Smooth and reliable spray coating of metal containers - Hydra-Cell can do the job
04 Nov 2015
Background
In many packaging applications, particularly in the food and beverage industries, the material of choice is metal, or more specifically aluminium. Aluminium is one of the most effective packaging materials and today is used to preserve and protect a wide variety of foods and beverages. Aluminium offers the advantage of being lightweight, yet strong, is relatively easy to ‘form’ and can be continuously reused without degradation to its quality, performance or safety. However, due to the nature of some types of food and drink, the internal surfaces of aluminium cans require a surface treatment, such as a food grade laquor coating to prevent corrosion and or, protect from the taste problems associated with metallurgy. Hydra Cell D10 Series positive displacement multiple diaphragm pumps supplied by MICHAEL SMITH ENGINEERS, have been used successfully for metering coating fluids during the spraying process at a leading metal packaging company.
The Challenge
As with most packaging manufacturing applications the volumes are large, highly automated and operate 24/7, consequently there are unique challenges at all stages of the process. Where internal surfaces of cans require coating, the performance of the pumps required to meter the coating fluids or laquors, is particularly important. For example, accuracy and reliability is essential with a consistent and dependable coating thickness paramount. Also, virtually pulse-free flows with zero leakage, helping to ensure smooth, even spraying without wastage, is very important.
The Solution
Hydra Cell D10 Series multi-diaphragm pumps, coupled to variable speed AC inverter controlled motors, are integral to the fluid handling systems used to meter and dose the laquor coatings.
The Benefits
These positive displacement pumps deliver accurate and reliable flows to ensure a consistent spray coating thickness while their multi-diaphragm design means virtually pulse-free flows for smooth, even spraying of the liquor.
The hermetically sealed diaphragms eliminate the potential for leakage resulting in a reduced risk of chemical and environmental hazards and also no wastage. Furthermore, the hydraulically balanced diaphragms ensure reduced stress which contributes toward reduced down time and longer time spans between servicing. The inverter controlled AC motors provide the benefit of easy adjustment of motor speed and enable the flow rate to be adjusted automatically.
Hydra-Cell hydraulically flexed positive displacement diaphragm pumps are designed to deliver a wide range of flow rates from 0.4 to 128 lit/min at pressures up to 172 Bar. They are available in a wide choice of liquid end materials ensuring versatility 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, liquified gases, alkalis, polymers, resins, slurries, recycled or dirty liquids.
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