Vacuum technology distributor Air & Vacuum Technologies is expanding its range of pumps with the introduction of the Flotronic Chemflo pump, which can handle hazardous materials.

“The Flotronic Chemflo pump has been specifically designed to handle hazardous materials, including aggressive chemicals,” UK-based original-equipment manufacturer Flotronic Pumps sales director Leighton Jones tells Mining Weekly.

“Crucial to the design of the air-operated double-diaphragm Flotronic Chemflo pumps is an outer stainless steel housing, which supports and protects the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) main pump body through a range of pressure and temperature variations. This ensures a perfect seal is retained under any condition,” states Jones.
The pump can self-prime, dry run and handle solids, and the Flotronic one-nut fast-maintenance system allows the pump to be serviced with minimal downtime required.

Jones explains that the Flotronic one-nut system enables material to pass between the diaphragms, directly through the centre of the pump, with air pressure operating on the outside. The pump is held together by one nut on the side opposite the external air valve, allowing in-line replacement in less than 15 minutes.

“The Chemflo pump complies with the ATEX 94/9/EC up to Gas Group IIC regulations, ensuring potentially explosive environments are not a problem,” asserts Jones.

He says the pump has been well received and comprises about 5% of company sales worldwide.

“The Chemflo pump was exhibited at the Propak Africa 2013 conference at Nasrec Centre, in Johannesburg, and was well received,” says Air & Vacuum Technologies sales and marketing director Mark Burn.

The full Flotronic range of products is available from Instrupump, a sales division of Air & Vacuum Technologies, which is its sole distributor in Southern Africa.