Pump destruction from Sodium Hypochlorite
Pump destruction from Sodium Hypochlorite
(OP)
In a food processing environment we are injecting sodium hypochlorite upstream of a 5 stage centrifugal pump for a 70 degC CIP(Clean in Place).We run up to 200 ppm injection for sanitizing purposes. Not only does the hypo scale badly in the CIP pump and lines due to the reaction with hard(200 ppm+) water, the hypo attacks the stainless welds on the semi-closed impellers until they come loose destroying the pump. Complete pump rebuilds are every 3-6 months. I want to inject the hypo downstream of the CIP pump, however the discharge pressure to overcome is 225 psi which makes the pump selection and supplypiping/ tubing difficult for specification. I am looking for help with system design/component selection. Could a vaccum injector also work here?





RE: Pump destruction from Sodium Hypochlorite
RE: Pump destruction from Sodium Hypochlorite
1. Install a water softener on your water supply. With the water softener, the scale formation will not occur.
In addition, through the use of a water softener, you will probably save enough soap to pay for the water softener.
2. Get a pump that is suitable for use with chlorine. Chloride crevice corrosion should not be occuring unless the chloride concentration is well over 200 mg/l.
3. Injecting hypochlorite solution at 225 psig is probably too dangerous of a procedure for your personnel.
4. Injecting hypochlorite with a vacuum probably will not work well. The hypochlorite will tend to outgass. Hypochlorite is well know for outgassing.