Pumping Latex
Pumping Latex
(OP)
I have no experience sizing and configuring pump systems.
This lies way outside of my area of expertise.
I'm hoping members of this forum can provide some guidance and clarity.
The plan is to install a 5000 gallon vertical tank to store natural rubber latex. The latex will be delivered via bulk tank truck. The need is to pump the latex from the truck to the tank.
The inlet hose length will be 25 feet. The outlet hose length will be approximately the same. The height to the top of the tank is 16 feet. The viscosity of the latex is 6000 centipoise. solids content is 65%.
1. What kind and configuration of pump would be most appropriate for this application?
2. What size drive would be required to power the pump correctly?
3. What RPM's should the pump operate at?
4. What should my inlet and outlet diameters be?
All input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
This lies way outside of my area of expertise.
I'm hoping members of this forum can provide some guidance and clarity.
The plan is to install a 5000 gallon vertical tank to store natural rubber latex. The latex will be delivered via bulk tank truck. The need is to pump the latex from the truck to the tank.
The inlet hose length will be 25 feet. The outlet hose length will be approximately the same. The height to the top of the tank is 16 feet. The viscosity of the latex is 6000 centipoise. solids content is 65%.
1. What kind and configuration of pump would be most appropriate for this application?
2. What size drive would be required to power the pump correctly?
3. What RPM's should the pump operate at?
4. What should my inlet and outlet diameters be?
All input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.





RE: Pumping Latex
"The top of the organisation doesn't listen sufficiently to what the bottom is saying." Tony Hayward X-CEO BP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpiIWMWWVco
"Being GREEN isn't easy." Kermit
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com
RE: Pumping Latex
The delivery is 4500 gallons and needs to be unloaded in 2-4 hours. Flow rate is estimated at 19 - 30 gallons per minute.
The tank has a tapered botton so gravity feed will work fine for dispensing. Have thoughts about a festoon system with a hose for future dispensing. This biggest challenge right now is just getting it out of the truck and into the storage tank. We'll save potential dispensing ideas for another time.
RE: Pumping Latex
ht
RE: Pumping Latex
RE: Pumping Latex
RE: Pumping Latex
RE: Pumping Latex
A peristaltic pump has much less wear but creates pulsations. Therefore solid (plastic or metal) pipes on both ends are much better than hoses. A pulsation dampener will not be needed as the pressure is low and the latex is rather viscous.
A diaphragm pump is the last but most probably the cheapest choice, especially if you have compressed air available. The advantages/disadvantages are the same as for the peristaltic pump. With an AC drive the diaphragm pump will be most likely more expensive. But an air driven diaphragm pump will be cheaper than any other solution. And the energy costs are negligible with less than 20 hours a year.
Suction side inlet size: Not less than 3"
Discharge side outlet: Whatever the pump has
Req. power size (if electrically driven): not less than 0.5 HP (rough estimate)
RPM: Because of the high viscosity I do not recommend more than 50 for a diaphragm or peristaltic pump and not more than 100 for a rotating PD pump. But the pump manufacturers will know that better.
RE: Pumping Latex
RE: Pumping Latex
RE: Pumping Latex
RE: Pumping Latex
Ash Fenn
www.cdrpumps.co.uk
RE: Pumping Latex
Charlie
www.facsco.com
RE: Pumping Latex
Thanks for the info FACS.
RE: Pumping Latex
RE: Pumping Latex
Thanks again to all that provided feeback!!!
RE: Pumping Latex
If you were to choose a gear pump, then you would be looking at the solids wearing down the seals rather quickly.
Charlie
www.facsco.com