Page 43 - Beverage MasterAug Sept 2020_Rev

Craft Distillery

clear, fragile liquids up through thicker liquids and into making their pumps smarter, with things like
even solids. Depending on a distilleries size, they monitoring pump cycles or allowing externally
are found in every application from simple waste controlled operation. Batching systems along with
transfer to product transfer to being used to pump stroke monitoring and leak detection can quick-
cleaning and sanitizing solutions on through the ly turn a simple pump into a true process pump.
final bottling.” There are also evaluations on some material chang-
es and modifications that will lead to longer pump
“It’s a whole pumping system in a box,” said Selig. lives. Quality manufacturers are in the pump busi-
“With flow rates ranging from less than a gallon ness and strive to get their pumps to last as long
per minute (GPM) to over 200 GPM and made from as possible. They’re not in the parts business. The
materials like stainless steel, polypropylene and longer the pumps last, the more likely customers
Kynar with food-grade diaphragms, an AODD is by will keep buying them. We are currently introduc-
far the most capable and flexible pump for distillery ing the next generation of pumps with upgrades to
application use. And due to their unique flexible the operating air valves, pump communication and
nature, the ability to be made explosion-proof and material technologies.”
the ability to operate on compressed air, an AODD
pump is usually mounted on a portable cart to use To add to the versatility of their AODD pumps,
them for more than one application. The carts can Selig said that his customers have been able to
be outfitted complete with filter regulators and the use their standard sanitary pumps without mak-
needed hoses for any application.” ing any changes to switch to sanitizer production.
Additionally, Yamada pumps have been provided
Diaphragm pumps are easy to maintain, with less to some of the largest sanitizer companies in the
moving and normal wear parts than other pump world.
types. Diaphragms will eventually fail and need to
be replaced, but preventative maintenance based Versamatic diaphragm Pumps
on the number of pump strokes can prevent an Prove to be Gentle Workhorses
emergency repair situation. Experienced manu-
facturers can estimate the life of their pumps for “Several different pump options are available
select applications, and repair can be done by a dis- depending on what phase of the distilling process
tributor or trained user. Kits are available that coin- we’re looking at,” said Tim Caldwell, National Sales
cide with training videos to show the exact repair Manager of Versamatic, a global provider of the
procedure for the corresponding pump. air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pumping
solutions. “But the AODD pumps are always great
Selig tells Beverage Master Magazine that choos- choices because of their ability in matching distill-
ing a pump manufacturer with experience is ery applications. Diaphragm pumps require less
important. But so are their partners. attention, can run dry, are self-priming and are
designed to be portable so they can be used where
“You want to work with a company who has needed. Our diaphragm pumps don’t need constant
been there and done that,” said Selig. “Someone monitoring like some types of equipment. They will
who has the right construction materials and the deadhead pressure and then stop pumping, so once
know-how to apply available technology. Then you a certain pressure is built up in the lines, the pump
want them to have a strong distribution network shuts off but will hold the pressure for immediate
to help you at the facility level. Most distributors restart. Deadheading capabilities are efficient and
have trained staff with intimate knowledge of the very functional for filtration and cleaning, which
pumps, inventory, and available repair services. If a can produce clogged filters.”
facility has an experienced mechanic, he can quickly
be trained to repair the pumps on-site as needed. A Caldwell tells Beverage Master Magazine that
distillery builds a partnership with the manufactur- Versamatic diaphragm pumps are popular in distill-
er and their distributor to maximize uptime and be ing because they can all be grounded for use with
assured of timely repairs.” high proof vapors or liquids. The air inlet pressure
and discharge valves are easy to adjust and control,
“New technology is always welcome,” said Selig. and all you need is a clean air source sized for your
“For starters, companies are putting more effort process. Diaphragm pumps are excellent choices for

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