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Netzsch Pumps USA expands production in Pennsylvania

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The expansion will significantly reduce turnaround times and improve customer service. On-shoring manufacturing in Pennsylvania will also make Netzsch more independent of the global supply chain.

The company has recently changed its name to Netzsch Pumps USA to underline the importance of its increased manufacturing footprint in the US.

The expansion will include Multi-Tasking Machining Centers which are a complete fusion of CNC turning- and machining centers. Netzsch will be able to complete all operations in a single setup – turning, milling, boring, drilling and more. The machine delivers precision and performance for heavy, large-diameter, shaft-type pieces for a wide range of components for Netzsch’s NEMO Progressing Cavity Pumps. Ultimately, this significant investment in the new machining centers will allow Netzsch to manufacture the line’s largest rotors, drive shafts and coupling rods at the Exton, Pennsylvania facility which will cut delivery times to a fraction of the current market standard. Nerzsch has also invested in special rotor whirling machines which can produce rotors for NEMO Progressing Cavity pumps for up to 6-inch diameter and 20-foot length.

This investment also allows Netzsch’s federal US customers to be in full compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) as Netzsch progressing cavity pumps are produced in the USA.

In addition to the multimillion dollar investment in the manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania Netzsch also recently opened an assembly plant in Houston, Texas.

“These investments in the USA are part of a global initiative by Netzsch which includes investments in new factories in Brazil, China, India and last but not least a new campus for the Pump headquarters in Germany with a volume of more than E100 million,” said Thomas Streubel, president of Netzsch Pumps North America and a member of the global leadership team. “Netzsch has grown its world market share in the progressing cavity pump sector to over 40% and we still see opportunities to continue to grow by servicing our state-side and global customers better.”

“With the Exton expansion, our goal is to significantly improve our flexibility in the US. We want to get parts to our customers more quickly, at the highest level Netzsch quality standards, with shorter lead times, and with lower shipping costs,” said Thorsten Thiebach, VP of Operations at Netzsch in Exton. “This is crucial for drastically cutting turnaround times to our customers and to overcome the challenges presented by the rising costs of shipping and the uncertainty of global supply chains.”

Wanner to provide 75 pumps for pharmaceutical giant

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After intensive testing, the company chose the Hydra-Cell Flow Chemistry and High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) pumps because of the advanced mechanical and hydraulic design, with little ancillary equipment required, the high accuracy over the wide flow range and the technical support.

The Hydra-Cell pumps deliver an extremely low pulse flow, without the need for pulsation dampeners, and with a predictable and controllable flow rate for a consistent process.

The pumps will be installed in a new production line for transfer, blending and injection of saline solutions, alcohols and other salts, within an ATEX Zone 2 environment; delivering flow rates from 1–14,000 l/hr at a discharge pressure of 30 Bar (435 PSI).

Paul Davis, Wanner International’s managing director, said: “When you are manufacturing lifesaving and life enhancing drugs, you can’t let anything get in the way. These pumps are a perfect fit for this application. They will maximise the production line’s efficiency and productivity, safely and reliably – and reduce costs.”

Verderflex iDura pump family now IoT enabled

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The new additions include the iDura 45, iDura 55, iDura 55HF, iDura 65 and the iDura 80. The Verder IoT application has also been introduced to enable online data monitoring across the entire iDura range, from 5 to 80.

The Verder IoT monitoring application allows users to track pump data on their mobile devices, enhancing productivity and saving maintenance resources. The pump’s modular design ensures easy maintenance, while its energy efficiency supports sustainability goals. Additionally, the Remote Assistant app enables smartphone-based checks for critical functions and early issue alerts.

Already available on the Verderflex Ds500, the app has now been expanded to provide the same benefits on the entire iDura range. It is possible to retrofit IoT functionality to previously installed iDura pumps.

The iDura range is suitable for filter presses, water treatment, chemical processing, food and beverage production and pharmaceuticals, as well as other industries.

KSB inaugurates valve technology centre in Luxembourg

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The Sisto TechCenter includes testing facilities tailored to the needs of the pharmaceutical industry and the biotechnology sector, as well as modern office space for the technical departments.

