Custom-Engineered Gusher Pumps Eliminate Frequent Failure Headaches

7550 Series Vertical Sealless Pumps replace underperforming pumps at Cummins Mexico Plant

While our divisions offer a full range of standard pumps, engineering custom pump solutions is where we really shine. Such was the case on a recent Gusher job for a Cummins Engine plant in Mexico. Gusher Distributor Anderson Industrial Machinery Inc. worked with OEM Dynatec Systems to upgrade one of the plant’s filtration system’s existing competitor pumps to custom-designed Gusher 7550 Vertical End Suction Centrifugal Pumps.

“In this application, the sludge pit was very deep, creating an issue for the existing self-priming pumps as liquid levels dipped,” explained AIM’s Chris Anderson. “The vibration caused by low fluid levels was essentially shaking these pumps apart, damaging parts and requiring frequent repairs or even full pump replacement–which is the point they were at when they came to us.”

Anderson knew that the sealless pump design of the 7550 Series vertical pumps would eliminate a common point of failure, and that Gusher had the engineering and manufacturing capabilities to produce the extra long column and special plate needed to retrofit the installation.

The decision to switch to sealless pumps can be hard a hard sell for customers, as the initial investment on the replacement pumps is higher than comparable traditional pumps with mechanical seals. However, said Anderson, “their value in the lack of repairs, downtime, and less replacements over time more than makes up for the cost difference.”

In addition to the custom length-shaft, Gusher engineered a special mounting plate to fit the existing pump configuration. Due to the frequent failures of the old pumps, a primary and backup pump are permanently installed in the pit. Now that a backup pump will seldom be needed, the plant is alternating running each Gusher pump to extend overall life, with one always on standby in the unlikely event of downtime

“It’s always challenging to draw up duplex systems with two pumps on the main plate,” said Gusher Engineering Assistant Lori Knarr. “Add in the extended shaft length–well over 7 feet–and you also have to contend with the need for TC bushings for shaft support. On anything non-standard, we make sure that nothing is missed and no scenario goes unchecked. Only once everything has been checked and rechecked, and the customer signs off on the drawing, does the order move on to production.”

The pumps have been installed and operating without problems since January. Anderson anticipates the consistent performance on this installation will lead to the upgrade of other pumps within the plant.