bar
Selection FLUIMAC MODEL P160, Aluminium Pump Body with Hytrel Diaphragms and Stainless Steel valves.

At 1000 cps the pump will not perform exactly as per the published pump curve and must be derated by 10%, According to the viscosity correction curve, this pump will only perform to 90% of its published curve.
If we select the P160, it will actually be performing at around 132 litres per minute on the curve in order for the pump to actually be producing 120 litres per minute in real terms.
Furthermore, the pump will need to operate at 7 bar air pressure in order to achieve this flowrate at the design pressure.

South Africa

December 15, 2017 in Contact

FLUIMAC Diaphragm Pump Product Range (Click Here)

pic of Fluimac Diaphragm pump — View more

GM Pumps CC distributes and manufactures Fluimac air diaphragm pumps from the unique facility overlooking the famous valley of 1000 hills in the KZN village of Botha’s Hill.

Situated close to the N3 road system linking our distribution to all major cities in South Africa. Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, East London, etc.

GM Pumps CC delivers overnight to all major South African cities. We also run our own small fleet of service vehicles that cover the entire country when specific services are required.

For operating a fluid transfer duty a diaphragm pump from Fluimac is a definite must when operated by semi or unskilled labour in South Africa. Pneumatic diaphragm pumps are simple to operate, easy to set up for automatic or PLC control and extremely cost effective.

Administration / Internal sales Tennille Lewis
Local KZN sales Bruce le Cordeur
National and International sales Evan Lewis
Manufacturing and works Sphumandla Nene
Logistics Dougie Symons

The Republic of South Africa (RSA), or simply South Africa, is the country located in the southernmost part of Africa. On the south, it has 2,798 kilometres (1,739 mi) of coastline. the Southern Africa coast stretching along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In the North, South Africa has borders with neighbouring countries of Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe; on the east and northeast, Mozambique and Swaziland; it also surrounds the kingdom of Lesotho.

Being the largest country in Southern Africa, the 25th-largest country in the world by land area and with close to 56 million people, South Africa is the world’s 24th-most populous nation. It is also the southernmost country in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Almost 80 percent of South Africans originate for areas of Sub-Sahara. This vast African ancestry is largely divided among the various ethnic groups speaking different African languages. South Africa has nine official languages. The remaining population comprises of Africa’s largest communities of European (white), Asian (Indian) and more recently Chinese as well as the local multiracial (coloured) peoples.

This multi-ethnic society with various cultures, languages, and religions makes for a very metropolitan type of society and lifestyle. The pluralistic populations are specifically provided for in the constitution’s recognition of 11 official languages.

It is important to note that Afrikaans developed from Dutch settlers and serves as the first language of most white and coloured South Africans, English, on the other hand, reflects the legacy of British colonialism. These two languages are still predominantly used in commercial life, though it is fourth-ranked as a spoken first language amongst the population groups.

From a political point of view, it is interesting to note that this country is one of the few in Africa to have never had a coup d’état. Elections on a one man, one vote basis have been held for almost a century. While the vast majority of black South Africans were not enfranchised until 1994, that has now all changed.
During the 20th century, the black majority sought to re-establish its rights from the dominant white minority, with this struggle playing a large role in the country’s recent history and politics. The National Party imposed apartheid in 1948, institutionalising previous racial segregation. However, in 1989, the general election was driven by all parties around the issue of abolishing apartheid and negotiating with the leaders of the African people who made up the majority of citizens. (http://www.sahistory.org.za/article/south-african-general-elections-1989)

Once given the opportunity, the majority white voters, voted for the inclusion of black voters into the countries government and the abolishment of apartheid structures. This one fact is an often overlooked and understated turning point in South African politics and the South African political landscape.
The international and internal struggle by many parties soon began to develop a structured system which would eventually see a peaceful transition of power from the majority white government lead by the NP to the majority black peoples ANC. (African National Congress ) After the elections of 1994, all ethnic and linguistic groups have enjoyed political representation in the country’s democracy.

Ramaphosa, President of South Africa (in waiting)

Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa (born 17 November 1952) a South African political activist and trade union leader, politician, businessman, currently serving as the Deputy President of South Africa under the patently corrupt President Jacob Zuma.

Mr. Ramaphosa was recently elected as President of the African National Congress at the ANC National Conference held at Nasrec in Johannesburg in December 2017. As the Chairman of the National Planning Commission, his responsibility is for strategic planning for South Africa’s future. National unity and development of an ailing economy, systematically destroyed by the blatantly corrupt, self-enriching ANC government over the past decade under President Zuma, has been his focus.