The testing facilities have a custom-built test stand for sterile process valves. This allows practical testing of valves for sterile processes. Here, developers are able to simulate all the necessary cleaning (CIP) and sterilisation (SIP) processes under original conditions. All common cleaning products (CIP), ultra-pure steam (SIP), compressed air, and vacuum are used, as well as cold and hot water. The tests can be performed according to ASME BPE standards or to the individual specifications of the end user.

In addition to further function and endurance test stands for diaphragm valves and accessories, there are also a variety of facilities for materials testing and testing of mechatronic assemblies. A vacuum chamber with leak detector is available for leak tests using helium in accordance with ISO 15848-1 or German Technical Guidelines on Air Quality Control (TA Luft).

As part of its sustainability policy, Sisto Armaturen has designed the building to be climate-neutral, so it will require neither heating nor cooling.

Graco Inc has launched its next generation electric-operated double diaphragm pump – the Quantm – for industrial and hygienic applications.

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he Quantm pump features a new electric motor design that Graco says is up to eight times more efficient than a standard pneumatic pump. The pump is suitable for nearly any fluid transfer application and offers a wide range of construction materials to support multiple industrial and hygienic applications, including chemical processing, water treatment, paint manufacturing, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical.

The electric Quantm pump is designed to be a highly reliable drop-in replacement for current pneumatic pumps or greenfield construction. This pump is built for harsh industrial or hygienic environments, yet its innovative and efficient design is lightweight and easy to maintain. With built-in controls and no gearbox, the pump also fits seamlessly into most fluid transfer applications.

“The Quantm pump isn’t a new twist on old technology. It’s an entirely innovative design that changes how pumps perform in factories and other installations around the world,” said Dan Purkat, senior product marketing manager at Graco. “We’re excited to have created an advanced, extremely efficient design that is lightweight and provides significantly lower lifetime costs than other pump technologies. The pump modernizes operations by greatly reducing energy cost. This empowers industrial manufacturers to protect and grow margins and measurably contribute to energy savings, compliance and environmental stewardship efforts.”

“Our new Quantm pump is the perfect solution for upgrading your less-efficient air operated pumps,” said Jeffrey Shaffer, senior product marketing manager at Graco. “The same great self-priming, stalling, seal-less design with smooth, steady flow is a must-have for in-process applications, filling systems and hygienic applications. The powerful new FluxCore motors and drives deliver up to eight times more continuous torque at low speeds than conventional motors, and the plug-and-play installation allows you to easily replace existing pumps without additional investment or infrastructure rework.”

AxFlow Denmark has acquired Gram Vakuum Teknik ApS, a Danish supplier of vacuum pumps, lifting equipment and related services.

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Located in Galten, 20km west of Aarhus, Gram Vakuum Teknik is supported by a nationwide network of service and maintenance facilities.

“The addition of Gram Vakuum Teknik to AxFlow Denmark is well-aligned with our strategy to further grow in service,” said Ole Weiner, CEO, AxFlow Holding.

“Our aim is to become very strong in customer service. This requires close proximity to customer sites, skilled and professional engineering and service personnel and access to high-quality products. Jesper Gram and his team at Gram Vakuum Teknik bring all this to the table. I’m confident that our customers in the food, laboratory, pharma, and water & wastewater will appreciate the benefits of this acquisition,” said Søren Weihrauch, managing director of AxFlow A/S.

Daikin introduces new low carbon VRV heat pumps for all types of commercial buildings

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Daikin unveils details about two new VRV 5 heat pump systems set to hit the market in the first half of 2024. With expanded capacities for the Mini-VRV system of up to 33.5 kW and a new Top-Blow series reaching 56 kW, Daikin is expanding its portfolio for the decarbonization of commercial buildings.

