Paper Plant Pump Seal Filtration

Pump Seal Filtration


V-SERIES AUTOMATIC SELF-CLEANING FILTERS

  • Effective mechanical seal protection
  • V-1500 and V-500 both with 40 micron screens are used to protect the pump seals.
  • High quality 316L Stainless Steel construction
  • Minimizes costly downtime and repairs

International Paper's Eastover, S.C. fine paper plant has historically experienced significant down time and expense related to mechanical seal failures on a variety of their pumps. Their maintenance mechanics suspected iron oxide particles in the flush water were causing the failures. After consulting with their mechanical seal suppliers, they determined that any particle below 40 microns in diameter would not cause a problem with their seals. So, in 2005 they decided to try and remedy the situation by selecting an automatic, self-cleaning filter. After a competitive product evaluation, they chose a V-1500-40 automatic filter with 40 micron screen for one trunk of their supply line and a VAF-500-40 for another trunk to test their theory. From start up of the filters they collected the flush water from the filter during its cleaning cycle. The amount of large rust particles, sand, grass and even wood particles collected was remarkable. Previously this material had been pumped through the mechanical seals, plugging ports and causing wear.

Since that time they have began the process of replacing carbon steel pipe, which is the primary source of their problem, with stainless steel pipe. The VAF filter standard construction is 316-stainless steel which is another great benefit for International Paper. It is not economically feasible for them to replace the entire carbon steel pipe system in the plant; instead, they have purchased 5 more VAF units as large, point of use filters to protect various supply lines from the contaminants still in the flush water.

The 316-stainless steel construction for chemical compatibility, fully automatic operation and simplicity of design make the VAF automatic filter a perfect combination for this application.

MADE IN U.S.A.