Acordis gets tough with new Watson-Marlow pump

Acordis Acrylic Fibres UK has recently expanded its suite of Watson-Marlow Bredel pumps by trialling the latest IP66 washdown version of the acclaimed 520 series.

Acordis is one of the foremost textile manufacturers in the UK, producing dyed fibres for the apparel industry. Ninety per cent of the Grimbsby factory’s output is exported.

“We always go for the highest standard of equipment possible,” asserts Rick Tunney, neochrome manager at Acordis.

For Rick, keeping pace with the latest pumping equipment used in the seven-line production facility’s dye baths has meant returning to the same supplier for 18 years. “We’ve always used Watson-Marlow Bredel pumps because the units are continually updated to incorporate new functions,” he says.

The pumps are used to replenish dye baths 24 hours a day in hot and humid conditions caused by steam from adjacent stretching and drying processes. The pumps deliver cationic dye, which is 25% acetic acid, at flow rates between 60ml and 1.2 litres per minute.

Acordis is trialling Watson-Marlow Bredel’s latest IP66-rated washdown pump which provides extraordinary levels of accuracy, reliability and control, and offers flow rates between 4µl and 3.5 litre/min. Incorporating a high-powered, brushless DC motor and IP66-rated case, this new 520 pump is extremely durable and versatile.

The new pump joins an array of Watson-Marlow Bredel pumps at Acordis, including two 520s installed seven months ago which have already made a significant impact.

“The pumps are very robust,” says Rick. “They’ve worked well, giving us the required flows and reliability. We wanted accuracy and ease of operation, as well as support from the manufacturer. Safety was also a big issue. With these factors in mind, Watson-Marlow Bredel was our preferred choice.

“They should give us savings in pump set-up times and additional confidence when washing down.”