Local pump supplier BRC Developments has been awarded the right to distribute US pump company All-Flo’s air-operated double diaphragm pumps in South Africa.

“After a lot of negotiation, BRC Developments was awarded the right as the main distributor of All-Flo pumps in South Africa. We will serve as the gateway for these pumps into the South African market and we aim to set up a distribution network across the country,” comments BRC Developments owner Bryan Storrier.

The pumps are suitable for a range of applications and can run dry indefinitely with no damage to the pump. They are suited to pumping highly viscous products and, as they are air-operated, they are suitable for explosive atmospheres and coal-mining environments.

“These pumps are unusual because, with the use of the patented Max-Pass valve, they can pump solids and fluids with viscosities of up to 22 000 centipoise (cps). It also increases solids handling by 300%. Pumps have a five-year manufacturer’s warranty,” explains Storrier.

Compressed air or any nonflammable compressed gas is used to operate the All-Flo double diaphragm pumps. The pumping stroke begins as air is delivered by the air distribution system, putting pressure first on one diaphragm and then the opposite diaphragm. A rod links the two diaphragms.

The pumping stroke on one side is simultaneously the suction stroke on the opposing dia-phragm, alternately drawing fluid in one side while discharging fluid from the other side.

A range of pump types and sizes is available with a patented lubricant-free air system. The pumps do not stall at slow speeds, are self-priming, are nonelectrical and run dry without damage.

Further, the pumps have a variable flow rate, can be used for intermittent operation or continuous duty, and pump fluids containing particles. They offer a modular design and parts are interchangeable between models and sizes.

Stalling, owing to ice formation in the air system is reduced with the insulating quality of the plastic construction and the ability to slow air expansion and velo-city without compromising the pump’s performance.

There are no vent holes in the All-Flo air valve. Vent holes are needed to prevent stalling in other pumps, but the vent holes allow corrosive fumes to enter and destroy valuable components. Also, if a diaphragm ruptures, fluid leakage cannot be routed to a safe containment area. The sealed All-Flo air valve allows containment of fluid and prevents fumes from entering the air system.

A polytetrafluoroethylene overlay design does not require reduced diaphragm rod stroke, which can reduce pump capacity by as much as 20%. Thermoplastic diaphragms offer chemical and abrasion resistance as well as an increased cycle life. Maintenance time is also reduced owing to a uniform product design.

The pumps have the added advantage of inventory reduction as metallic and plastic pumps share the same air systems, diaphragms, O-rings, balls, and, in some cases, valve seats.

All-plastic air systems in both the metallic and plastic pumps prevent the destruction of air system components from corrosive atmospheres or diaphragm ruptures. No brass or aluminium components are used within the air systems.

The patented lube-free, nonstalling air system offers many advantages. Lube-free operation is achieved by using dissimilar plastic materials within the air system and a shuttle mechanism constructed of lubrication-filled materials to improve lubrication.

Flatness and surface finishes reduce the coefficient of friction, resulting in increased air efficiency and operation.

No air is lost when fluid discharge lines are closed, as the air systems seal completely and prevent air consumption when the pump is not transferring fluid. The low coefficient of friction between the air system components also helps to reduce air consumption.

Seal technology used in the air system is more tolerant of dirty and wet air supplies. Lip seals and high-wear elastomers offer increased cycle life.

Further, stalling is prevented as the pilot supply air maintains a constant pressure against the air valve spool throughout the discharge stroke, which prevents the spool and shuttle combination from moving into a neutral or stall position. All-Flo pumps do not require reset buttons or magnets to insure continuous pump operation; they only require compressed air.

The Max-Pass valve on the All-Flo pumps replaces the standard ball check valve and handles solids, high-viscosity fluids, and abrasive fluids.

The valve transfers fluids with viscosities of up to 22 000 cps. It also transfers highly abrasive fluids without damaging the valves. The valve increases suction lift by 25% and has a 360� mounting capability.

It is suited to transferring inks, paints, adhesives, slurries, and other specialised applications.

All-Flo pumps also offer a solenoid control valve, which is used for the remote, electrical control of an All-Flo air-operated double diaphragm pump through a personal computer, programm-able logic controller, relay or switch. The pump can thus be operated from any workstation, which is networked with the solenoid.

A solenoid-controlled pump is suitable for applications where the pump is an integral component of a process. The control signal is a solution to on-demand fluid transfer requirements, or the pump can be used to monitor a flow rate. Dispensing of chemicals, inks, paint pigments, and adhesives are just a few of the applications it can be used for.

BRC Developments started operating in November 2005, with the aim of supplying unique pump products to South Africa’s industry as well as supplying the transport and logistics companies with consumables.

The company has achieved its black economic-empowerment (BEE) requirements.

“Under the new BEE codes of conduct, we have been credited as an exempt microenterprise, and are considered a level 4 BEE contributor, with 100% procurement,” says Storrier.

The company is a supplier to many industries, including, the wastewater industry, the mining, and especially coal-mining, industries, and chemical plants.