While he is respected as a skilful strategist and as chief negotiator who acted as the ANC’s representative during South Africa’s transition to democracy, (his central role, with National Party negotiator, Roelf Meyer resulted in a peaceful end to apartheid and lead the country towards a fully democratic election in April 1994) it remains to be seen if he can, in fact, turn the ruling party away from its corporate culture of self enrichment at the cost of the people of South Africa. Interestingly, Nelson Mandela held him in high regard and it is no secret that Ramaphosa was his choice for future president. It remains to be seen, however, if he has the support of the party, to turn the corrupt and self-enriching tendencies of the ruling party leadership to a culture of servants of the people.

Many South Africans recognise that with the ANC majority government, the country is stuck with a government of criminals, for criminals by criminals. Will Ramaphosa turn this perception and will the ANC regain their purpose, to serve every citizen as equal and respected people of a proud nation?

Whatever one’s political affiliation as a South African, it is worth noting that the country, in general, breathed a sigh of relief when Ramaphosa was elected as President of the ANC over the other candidates.
Internationally, the news of his victory also seems to have been well received. The local currency, the South African Rand, has strengthened considerably and there is a general air of positivity in the country.

President Zuma

The ANC’s top 6 officials (The NEC) is attempting to meet with President Jacob Zuma to start a conversation relating to the “options” in order to avoid him being impeached or voted out by Parliament. ANC Party chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, has confirmed that while there is no decision by the NWC (National Working Committee) to recall President Zuma, there is and has been active debate on the various options for him to leave the presidency. It is also understood that the NWC is pushing for a confrontation with President Zuma prior to the State of the Nation address in February 2018.
Since Mr. Ramaphosa was elected president of the ANC, Zuma’s term in the position as the President of South Africa has been on the line. The ANC is deeply divided in their stance on this matter and Mr. Ramaphosa is surrounded by those who do not want to see the demise of President Zuma. Two of the top six officials (Jessie Duarte and Ace Magashule) are firmly in the corner of the corrupt state lead by Zuma, they will do all in their power to secure his Presidency for the full term. Ramaphosa has to tread a very careful line in order to unify the party before the 2019 elections. The ANC has weakened considerably under Zuma and needs strong leadership as fast as possible, a leadership that will turn the fortunes of the people of the country, that will return the dream of a vibrant and prosperous country to the people.
On his recent foray to charm the International investment community in Davos 2018, Ramaphosa returns to South Africa with a far better understanding of the support the country ahs under his leadership. He also will no doubt have an appreciation for the way forward for the policies the country must enforce and protect in order to turn the economy around in 2018.

Fluimac catalog (download here)

May 6, 2017 in Diaphragm Pumps

Diaphragm Pump Products from Fluimac Italy, available in South Africa, +27 31 7771629 or email sales@fluimacsa.com

Download the full 2017 catalogue click on the link below

2017 Fluimac Diaphragm Pump Catalogue

Fluimac diaphragm pump models available in South Africa comprise standard pumps which are manufactured and certified as Atex 2, an Atex range certified Atex 1 with conductive materials, a food grade range with FDA certification and a special service pump range.

The pump construction is extremely versatile with choices that enable the user to purpose select materials of construction for the pump required based on the material selections for any specific fluid.
For example, selecting the build for a pump to transfer water from a pit or sump into a tanker, given that this water may contain oil, diesel or even petrol residue, one would select an Aluminium pump with Hytrel diaphragms and valve construction with standard Buna O rings. However, selecting a pump to transfer water from a sump where the water could have been contaminated with Sulphuric Acid would result in the selection of a PVDF pump casing, Teflon (PTFE) diaphragm with Santoprene backup and Teflon (PTFE) valves and O rings.

More information on diaphragm pump material options can be found in our catalogue which can be downloaded from this web page. See link above.

Please do not hesitate to call our technical team for assistance with your next pump project.

Phone

Viscosity affects pump flow performance

May 6, 2017 in Diaphragm Pumps

How Viscosity affects pump performance

Many customers use pneumatic diaphragm pumps for general pumping applications.

The pumps are often mounted onto a base plate and carried in the back of a truck or trailer to be used to dewater trenches or to extract oils from oil traps etc.

Every once in awhile we will have a very confused customer who normally pumps a water effluent from a sump at 100 litres per minute with a 1″ pump.

However, when his pump unit needs to pump a thicker fluid like a heavy gear oil this same unit will only produce a flow of 60 litres per minute?

Viscosity reduces the capability of the air diaphragm pump’s performance.

The diaphragm pump will deliver progressively less of a % of its low viscosity rated flow, normally based on water in the performance curve.

As the viscosity elevates the % of flow the pump is capable of delivering reduces as per the indicated curve above.

While the curve we have generated is not conclusive it is a fair estimation of the degree of losses in terms of pump flow capability as the viscosity increases.

For more accurate assistance with your application please do not hesitate to call +27 31 777 1629 or email sales@gmpumpsa.com