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Product code: FIP

North Ridge FIP Flexible Impeller Pump

Pump Type - Flexible Impeller

Max Flow Rate - 44M³H

Max Head - 32M

Pump Materials - AISI304, AISI316, EPDM, NBR, Neoprene, NR, Silicon

Max Temp - 100°C

Max Viscosity - 50,000 cst

Max Solid Passage - 25mm

Self Priming - Y

Inlet/Outlet Sizes - 20mm to 100mm

Drive - AC Electric, DC Electric

Max Suction Lift - 6M

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£804.00 (inc VAT) £670.00 (ex VAT)

This product has a delivery lead time of 1-2 Weeks

DESCRIPTION

FIP Flexible Impeller Pump


Flow Rate

Up to 44m³/hr

Head (Pressure)

Up to 32m

Inlet/Outlet Sizes

DN20 to DN100

Operating Temperature

Up to 100°C

Viscosity

Up to 50,000cp

Drive Options

Electric Motor

 

 

The FIP series of flexible impeller pump is designed to transfer viscous fluids, shear sensitive fluids and fluids containing solids in suspension. Popular industries for this positive displacement pump include, food, beverage, chemical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical.

 

This flexible vane pump is able to self prime from dry and perform a suction lift up to 6m without the requirement of a non-return valve. The largest flexible impeller pump in the range can handle viscosities up to 50,000cp, viscosity capability varies depending on size of pump and motor speed. It is fully reversible and one of the most versatile pumps on the market.

 

The delicate action of the rubber impeller is what creates the non-pulsating flow and allows delicate fluids to be handled. As the shaft within the pump rotates, the flexible impeller bends against the casing forcing the fluid and solids out of the discharge port.

 

Materials of this flexible impeller pump can be customised to suit application requirements, The standard casing material is either stainless steel 304 or stainless steel 316 depending on model, stainless steel 316 is available for all models on request. The impeller can be supplied in various materials including NBR, Neoprene, EPDM, Silicon and Natural rubber depending on the nature of the fluid.

 

Our FIP flexible vane pumps are FDA approved for use in hygienic and sanitary applications and can be supplied with various connection types, including; DIN, BSP Male and Female, Triclover, SMS, RJT, Friederich, Garolla and Macron.

 

Other variations of our flexible impeller pump are available to suit a wide range of applications, these include; bare shaft pump, electric motor, hydraulic motor, gear motor with pulley, mechanical speed variator and variable frequency drive. These variations can also be supplied on a mobile trolley and with a wide range of accessories including; control panel, bypass, barrel filling kit, carry handle, flow meter, dry run protection, pressure switch, level sensors, remote control and motor shroud.

 

Common fluids for this flexible vane pump series include; wine, must, must and stemmed grapes, beer, fruit pulp, fruit juice, honey, liquid sugar, syrups, glucose, milk, melted butter, vegetable glycerine, yoghurt, eggs, oils, edible oils, water based glues, emulsions, wax, detergents, rubber later, inks, paints, waste water, black water, grey water, bilge water, sludge, slurries, soap, lotions, cream, shampoo and many more.


To understand more about flexible impeller pumps, read more here.

 

Product summary

 

         Self priming up to 6m without the requirement of a non-return valve

         Excellent for handling shear sensitive fluids due to the smooth non-pulsating flow

         Viscosity capability of 50,000cp for the largest model

         Up to 25mm solids handling capability depending on pump size. MINI – 3mm, MIDEX – 5mm, MINOR – 10mm, MAJOR – 15mm and MAXI – 25mm

         Reversible via switch on the motor

         Various impeller materials, including  NBR, Neoprene, EPDM, Silicon and Natural rubber

         Various connection types, including; DIN, BSP Male and Female, Triclover, SMS, RJT, Friederich, Garolla and Macron.

