Pumping Latex

[jkthsnke]

I have no experience sizing and configuring pump systems.
This lies way outside of my area of expertise.
I'm hoping members of this forum can provide some guidance and clarity.
The plan is to install a 5000 gallon vertical tank to store natural rubber latex. The latex will be delivered via bulk tank truck. The need is to pump the latex from the truck to the tank.
The inlet hose length will be 25 feet. The outlet hose length will be approximately the same. The height to the top of the tank is 16 feet. The viscosity of the latex is 6000 centipoise. solids content is 65%.

1. What kind and configuration of pump would be most appropriate for this application?

2. What size drive would be required to power the pump correctly?

3. What RPM's should the pump operate at?

4. What should my inlet and outlet diameters be?

All input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[BigInch]

A PD screw pump might be a good idea, but others will know more than me about that. In the meantime I suggest you find out something about the flowrate you would need to have from your delivery schedules and from that tank to match your processing activities. Then we could tell you more about the configuration, size and power you will need for the pump.

"The top of the organisation doesn't listen sufficiently to what the bottom is saying." Tony Hayward X-CEO BP
"Being GREEN isn't easy." Kermit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpiIWMWWVco

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com

 

[jkthsnke]

Thanks a bunch for the help!!! I hope the information below clarifies the application a little further.

The delivery is 4500 gallons and needs to be unloaded in 2-4 hours. Flow rate is estimated at 19 - 30 gallons per minute.
The tank has a tapered botton so gravity feed will work fine for dispensing. Have thoughts about a festoon system with a hose for future dispensing. This biggest challenge right now is just getting it out of the truck and into the storage tank. We'll save potential dispensing ideas for another time.

 

[DLite30]

A paristaltic pump may work well in this application.

http://www.watson-marlow.com/pdfs-global/b-BredelSPX-us-01.pdf

 

[jkthsnke]

I had no idea hose pumps were made this large! Thanks for the input!! And thanks for the quick response.

 

[TenPenny]

First guess, I would look at a progressing cavity pump. How often will this be done, and will the pump need to be flushed out after each use? A peristaltic may also be a good choice, it's easier maintenance wise, as you can replace the hose easily.

 

[jkthsnke]

This operation would happen every 90 days. We would clean out after each use. I'll check into the progressing cavity pump as I'm not familiar with that type. Thanks!!!!

 

[micalbrch]

Progressive cavity or gear pumps will work and you can use hoses on the suction and discharge side as both type of pumps create very, very low pulsations. But both are rotating PD pumps and 65 % solids is quite a lot. A lot of wear can be expected but on the other side the operating time per year is extremely small.

A peristaltic pump has much less wear but creates pulsations. Therefore solid (plastic or metal) pipes on both ends are much better than hoses. A pulsation dampener will not be needed as the pressure is low and the latex is rather viscous.

A diaphragm pump is the last but most probably the cheapest choice, especially if you have compressed air available. The advantages/disadvantages are the same as for the peristaltic pump. With an AC drive the diaphragm pump will be most likely more expensive. But an air driven diaphragm pump will be cheaper than any other solution. And the energy costs are negligible with less than 20 hours a year.

Suction side inlet size: Not less than 3"
Discharge side outlet: Whatever the pump has
Req. power size (if electrically driven): not less than 0.5 HP (rough estimate)
RPM: Because of the high viscosity I do not recommend more than 50 for a diaphragm or peristaltic pump and not more than 100 for a rotating PD pump. But the pump manufacturers will know that better.

 

[Compositepro]

Double diaphragm pumps are low shear, light weight, easily portable and very easy to dismantle for cleaning. There are no electrical safety or heat build-up problems, and there are no dynamic seals that can get gummed-up.

 

[PetroSynergy]

I tend to agree with composite pro and recomend the double diaphragm pump for two reasons. Very cheap and very easy to dismantle and clean, especially if you have a 90 days time frame between unloading operations.

 

[jkthsnke]

Thanks very much to all that responded. Your information has provided a much clearer picture of what this system is supposed to look like. You've also given me a little knowledge. For that, I'm grateful.

 

[pumpking]

check out

http://www.ashtonpumps.com

if your going downm the AODD pump route

Ash Fenn

http://www.cdrpumps.co.uk

 

[FACS]

No has mentioned that you should look into the Rheology characteristics of the Latex first.


Charlie

http://www.facsco.com

 

[jkthsnke]

Sounds like I'll have to look into Rheology. I had no idea pumping a little fluid would be as technical as this. (Playing with solids historically, can lead to those kinds of assumptions)

Thanks for the info FACS.

 

[micalbrch]

You do not have to look into Rheology characteristics, beleive me. Not for this application. You just want to pump something from A to B and this only a few hours a year. That is not a challenging application. And Latex is not a mysterious fluid.

 

[jkthsnke]

Thanks to all for the input. At this point, based on the feedback from this forum and budgetary requirements, it looks like a double diaphragm air pump with a 3" inlet that is set to run about 50 cycles per minute is the most appropriate choice. 25 feet of hose in and 25 feet of hose out. Based on the specs of the pump, it has plenty of lift to get to the top of the tank. They are also easy to clean and maintain.

Thanks again to all that provided feeback!!!

 

[FACS]

The only problem I would see in your choice is the fact that you will be running solids through check valves. If the solids clog the check valves, then you will spend a bit of time cleaning them out or replacing them.

If you were to choose a gear pump, then you would be looking at the solids wearing down the seals rather quickly.




Charlie

http://www.facsco.com