Mechanical Technology March 2015

⎪ Pump systems, pipes, valves and seals ⎪

The acquisition of Sundyne Corporation by Pressure Products Industries (PPI) means that PPI’s sealless reciprocating diaphragm compressors have been launched in South Africa and are now available locally from AESPUMP. Modified API 618 sealless compressors arrive in SA

T he PPI range of sealless recipro- cating diaphragm compressors has launched in South Africa. Well-known worldwide, and with a reputation for very high levels of service and support, the PPI machines have become available locally through the recent acquisition by Sundyne Corpora- tion of Pressure Products Industries (PPI). Sundyne products are marketed, serviced and supported in South Africa by AESPUMP. PPI’s pedigree in the manufacture of sealless reciprocating diaphragm com- pressors goes back 60 years, and the company’s installed base in the refin- ing, petrochemical, chemical, LNG and semiconductor markets exceeds 3 500 machines. Built to comply with modified API 618 standards, PPI compressors are excep- tionally durable and reliable, with each unit being load tested at the USA-based factory to ensure that it meets stringent performance benchmarks for leak-free performance in the non-contaminating compression of critical gases. PPI sealless diaphragm compressors are available in single- and multi-stage packages with displacements up to 255 m 3 /h; pressures to 1 170 bar; and up to 187 kW of power. They are ideal for cylinder filling, fuel cell technology, handling dangerous or corrosive gases under pressure, and transfer applications that require high purity. In South Africa, target markets will comprise the petrochemical, oil and gas markets, where machine modularity will allow customisation to the unique needs of each application. Crankcase and motor size will be determined by duty, while instrumentation, protective equip- ment, gasket materials and materials for O-rings and other components will be determined by the details of the customer specification. “Users of other makes of sealless diaphragm compressors have become accustomed to an expensive, non-PPI product with very poor after sales service,

The Series 7000 PPI compressor.

The PPI-1500 compressor.

non-contaminating gas compression. Boasting a leak tight mechanism that features static seals that do not need to be purged or vented, they present an absolutely zero leakage threat to the atmosphere, providing an ideal solution for safely handling ultra-pure, corrosive and volatile gases. Additionally, a set of metallic dia- phragms in each machine isolates the process media from the piston or piston rings, completely eliminating the risk of cross contamination. q

and that is where I see the market gap,” says AESPUMP sales and marketing director, Neil Britz. “The Sundyne PPI machines are supported by an established service network staffed by fully-trained techni- cians. These compressors are designed to safely operate in the most demanding applications,” Britz says. Sundyne PPI sealless diaphragm compressors deliver total assurance of

Piping technology for beverage plants T he further developed version of the proven Eco-Matrix concept for manual piping technology was presented at

over. Opening of the system means oxygen uptake and the risk of contamination by microorganisms. This is avoided with the Eco-Fence solution. The valves are operated via an air panel. After the operator has set the desired transfer path on the air panel, all program steps are performed automatically. The system can be operated either from next to the Eco-Fence or from a remote location. Compared to conventional solutions, operator safety is significantly improved – no operating activities required in the working area, where cleaning and similar processes take place. The air panel facilitates opera- tion, and in countries with extreme climatic conditions, it can be inexpensively placed in an air-conditioned room. Eco-Fence is a cost-effective alternative to pipe fence solutions. Compared to the conventional design with long pipes between the actual tank connection and the valve matrix, Eco-Fence is an ideal solution in terms of process technology and hygiene. Eco-Fence is patented in Germany with international patents pending. EHEDG certi- fied components are used. q

BrauBeviale 2014 held in Nürnberg, Ger- many during November last year. Eco-Fence is a “superior alternative to conventional piping with pipe fence or swing bend panels” for new brewery installations and beverage plants as well as for upgrades. The innova- tion is an alternative to conventional piping and offers customers no oxygen uptake, lowered costs and environmental protection. The system provides roughly the same technological benefits and cleaning advan- tages as Eco-Matrix and is also based on a compact tank outlet tree. The short vertical pipe in combination with double-seal valves as well as T-smart mix-proof butterfly valves and air panel guarantees very good cleaning conditions, minimum losses and maximum product safety. An essential aspect of the Eco-Fence design is the direct connection of the valves for tank filling and emptying and their inlet and outlet connections. Conventional pipe fence and swing bend systems have the disadvantage that the piping system has to be opened for change-

Mechanical Technology — March 2015

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