A disposal company’s recent search for a high-performance tanker pump has demonstrated how major savings can be made by finding a supplier that wants to provide a truly long-term solution, rather than just sell you the nearest unit that they have sitting on the shelf.
Transporting solvents, waste oil, sludge and various chemicals are part of the disposal company’s main remit, so they knew they needed a robust pump, but it also had to have a very compact design. Everyone wants their equipment purchase to be reliable, but you do of course get what you pay for! In this case, speaking to several pump companies ultimately resulted in several benefits, with Börger chosen from the shortlist.
‘Maintenance-in-Place design makes everything so much easier’
“For this disposal company”, said Börger’s Managing Director, David Brown, having a pump with a quick-release cover means that they can change the rotor in a matter of minutes to suit the medium that they are using when emptying and then cleaning the tank. Having this Maintenance-in-Place design makes everything so much easier, with no special tools required – and by having the right rotor in place for each application avoids any unnecessary wear to help keep running costs at a minimum.”
After working closely together with its customer, a Borger rotary lobe pump (powered by a hydraulic motor) with the capability of 20 - 70 m³/h (88 - 308 usgpm/h) and 200 - 550 rpm was considered the best option.
Brown added: “Another advantage for the disposal company is that the tankers can be drained and filled with the same pipe system because our rotary lobe pump is reversible. For me, it’s always the case that the pump shouldn’t be an afterthought. It can be a big mistake to think that ‘any old pump will do’, and to try and seek out the lowest possible price. By all means, get value for money, but don’t be content with a pump that just does a basic pumping job by not factoring in your labour and maintenance costs.”
Brown also pointed to an oil tank discharging application for another disposal/recycling operation, which involves the removal of used oil, oil sludge, fuel oil and grease separator deposits – all of which have to be cleaned in mobile tanks by pumps mounted on the tanker vehicles.
“This type of job often sees vacuum pumps being specified to transfer the medium into pressurised tanks,” continued Brown, but in this case, the customer wanted to see if there was an alternative to those traditionally high capital costs and running costs.”
Brown explained that once again, the reversible option of the rotary lobe pump allowed for the discharge of tanks on the vehicle and for pumping to other tankers. Choosing the most suitable pump has also meant that the disposal company could utilise the PE tanks as mobile tanks. The very compact design of the pump enabled it to be installed on the pickup truck so that it could be powered via the PTO (power take-off) from the vehicle’s engine. Including a three-way valve has allowed several tanks to be loaded in the pickup truck or on a trailer.
“With our pumps installed on mobile tank cleaning units on oil rigs, we know that they are highly resilient. Offshore, they are having to deal with solids up to 30mm from drilling waste. Not surprisingly, it is a very tough environment.
‘With rotary lobe pumps, technology has moved on’
“Once upon a time, rotary lobe pumps didn’t have the best of reputations, but I know I’m bound to say this (!) but that was before Borger! Technology has moved on. Today, even a very small-looking pump can provide 85m3 per hour, which for volumetric efficiency is very good value for money – and you can also choose the best drive option to suit your specific work. Please don’t be put off by a pump, just because it’s not some monster!
“I’d also advise that you choose a pump that is self-priming – and that (for a short time) is actually capable of running dry.
“And if your pump company only has a very limited range, there’s a chance you’ll end up with one from whatever they happen to have available. At Börger for example, we offer 25 different pump sizes – and spare parts are never a problem. Lead times from some companies can mean far too much downtime, which nobody wants. Apart from a pump being ‘small’ don’t be too concerned if it doesn’t look ‘sophisticated’ (!). We sometimes supply units that don’t even have a base frame – just a couple of flanges – light enough for two people to easily lift and carry – basically just a pump-head with hydraulic motor, allowing the unit to get as close as possible for maximum suction.”
For more information: Visit: boerger.com/
Road tankers that feel pumped up
