Pump Reliability for Food Processing
A leading Mississippi food processor, serving a crucial role in the food protein supply chain for the Southeastern U.S., recently turned to Carl Eric Johnson Co. (CEJCO) to address a persistent pump reliability issue. Their Propylene Glycol (PG) cooling circuit, essential for maintaining efficient protein processing and food safety standards, was plagued by operational inefficiencies due to poor original equipment design and installation.
The Challenge: A Flawed Pump Configuration
The OEM-supplied double-suction, horizontal split-case pumps had been installed in a vertical configuration, creating maintenance challenges and long-term reliability issues. Additionally, these pumps were crammed into an extremely tight piping layout, complicating repair and removal processes. Over the years, these flaws led to frequent pump failures, significantly affecting plant operations and production output.
Several pump vendors attempted to address the issue, including a company that claimed to be “the best in the business”. However, none provided a sustainable solution, and reliability continued to decline, creating operational disruptions.
The CEJCO Solution: A Turnkey System Approach
Carl Eric Johnson Co. partnered with Grundfos/Paco and JW Technologies to develop and implement a turnkey pump replacement strategy.
Key Actions Taken:
- Replaced the problematic pumps with true vertical, in-line Paco pumps designed for higher efficiency and reliability.
- Expedited delivery of U.S. made Grundfos/Paco vertical pumps to ensure minimal downtime.
- Redesigned and engineered new piping configurations to accommodate the wider flange-to-flange dimensions of the replacement pumps.
- Swift installation by JW Technologies, completing pump removal and replacement within just two days.
The Results: Improved Efficiency & Reliability
The newly installed Paco vertical pumps have restored dependability to the PG cooling system. With their smooth operation and efficient performance, plant personnel immediately noticed a difference. The Maintenance Supervisor remarked that his biggest problem now is that “I can’t tell that the pumps are running”, due to their smooth operation.
By eliminating downtime, improving efficiency, and ensuring long-term reliability, CEJCO has once again demonstrated its expertise in solving complex industrial challenges. If your facility is struggling with pump reliability, contact us for a customized, effective solution.
Why Choose CEJCO?
✔ Expertise in industrial fluid handling systems
✔ Partnerships with top-tier pump manufacturers
✔ Turnkey solutions from design to installation
✔ Proven success in enhancing operational reliability
For more information, contact us today!