Modernising an abattoir's pump technology

A Queensland abattoir was looking for a solution for its DAF tank sludge and scum transfer. It had previously used submersible pumps and double diaphragm pumps, but with limited success. A Hydro Innovations pump specialist recommended the use of a Ragazzini peristaltic (hose) pump for the application.

Ragazzini hose pumps are positive displacement pumps using a set of rollers to compress an elastomeric tube that pushes the fluid contained within it. This means that no mechanical moving parts are in contact with the fluid being pumped, and there are no valves or seals to ever replace. And because the pumps use rollers and not ‘shoes’, the casing does not need to be filled with an expensive lubricating fluid.

Solution

The abattoir needed to transfer up to 10 m³/h of the sludge, so Hydro Innovations recommended the Ragazzini MS3 peristaltic pump with fully cast casing, cast iron rotor and cast iron rollers.

The pump only needed to run at the slow speed of 26 rpm to meet the duty, so the pump is expected to have a long service life. It is also fitted as standard with a leak detector that instantly detects a damaged hose. The leak detector stops the pump and sends a warning signal. Pumps are mounted on stainless steel base frames and are supplied with 316SS ports.

The pump was duly ordered and installed. An operator at the plant commented: “It was easy to install and works very well, with little maintenance. A great feature is not having to fill the roller section with glycol, and the quiet operation of the pump.”

The operators at the abattoir are very pleased with the solution and have since rolled out the new technology to its other branches around the country.

Ragazzini pumps are available in sizes ranging from 10 mm ports up to 150 mm, with flows from 0.2 L/h up to 180 m³/h, and with pressures to 15 bar. Various pump hose materials allow pumps to move abrasive fluids, corrosive fluids, fats, oils, along with FDA-approved hoses for foods and pharmaceutical products.