VRV 5 heat pump

VRV 5 heat pump

As air-to-air heat pump solution, the VRV 5 system provides year-round highly energy-efficient heating and cooling for every commercial building, with distinct advantages: It is easy and flexible to install and use, helping users reduce both the direct and indirect environmental impacts of commercial heating and cooling systems. Extended piping lengths of up to 1,000 meters facilitate configuration across all building types and sizes. Additionally, it offers a choice of five low sound settings, down to 41 db (A), ensuring compliance with urban planning requirements and enhancing occupants comfort levels.

VRV 5

Lower CO2 emissions of buildings

Specially designed for the refrigerant R-32, the new VRV 5 heat pump helps to accelerate the much-needed decarbonization of commercial buildings. R-32 has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) of only 675 and carries heat more effectively than the refrigerant R-410A, allowing for significantly lower refrigerant charge. In accordance with the European F-gas regulation, R-32 reduces potential direct CO2 equivalent (CO2-eq) emissions of the heating and cooling systems by up to 71%.

In addition, the new VRV 5 heat pumps have an increased seasonal efficiency (of up to 9.1%) compared to the previous models, reducing their indirect impact. Efficiency values are tested with the most-selling units to ensure an accurate representation of true energy consumption.

A network of accredited experts is available to assist customers in calculating the total life carbon footprint for the VRV 5 solution and to maximise BREEAM, LEED or WELL accreditations.

Shîrudo Technology for maximal peace of mind

Daikin’s unique Shîrudo Technology meets the legal requirements of IEC60335-2-40, a specific product standard referring to the mildly flammable characteristics of R-32. The factory-supplied refrigerant control measures provided by Shîrudo Technology are third party certified and enable the installation of VRV5 systems in all types of buildings and room spaces. Shîrudo Technology also renders complex studies unnecessary when installation details and/or space layouts change.

All-in-one: Integration of smart indoor units, indoor air quality units and controls

Just like all other VRV 5 outdoor units, the new VRV 5 heat pumps are compatible with a wide range of specially designed indoor units for R-32, including Biddle air curtains. This provides Daikin’s customers with maximum flexibility for all room configurations. Additionally, decentralized ventilation units as well as central air handling units can be integrated into the new VRV5 heat pumps to ensure a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.

The user-friendly and intuitive control of VRV 5 systems simplifies operation while maximising efficiency and user comfort. When VRV 5 is connected to Daikin’s latest Daikin Cloud Plus platform, providing continuous real-time monitoring and energy management, the energy consumption of buildings can be further reduced. Daikin Cloud Plus also offers service technicians the advantage of performing equipment diagnostics and settings remotely.

Tanja Banay, General Manager Strategic Business Unit Commercial at Daikin Central Europe, on the VRV5 heat pump launch: “There has never been a greater focus on supporting the decarbonization of buildings and the HVAC-R industry including manufacturers, distributors and installers have an important role to play. It is up to all of us to bring future-proof solutions, such as VRV 5, to the market and support designers, installers, commercial building owners and investors to make usage of low carbon VRV systems in the building industry.”

ARO’s latest seal-less process pump technology boosts starch glue application energy efficiency

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These pumps ensure optimal product quality and lower energy consumption in mission-critical starch glue applications.

Biodegradable, renewable and thus seen as much more ecological than their petroleum-based alternatives, starch-based adhesives have been increasingly utilised in the production of paper and cardboard to bond multiple paper layers together. Starch glue feeding and recirculating is one of the most demanding tasks in these heavy-duty manufacturing processes, with the quality of the glue – which is very sensitive to high temperatures and excessive shear forces – being crucial for the achievement of the desired paper/cardboard properties.

To avoid filming, starch-based adhesives need to be pumped smoothly at a consistent, reliable rate with as little pulsation as possible. Diaphragm pumps have traditionally been the pumps of choice for this application which, due to the large pumping volumes required and the nature of the raw material used, entails major energy expenses. With process air generation accounting for a significant portion of paper and cardboard manufacturing plants’ total operating costs, the choice of the right diaphragm pump model can make a huge difference.

ARO’s EVO Series electric diaphragm pumps address the primary pain points of paper and cardboard makers. Their design featuring three process chambers, precise torque control and high-efficiency electric diaphragms, these pumps offer a stable flowrate with very low pulsation levels and  high energy savings.

