T-T PUMPS Ltd has a wealth of knowledge and experience within the pump manufacture and supply industry. This knowledge was recently called upon by Lafarge Cement, the UK’s largest cement manufacturer to assist in decommissioning its Northfleet cement factory.

Following limited success in removing high density, viscous slurry from large storage tanks at an acceptable rate. Lafarge contacted T-T PUMPS for help and advice in their search for a solution.

Lafarge had used various types of pumps and excavators in their attempts to empty the tanks, but progress was slow.  T-T PUMPS knew immediately that a pump from their Dragflow range would meet Lafarge’s requirements and were confident in supplying one of their dredging units.

The Dragflow Range of pumps is designed for dredging sand, gravel and aggregate slurries, and is often used in dredging deep deposits, up to 120m deep.

The pumps are constructed in a Chromium casting, which is designed to withstand the most aggressive applications. An agitator is fitted below the impeller to maintain the slurry in suspension. For heavier consistency of slurry, additional hydraulic agitators and a jet ring are added, to ensure optimum efficiency.

The pump selected by our expert sales team from the Dragflow range, the Hydraulic Pump Model HY85B (200 mm), was installed on a temporary set-up within 8 hours, using a crane. This allowed T-T PUMPS to commission, demonstrate and train the staff of Lafarge on how to operate the equipment.

The dredging unit successfully excavated the slurry from these tanks, which had an approximate solids content of up to 70% and a consistency of yogurt – to the delight of the client.

Lafarge hired the Dragflow pump on a 7 day demonstration basis, but after five days T-T PUMPS were contacted by Lafarge with an offer to purchase the equipment, owing to its excellent, reliable performance and cost-efficiency.

The Project Manager at Lafarge Cement UK commented:
“The rotating agitators have assisted in remobilising the slurry so it could be pumped out at a fast rate and get the previously settled material back into the process before the end of production. It has paid for itself within a few months, as well as allowing us to meet a very tight deadline.”

For further information on the Dragflow range, please contact Sales Manager, Ben Nash on 01630 647200 or 07767 22384