While not every pumping application in the food and beverage industry may equate in value to critical process points in a petroleum refinery, failure of a key pump, however, can still have a catastrophic impact on production. And, probably for many facilities, pumps may not be top of mind for most managers. However, pumps handling water recirculation in aquaculture facilities, maintaining flow in CIP systems, bringing in fresh water for use as an ingredient or handling wastewater can represent a critical stop to production should they break down.
From finding replacement parts—like impellers—for legacy pumps to upgrading old pumps with new parts can create a new lease on life for aging pumps. Charles Soothill, head of technology for rotating equipment services at Sulzer, recently looked at some of the latest technologies that are being developed and used to create new parts for pumps, including reverse engineering and additive manufacturing (AM).