Axflow Supplies Argent Energy with Waukesha Pumps for Biodiesel Processing
At Argent Energy's plant in Scotland, AxFlow UK has introduced Waukesha Cherry-Burrell Universal II Series pumps for handling biodiesel processing.
London (PRWEB) April 9, 2008 -- At Argent Energy's plant in Scotland, AxFlow UK has introduced Waukesha Cherry-Burrell Universal II Series pumps for handling biodiesel processing. The plant is therefore recognised as Europe's largest biodiesel processing plant and has a capability to produce 45,000 tons of biodiesel per year.
The Waukesha Cherry-Burrell (WCB) pumps handles Glycerine-Like Product (GLP) and Bio Fuel Oil (BFO), this being the residue of the raw Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) produced by the distillation process. The basic raw material used is tallow and used cooking oils and the total production cycle from intake to finished product takes 24 hours.
Certain aspects in the processing of biodiesel from tallow and used cooking oils can be fairly demanding for pumping equipment, for during certain stages of the production cycle the semi-processed media can prove to be problematical. The possibility of the transfer pumps becoming clogged up is a constant threat.
With production being on a 24/7 basis, processing equipment is subjected to a very high workload and therefore must be capable of offering high levels of efficiency and minimum downtime. AxFlow's WCB Universal II rotary positive displacement pumps meet both requirements, and since their commissioning in 2006 they have been reported as having given trouble-free performance and far higher levels of operating efficiency than the pumps which they replaced.
Argent reports that the original pumps installed when the plant was commissioned required frequent cleaning of the rotors as they became blocked up. This is primarily because the quality, nature and solids content of the raw materials used in the process do vary considerably. In addition, there was also the problem of the rotors and seals being damaged by the aggressive nature of the pumped media and its temperature.
The three types of WCB pumps now used at the plant are the Universal II 45, Universal 15 and Universal 18. All three pump types operate on the circumferential-piston principle whereby arc shaped rotor wings (pistons) travel in annular shaped cylinders machined in the pump body. The resulting long sealing path reduces slippage and produces a smooth flow of product without destructive pulses or pressure peaks, and without valves or complex parts. For high viscosity fluids, the large fluid cavities of the rotors, together with the large easy entry anti-cavitation ports allow efficient pumping of slurries and liquids containing solids of the nature encountered in biodiesel processing.
Providing flow rates of 1000-1500l/h the WCB U45 pumps are employed on the GLP acidulation and neutralisation lines where the abrasive nature of the fluid presents a problem. Acidulation is the process used for separation and this involves the addition of a concentration of sulphuric acid into the mix to bring down the ph level. From there the fluid is transferred to a centrifuge and into a neutralisation tank where an alkaline based substance, which also has its own handling issues, is added to bring the pH level back to neutral.
The WCB U15 and U18 pumps are used on the BFO lines immediately after distillation. Argent Energy uses two distillation columns to produce BFO. The two distillation columns clean or separate the heavier phase of the fuel oils to give a lighter phase. The first column splits the heavy phase oil and the second column provides a further split to produce the desired lighter phase BFO. Giving flow rates of 800kph and 400kph respectively, the U18 is used after the first column and the U15 after the second column. Both these pumps have proved to be capable of withstanding both the temperature of heavier phase fuel oil, which can reach 120ºC, and its make-up. In addition, the high temperatures involved can lead to material crystallisation has not had any impact on pump performance.
Argent Energy reports that the attraction of the WCB Universal pumps is the ability of the O-rings, seals to withstand the temperatures required for the process and the rotors to resist attack. The original pumps were constantly running at 100%, whereas the replacement WCB pumps only operate at between 30 and 40%. The benefits of this are higher operating efficiency levels and longer working life. After 18 months operation, the pumps are reported to be achieving the levels of service required and have been trouble-free. With the old pumps, the engineers always had to remove the pump faces and clean out the rotors. With the WCB Universal pumps, maintenance has been restricted merely to O ring and seal inspection due to fair wear and tear.
About AxFlow:
AxFlow Holding AB is the holding company of the AxFlow Group of companies. AxFlow is active all over Europe and specialises in the marketing, distribution and provision of a complete sales engineering service for high quality, market leading fluid handling equipment. AxFlow´s high standards of technical competence, service and integrity have contributed to steady growth since its establishment in 1989 and form the basis for future development. AxFlow represents world leading manufacturers of pumps and other fluid handling equipment, and together we offer the highest value to customers. AxFlow´s philosophy is to continue to enhance the range and scope of services, and to offer customers full commitment and value from one source.
The AxFlow Group has an annual turnover of EURO 130 million and 400 employees and is a subsidiary of Axel Johnson International AB, Stockholm, Sweden, and part of the Axel Johnson Group of companies.
www.axflow.com
Axel Johnson International markets and distributes components, systems and customer related solutions to industrial companies, local distributors and agents. The company consists of five business areas: Forankra, AxFlow, AxIndustries, and AxImage. The group of companies has an annual turnover of SEK 7 billion and is represented in some 20 countries in Europe. Axel Johnson International is a part of Axel Johnson AB, owned by Antonia Ax:son Johnson and family.
For further product details, contact:
Tony Peters
AxFlow Ltd
Orion Park
Northfield Avenue
Ealing
London W13 9SJ
Tel: 020 8579 2111
Email: info @ axflow.co.uk
www.axflow.co.uk
Media enquiries to:
Bryan Orchard
Orchard Public Relations Ltd
Tel: 01420 588194
Email: orchard @ primex.co.uk
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