VERDERFLEX solves lime dosing problem at Yorkshire Water

Diaphragm pumps were being used to dose Kalic® Liquid Lime, a viscous, alkali solution added to the process fluid to maintain a neutral pH value. The problem occurred when these pumps had to operate at low flow rates. Staff at the site were constantly called out after the pumps became clogged with the viscous product and failed. As a solution, Verder recommended the replacement of these units with VERDERFLEX peristaltic pumps.

Pumps in this range can self-prime to a depth of 9.5m and are engineered to prevent clogging. They can handle highly viscous liquids and offer precise flow control, making them ideal for dosing applications such as this. They are also easy to maintain, as the hose is the only part of the pump that comes into contact with the product.

Five VERDERFLEX pumps have subsequently been installed at the site by Verder, under the instruction of Earth Tech/Morrison. These include two VF15’s for pre Kalic and two VF10’s for post Kalic dosing. A VF25 recirculates the solution to storage tanks. The new pumps are controlled by the site’s PLC and utilise the existing inverters to give variable speed and flow as required. This system has replaced the twin controls for speed and stroke adjustment that were fitted with the diaphragm pumps.

The installation was carried out without interrupting the water supply and no call outs have been experienced, dramatically reducing both downtime and maintenance costs.

Kalic® is a registered trademark of Buxton Lime Industries.

For further info please contact Chris Walker at chris.walker@verder.co.uk or visit www.verder.com