Pumps solve moisture control problem in textiles process

Humidifiers are required in many industrial applications where dry air is detrimental to a process. In textile manufacturing, static build-up, low regain, yarn breakage, dust, fly or lint are all recognised as signs that the air moisture content is too low. Huddersfield-based Spectrum Yarns have been spinning wool for almost 40 years, and throughout this time period static build-up has been a persistent problem for their process.

Demineralised water is sprayed into the spinning wool to provide atmospheric moisture. The resultant increase in humidity (up to 80 per cent) helps in the prevention of static build-up in the wool-spinning process. Spectrum Yarns had used piston pumps for this application in the past, but without long-term success. This was due to the non-lubricating demineralised water attacking the piston pumping element, resulting in increasing wear and drastically reduced working life.

The piston pumps were replaced with two Hydra-Cell close-coupled triplex diaphragm pumps with AC inverter rated motors which were installed to pump the demineralised water. Commenting on their experience is using the Hydra-Cell pumps on this application, Richard Stoker, Technical Manager at Spectrum Yarns, says: "When our demands were reliability, build quality and service, we decided to use Hydra-Cell pumps supplied by Michael Smith Engineers and after 12 months of continuous use pumping demineralised water the pumps have not faltered at all".

Features and benefits of the Hydra-Cell pumps which helped in this particular application include: a corrosion resistant stainless steel pump head, so there is no contamination of the demineralised water through leaching; the triplex diaphragm design, which ensures a virtually pulse-less flow for smooth, consistent spraying; and hermetically sealed diaphragms for zero leakage of the demineralised water, so no spillages or wastage. In addition the diaphragms are hydraulically balanced, which significantly reduces the levels of diaphragm stress and therefore reduces down-time, while the inverter-controlled AC motor enables easy adjustment of speed so the flow rate can be adjusted automatically. There was also the benefit from the pump's compact, close-coupled design which meant more plant workspace for Spectrum Yarns.

Hydra-Cell pumps are available in a wide choice of liquid end materials ensuring versatility in their ability to handle most "challenging fluids' along with the flexibility to be adapted to a wide range of pumping duties. They have a proven track record of reliable operation in applications, such as metering, dosing, injecting and spraying chemicals, solvents, acids, hydrocarbons, liquefied gases, alkalis, polymers, resins, slurries, recycled or dirty liquids.

Follow the link to find out more about the Hydra-Cell range of seal-less pumps from Michael Smith Engineers.