Application Report

Black & Veatch engineer pleased with
performance of V-Ram double round pump

The performance of V-Ram Solids' 8" double round piston pump has made an impression on an on-site engineer for Black & Veatch. Jim Welp, consulting engineer at the Millcreek Waste Treatment Plant in Cincinnati, Ohio, is very satisfied with the pump's performance since its installation in July 1998.

"We had a need for a centrifuge to be brought online very quickly," says Welp. V-Ram was able to deliver a double round piston pump within the necessary time frame for the application. "The pump transfers material from the centrifuge, to belt conveyors and then to incinerators."

Since installation, the pump has run 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.

"The pump was installed and has operated six months with very few "problems," he says. "Both Black & Veatch and the Metro Sewer District are pleased with the performance."

V-Ram's ball valve enhances the ability to run longer with reduced maintenance. "We have not had any problems with the ball valve," says Welp. Echoing the simplicity behind the development of the ball valve, he adds, "If it works, it works."

The pump has exceeded expectations. "After 4,000 hours of operation - in continuous service - it has worked fine," adds Welp. Inspection of the pump has shown no perceptible wear. V-Ram Solids conducted a review of flow measurement systems and has ordered a flow measurement module which is being shipped to Millcreek Waste Treatment Plant.

V-Ram is also revising their PLC and pump control system to support the flow measurement system.

An in-plant test of the system was conducted in Dec. 1998. Updates on the flow measurement review at Millcreek will be included in following issues.

In addition to the pump's operation, Welp is satisfied with the service provided by V-Ram Solids. He points out that in V-Ram's working with Millcreek, "they have bent over backwards."

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