Pump Innovations for the Process Industries

Process manufacturing experts from around the globe will have access to the ACHEMA Pulse interactive digital platform for an entire month. Online all June 2021, KNF will be presenting its latest gas and liquid pumps which cater to a range of different specialist tasks. Focus is on the N 630, N 922, and N 96 series that will be presented at ACHEMA for the very first time.

In addition to the online program on June 15 and 16, 2021, the experts from KNF will host a webinar sharing some of their vast application knowledge. Participants will learn more about how the reliable operation of KNF diaphragm pumps used in key positions for gas analysis, emission measurement, and process manufacturing can make all the difference. And they will get to see these ACHEMA newcomers in action.

The diaphragm gas pumps of this series transfer and compress gases and vapors and generate a vacuum without contaminating the media. They can therefore be used for many applications in research, energy technology, process manufacturing, and the chemical and petrochemical industry.

The N 630 gas pump series comprises Ex and non-Ex versions. Robustness, durability and long service life characterize this series.

All Ex and non-Ex versions are available as a single-headed model or with twin heads connected in parallel or in series. Users who wish to double down on safety can do so by choosing a model featuring an additional double diaphragm. This is typically needed for noble gas or hazardous gas applications. An optional water cooling system can also be installed to enhance non-Ex versions to handle environment and media temperatures of up to +60 degrees Celsius.

The non-Ex versions are equipped with either an EPDM or a PTFE-coated diaphragm, the Ex-version exclusively with a PTFE-coated diaphragm. Pumps from the N 630 series can achieve flow rates of up to 68 l/min, an ultimate vacuum of up to 25 mbar abs as well as pressure of up to 12 bar g. The protection class of the pump section is IP20, and the motor offers IP55 protection. It can be used at 50 or 60 Hz and is designed to be operated with a frequency converter. This allows the pump’s rotational speed to be set to any operating point.

The chemically resistant, oil-free N 922 diaphragm vacuum pump transfers media reliably and with low maintenance requirements. Depending on the area of application, the diaphragm and the valves of the N 922 only need to be replaced about once a year. Few wearing parts, long periods between required maintenance work and low inspection costs all add up to advantageously low operating costs.

The gas pump is also now available in two new non-Ex versions and a new Ex version, all with stainless steel pump heads, making it suitable for even more applications. The new models are highly leak-tight in keeping with KNF’s standards, and they feature substantially higher values in all the key areas compared to previous PTFE pump head versions, with a flow rate of up to 25 l/min, up to 110 mbar abs depth of vacuum and up to 6 bar g of pressure. This makes them particularly convenient, for example, as gas sample pumps for stationary emissions measurements or gas compression in the power generation industry.

Using geodetic discharge, the compressor housing in the N 922 can be moved in increments of 90 degrees separately from the motor in order to be appropriately positioned for condensate draining.

In non-Ex versions, users can choose from three separate AC motors. With the IP20 protection class, the single-phase AC motor with a terminal box covers a broad voltage range of 100–120 V and 50/60 Hz, as well as 200–240 V and 50/60 Hz. An additional IP54 protection class single-phase AC motor with a terminal box covers a voltage range of 100–120 V and 50/60 Hz, 230 V and 50 Hz, as well as 220 V and 60 Hz. Another IP54 protection class motor is the three-phase AC motor for 230/400 V and 50/60 Hz that can be operated with a frequency converter.

The Ex DE motor with protection class IP66 is ATEX-compliant and certified by IECEx (incl. CCOE, NEPSI, KOSHA).

Small, light and high-performance – key qualities that manufacturers of portable measurement, monitoring and analytical systems require from pump technology. What’s more, the N 96 gas sampling pump also accommodates complex operating profiles. This dynamic profile is made possible by PWM control of the efficient, brushless DC motor. The N 96 emits relatively little heat itself while being suited for use at ambient temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius. The pump can start up without discharge in the range of 2.5 bar relative pressure or 100 mbar abs vacuum, respectively. The maximum flow rate is as high as 8.5 l/min. If necessary, the maximum positive pressure can be increased to up to 4 bar g – a distinct advantage for obtaining zero air in filter systems with back pressures of up to 3 bar.

When used for gas analysis, the pump produces reliable and precise liquid or gaseous samples for evaluation. The EPDM- or PTFE-coated diaphragm ensures safe use with aggressive and/or corrosive media. Its chemically resistant design and very high tolerance of vapor and condensate means the N 96 can be used with a broad spectrum of media at temperatures of up to 70 degrees Celsius. These pumps can transfer, evacuate and compress media oil free and without contamination.

The N 96 pump series features compact versions with AC/DC converter and PPS, stainless steel or aluminum pump heads. This allows for a broader range of applications, now encompassing the handling of valuable and hazardous gases such as tritium. Demanding media which may require greater gas tightness – such as hydrogen, nitrogen and helium – can also be handled safely.

The wide-range power supply unit mounted to the compressor housing enables the pump to be used across the globe, regardless of the local power grid voltage. The pump head can also be rotated in 90-degree intervals, allowing for the connections to be positioned as needed. Fastening holes located on the side of the pump housing facilitate tubeless connection via o-ring adapters attached to a manifold.