APPLICATION:
Steggles Chickens of Newcastle, use a 4" electric diaphragm pump to transfer chicken waste from a wash down sump to a centrifuge. The diaphragm pump is suited to the application because of its ability to handle large solids such as chicken heads and the viscous sludge consisting of congealed chicken blood.

PROBLEM:
The only problem with the diaphragm pump was its limited discharge pressure output, approximately 10m_ maximum. Congealed blood built quickly up on the insides of the discharge pipework and hindered the pump in its operation. This was resulting in premature failure of diaphragms and connecting rods, while the pumps reciprocating action created vibration in the piping system which caused damage to brackets, fittings, and valves.

SOLUTION:
After trying various measures and seeking to source a different style of pump, a Blacoh Sentry IV 5 gallon pulsation dampener was installed as a final resort. The dampener was installed directly at the pump discharge. This dampener had aluminum wetted construction with a Buna-N bladder.

RESULT:
The installation of the pulsation dampener solved the problem and reduced the pipe work vibration. At one point a pump diaphragm would be lucky to last one week. Now normal life expectancy is more like six months. The system now operates correctly resulting in a lessening of down time and cost.