2 AprIL 2007

Blackmer NP Pumps Improve Operational Efficiency and Reduce Energy Consumption During Biodiesel Production

Grand Rapids, MIBlackmer, a global leader in positive displacement rotary vane, eccentric disc and centrifugal pump technologies, announces that the advanced design aspects in its positive displacement sliding vane pump technology can improve the overall efficiency and performance for biodiesel production plants. These design advantages have resulted in quieter operation, longer service life and reduced maintenance requirements, while providing significantly reduced energy consumption during the biodiesel production process.

Blackmer's workhorse in the positive displacement sliding vane pump family is the NP Series of fluid processing and transfer pumps. NP Series pumps are designed to offer maximum versatility for handling a wide range of clean, non-corrosive fluids. The high volumetric efficiency and low slippage of these pumps means they require less horsepower and up to 50% less power when handling viscous fluids. The pumps come in five port sizes ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches with flow rates from 5 to 500 U.S. gpm (19 to 1,893 lpm) and operating temperatures to 500°F (260°C). The versatility of the pumps allows them to be used in a variety of loading and unloading operations, including the difficult application of top-unloading railcars.

The pumps' tremendous suction capability also increases efficiency in the process of removing the "heel" out of a railcar or tanker truck. The key to the NP Series' versatility is Blackmer's unique sliding vane design that provides sustained, high-level performance over a wide viscosity range. NP pumps are self-priming, meaning that they can run dry for short periods of time for priming and line-stripping. The pumps have a unique head and sleeve bearing design that allows a small quantity of fluid to flow from the discharge side of the pump to the bearings. This small, continuous flow of fluid over the bearing surfaces provides a hydrodynamic film, which minimizes temperature rise for longer bearing life.

NP pumps are also available in a 316 stainless steel SNP Series with port sizes ranging from 1.25 to 3 inches and flow rates from 2 to 265 gpm (8 to 1,000 lpm). While 316 stainless steel is used on all significant wetted parts, the sliding vanes and end discs are non-metallic, which reduces friction and eliminates galling. SNP pumps are typically used in handling a variety of corrosive or caustic fluids such as acids and brines, and liquid foods such as sugars, syrups, beer, beet juice, cider and flavor extracts.

For more information about Blackmer NP and SNP pumps, please contact Jim Becker at (616) 475-9390 or becker@blackmer.com.

Blackmer is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high quality flow technologies, including peristaltic hose, eccentric disc and rotary vane positive displacement pumps, centrifugal pumps, screw compressors, air elimination systems and sliding vane and reciprocating compressors for the transfer of liquid and gas products. Blackmer pumps and compressors are used worldwide in a variety of industries including LPG, Chemical and Industrial Processing, Energy, Food & Sanitary, Military/Marine and the Mobile Transport industries. Blackmer is part of Dover Corporation.

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