Then the company discovered the 504S metering pump from Watson-Marlow Bredel, Wilmington, Mass. The compact pump came complete with a built-in controller with six pump heads. The pump could replace six separate and dedicated gear pumps, and offer 100-percent synchronized flow rates. The adhesive-processing plant switched to the new pump to meter its adhesive. Marprene® tubing was chosen to provide the flow rates needed, as well as for the chemical resistance needed for the aqueous-based adhesive. This gave the company the capability to change product runs with no downtime, and offered 100-percent cleanability.
Peristaltic pumps come with a wide variety of chemically resistant elastomers, meeting just about every process need. They are virtually maintenance-free and can meter accurately at very low flow rates without stalling or clogging. Where other pump types can suffer from heat and seal damage as a result of running dry, these pumps are self-priming and dry-running, and tubing can last for years at slower speeds.
Watson-Marlow Bredel offers a line of peristaltic pumps that accommodate flow rates from 0.001 ml/min to 350 gal/min. Among the available options are fixed- or variable-speed drives, analog, RS232 and multi-channel pump heads. The company also offers seven different tubing materials for a maximum range of chemical compatibility and life span.
For more information on peristaltic pumps, contact Watson-Marlow Bredel, 220 Ballardvale St., Wilmington, MA 01887; phone 800-282-8823; or visit the company’s Web site at www.watson-marlow.com.