The EVO Series pumps gently handle starch-based glues with a wide range of viscosity levels without the use of an additional pulsation dampener, which prevents any damage to the quality of the adhesive and the finished end product itself. They are self-regulating, adapting easily to demand variations that are typical for starch glue applications. The pumps promptly react to sudden increases and decreases in flowrate requirements, which obviates the need to change the pump set-up when moving from full production load to recirculating load.

The above-mentioned characteristics, combined with the EVO Series electric diaphragm pumps’ robustness and durability even under high-load conditions, mean that in many situations one pump can actually perform the same job as two pumps derived from a different technology. “Using the EVO Series, you can run only one pump at a time and have another one on stand-by to further optimise the energy consumption of your manufacturing plant without compromising, and often actually increasing, its productivity rate,” said one of ARO’s customers.

GEA supplies heat pump network for Heineken UK’s Manchester brewery

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The Manchester brewery, which produces about 400 million liters of Heineken, Birra Moretti and Foster’s beer per year, will install heat pumps and a heat pump network that will capture and reuse heat to brew and package beer. GEA will design, supply and install the low carbon heat network to the existing plant and will also modify the legacy process equipment.

Heineken UK’s Manchester brewery – Source: Heineken UK.

Currently, steam is produced in large steam boilers powered by natural gas. With the new system, Heineken UK will use a low temperature (90°C) hot water network – driven by GEA heat pumps – replacing the steam boilers with heat pumps powered by electricity.

GEA’s heat pump solution operates on an ammonia refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential and zero global warming potential. Distribution and recovery pipe work make up the foundation of the network, which will absorb the heat from multiple processes.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Once completed, Heineken UK estimates that the installation will result in a 45% decrease in gas use, leading to a reduction of carbon emissions.

The high-pressure ammonia reciprocating compressor, GEA Grasso V XHP, is a central part of the GEA heat pump system at the Heineken UK brewery – Source: GEA.

Heineken’s global ambition is to reach net zero across its production sites (scopes 1 and 2) by 2030.

“We want to brew a better world and we need to act now if we are going to meet our 2030 net zero ambitions,” said Chelsey Wroe, Head of Sustainability at Heineken UK. “Heat pumps are a key technology on our journey to decarbonizing our breweries and enable us to create a circular process with the excess heat that is created during the brewing process. As GEA brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the project as well as some well-engineered technical solutions, we appointed GEA – after a thorough tender process – to support us in decarbonizing our Manchester site.”

In this project, GEA combines its heat pump technology with its experience in the brewing process industry. “Our ability to deliver a design, which recognized the complex and diverse energy demands of a large scale 24/7 brewing operation made the difference,” said John Burden, Director Project Sales at GEA’s Heating & Refrigeration Technologies Division.

Matthew Hadwen, Sales Manager Brewery at GEA’s Liquid & Powder Technologies Division, who lead the project, added: “Being able to do it all in-house makes us a more reliable partner to Heineken, who are truly serious about their sustainability goals. Hopefully this approach will encourage other companies to follow their example.”

Blasting shows African mines the power of positive disruption

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As we prepare for another exciting Investing in African Mining Indaba in 2024, the theme of ‘positive disruption’ could not be more appropriate for the directions being forged in the field of mine blasting and explosives.

According to Ralf Hennecke, Managing Director of Omnia group company BME, mining has been facing the same winds of change that are impacting all sectors of the global economy, but has not just been adapting to new demands. Rather, the sector has been applying technologies that are taking safety and productivity to new levels.

“From our perspective as mining technology partners, BME can certainly attest to how mines are ‘Embracing the power of positive disruption’,” said Hennecke. “We have no doubt that this is a critical element of African mining’s bold new future.”

Sustainable ramp-up?

He highlighted that one of the many questions that will be posed at this year’s Indaba relates to how Africa will respond to the increased demand for battery minerals, and whether the continent can sufficiently ramp up production while sustainably managing environmental and social impacts.