Saving lifecycle costs through use of mineral cast pumps

Abstract

Where processing conditions combine both abrasive and corrosive attack, for example in pigment and fertilizer production, specialized materials are required for the manufacture of handling equipment such as pumps. German company Duchting Pumpen Maschinenfabrik has devised a materials solution based on the use of mineral casting – where particles of some mineral (in this case the synthetic ultrahard silicon carbide) are dispersed in a polymer matrix in liquid form and cast. Here, Dr Carsten Duchting discusses the development, characteristics and use of the company's SICcast® material in pumps for handling such challenging media.