         Pump casing is Stainless steel 304 as standard for the MINOR, MAJOR and MAXI models, Stainless steel 316 for the MINI and MIDEX (All models are available in stainless steel 316 on request)

         Certain models are available with 2 speed motor

         Various pump head orientations depending on application requirements

         Garolla connections are fitted to the MINOR, MAJOR and MAXI models as standard, BSP male for the MINI and MIDEX models

         Integrated manual or spring loaded bypass available for certain models

         Motor options include 12V DC, 24V DC, 230V Single phase and 400V Three phase

         Wide range of accessories available including; control panel, bypass, barrel filling kit, carry handle, flow meter, dry run protection, pressure switch, level sensors, remote control and motor shroud


FAQS

No, definitely not! Flexible impeller pumps will incur damage even after short periods of dry running. The mechanical seal requires lubrication and cooling while the pump is operating. Without the presence of fluid, the mechanical seal will overheat and crack, and this may cause the pump to leak and fluid to enter the motor. There is also the possibility that the motor will burn out. The rubber impeller may also melt or deform even after short periods of dry running. Our advice is to ensure that the pump always has access to fluid while running, the vessel or sump on the inlet side of the pump must never run out of fluid while the pump is active. Level sensors or a float switch can be installed in the fluid chamber ensuring that the pump is turned off in the event there is no fluid. Another way of protecting the pump is to fit a dry running device, this will turn the pump off if it detects that no fluid is entering the pump. If you think that dry running is inevitable, then please speak to us and we will try to select a more suitable pump for your application.
A pump must be primed in order to operate correctly, this means that the pump casing and inlet pipe must be filled with fluid and the air removed before operation. This needs to be done manually by the pump operator for a non-self-priming pump each time the pump is used to avoid damage from dry running. A self-priming pump removes these issues by completing the priming process automatically. The air is removed from the inlet pipework and pump casing when the pump is activated. Self-priming pumps are particularly useful for installations with a suction lift on the inlet side of the pump, the pump will draw the fluid up the pipework by creating a vacuum and removing any air that is present. In ideal conditions, a self-priming pump can lift fluids up to around 6m on the inlet side, however this figure is affected by fluid viscosity, pipework bore and other installation conditions, therefore this figure can be much lower from case to case. Allowances must also be made for wear and tear; suction lift capabilities will be much lower for older and worn pumps.
Please be aware that the figures displayed relate to the largest pump from this range of products, not specific models. For details on solids passage for specific models, please refer to datasheets or contact a member of our sales team.
Please be aware that the figures displayed relate to the largest pump from this range of products, not specific models. For details on viscosity for specific models, please refer to datasheets or contact a member of our sales team.
A clear picture of the pump system is required to make an accurate selection. The main pieces of information required include; a description of the application, bore of pipework, the fluid, viscosity, size and type of solids, flow rate and pressure/head. With these pieces of information, a pump can be sized correctly to ensure it delivers the required flow rate and pressure and that is also operates at its best efficiency point to lower lifetime costs. Viscosity is a major factor when selecting the correct motor speed. A full speed pump will not transfer high viscosity fluid correctly, whereas a slower speed pump will have a much gentler pumping action. Knowing if the pump is running intermittently or continuously also allows the correct motor speed to be selected. For instance, a pump running continuously 24/7 will require a slower speed motor rather than a full speed motor. Running the motor slower and oversizing the pump will reduce wear of the motor and the pump, therefore lowering maintenance costs during their lifetime.
Firstly, always check the compatibility of the materials available against the fluid being pumped. The main materials to check are the pump casing, impeller, o-ring and mechanical seal. It may be that more than one material is suitable for your fluid and selection could be based on the application type. For instance; NBR, EPDM, CR, NR and VMQ are all suitable for milk. If it is a simple transfer application, then the most cost-effective material will be best. However, if it involves a high temperature CIP (Clean In Place) process, then other materials will need to be considered.
Our flexible impeller pumps can be supplied with a wide range of food grade and non-food grade connections, including; DIN, BSP Male and Female, Triclover, SMS, RJT, Friederich, Garolla and Macron.
It is always best practice to clean the internals of the pump after each use, especially when handling food and beverage products. A standard cleaning process involves running clean water through the pump for 1-2 minutes and then emptying the pump and pipework of all fluid. When handling food grade products, refer to the standards of your industry. This typically involves CIP (Clean in place), flushing the pump for a set period of time with hot water or a water and chemical mixture. Always ensure that the chemical used is compatible with the pump body, impeller, o-ring and mechanical seal materials. Also ensure not to get any electrical components wet and to use glycerine oil for impeller lubrication.
Flexible impeller pumps can self-prime from dry (no fluid in the casing), however this can be a risky process. These types of pumps do not like to run dry for long periods as the impeller and mechanical seal will become damaged if they are not lubricated. Be careful not to leave the pump running too long without fluid, the operator should keep a careful eye on the pump during the start-up process to ensure fluid is entering the pump correctly. It is always best practice to fill the pump casing with fluid before start-up, ensuring the cavities between each vane contains fluid is the ideal scenario.