Moving food waste sludge can be a difficult proposition for pumps, with increased viscosity and corrosion real concerns. As waste liquid gets thicker, using a centrifugal pump becomes much less efficient. Wastewater pump technology specialist Hydro Innovations says the right peristaltic pump can offer an ideal solution. This article was first published in Food & Drink Business May/June 2020.
Italian made Ragazzini Rotho hose pumps can move thick slurry comfortably when sized correctly with the right tubular element, it says.
The pumps use a roller on bearing method to “squeeze” the tubular element, creating a vacuum on the suction side, enabling pumps to operate on high suction lifts.
They are also capable of delivering pressures up to 15 bar, enabling them to “push” the sludge material over high static lifts or through long pipelines.
These pumps are fitted with a leak detection system that will stop the pump and send an alarm if the hose wears. It is a float type sensor that is located at the lowest point in the pump.
The pumps have no seals or valves, can run dry without damage, and there is no contact between the pumped media and moving parts.
Ragazzini pumps are set up to run slowly to promote longer hose life and they are able to pump good sized solids. Flows from just a few litres per minute up to 180m³ per hour can be delivered, depending on pump model.
Ragazzini peristaltic pumps are available with a wide variety of hose options to suit abrasive and/or corrosive applications. It is also available with food grade hoses which are capable of being sterilised with hot water (up to 70°) and/or steam (to 120°).
Contamination is prevented and product loss is greatly minimised because of the speed of the leak detector as well as the pump casing not being filled with lubricating fluid.
These pumps are perfect for clean in place (CIP) or sanitise in place (SIP) applications when fitted with the optional “retractable roller”. With this system, one of the rollers can be retracted via an over-centre rapid release cam and lever system which enables full flow of a flushing/cleaning/sanitising fluid through the hose.
This new positioning system is essential for fully automated foodstuff handling applications that require regular cleaning and sterilisation of all the components in contact with the product.
Ragazzini pumps can also be run in reverse, making them ideal for tank emptying and filling operations.
They also do not need the casing to be filled with lubrication fluid, which reduces the chances of contamination and makes hose changes cleaner, quicker, safer and cheaper.
