PAINT MANUFACTURER CUTS MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING COSTS

A WELL-KNOWN PAINT manufacturer in Germany is using Bredel hose pumps from Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG) to produce its interior and exterior emulsion paints. The company previously used progressive cavity pumps in the production of the paints, but the costs associated with cleaning, maintenance and repair were unacceptably high. Even tiny traces of colour could spoil the next batch of paint. Additionally, the TiO2 (titanium dioxide) and pigment dyes are extremely abrasive and caused excessive wear to the PC pumps.

Unlike progressive cavity pumps, Bredel hose pumps have no moving parts that come into contact with the product. Instead, the pumped fluid is completely contained in a long-life hose, which is the only wear part and this can be changed quickly and easily.

Cleaning costs are also far less. Not only are modern acrylic or latex-based paints easier to clean using just water, but Bredel pumps have no valves or seals to clog, while cleaning the hose is simple using sponge/foam balls (pigs).

At the German paint manufacturer, Bredel hose pumps transfer mixed paint to a filling station. Here, 10-20 litre containers await paint, which has a viscosity of about 5,000 mPas. Pump duty is intermittent, running for approximately 20 minutes to complete each batch, depending on paint stock/order demand. The Bredel pumps operate at a flow rate of around 3,000 l/hr and ensure there is no paint colour contamination.