HOSE PUMPS set for growth

Historically, centrifugal pumps dominate the process pump market. But, according to market analyst Frost & Sullivan, growth in the mature European market currently worth $2.9 billion/a will be less than 3 per cent per annum through to 2003.

Compare this with a pumping technology that currently accounts for only 0.1 per cent of the market, but one which is said by Bredel Hose Pumps to be the fastest growing in industry. Based on the peristaltic principle (which in total accounts for 0.3 per cent of the overall pump market), the high-pressure hose pump is increasing in popularity as the process industries look for new ways to meet environmental regulations, reduce maintenance and improve productivity, particularly when pumping aggressive, high viscosity or high density products.

Part of the Spirax Sarco group and merged with peristaltic pump specialist Watson-Marlow last year, Bredel has over its 20-year history supplied nearly 50 000 hose pumps to various industries around the world. Claimed to be easy to install and simple to operate, the pumps are rated for continuous use, capable of handling abrasive slurries, corrosive acids, gaseous liquids and shear-sensitive materials.

The company's latest SPX range, introduced to the UK by distributor George Meller at the Eurochem exhibition in June, is said to offer even better durability and ease of maintenance, and to take up much less plant space. All of these features are a consequence of a significant design change to Bredel's previous models.

The SPX features a direct-coupled design, in which the pump bearings are integrated directly into the pumphead. This distinguishes it from close-coupled designs that rely on the gearbox bearings to carry the overhanging pumphead loads. On the SPX the gearbox plugs directly into the pumphead, with a buffer zone created between the pumphead bearings and the gearbox bearing. This buffer zone is there to give effective protection to both and provide early warning of a lubricant seal failure.

With the bearings in the pumphead, maintenance and set-up times are significantly reduced. Maintenance has also been improved thanks to a large inspection window in the pump casing, through which the hose-pressing shoes can be adjusted and changed. A simpler hose clamping design also speeds up routine hose changes, as well as improving the sealing system.

Supplied with a two-year warranty, the SPX range will cover flowrates to 80m3/h and pressures to 16bar.