While global supply chain strains were related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the semiconductor industry is still feeling the loss of production along with added pressure due to increased demand. The main cause of this shortage is that 75% of the world’s semiconductor supply has historically come from China and Taiwan. In the last few years, a global pandemic, trade difficulties, and natural disasters have impacted the region’s ability to produce the wafers, chips, and circuit boards that impact our everyday lives. As of August 2022, the US government has signed the CHIP and Science Act into law, providing funding for semiconductor manufacturers to begin production within the United States. Northwest Pump is committing to supplying critical equipment, such as acid transfer pumps, to semiconductor manufacturers on the West Coast.
CHIPS & Science Act
Since the CHIPS & Science Act was signed into law, the American government has allocated $39 billion in subsidies for US-based semiconductor manufacturers. These subsidies cover a wide range of financial assistance, including real estate costs, workforce expansion and training, childcare assistance, and more. Additionally, the CHIPS Act also provides a 25% investment tax credit for the costs of manufacturing equipment such as nitrogen generators for clean rooms, oil-free air compressors for wafer manufacturing, and acid transfer pumps for CMP processes. With these measures in place, the semiconductor sector in the US has seen tremendous growth in the past year.
How Northwest Pump is Impacting Manufacturing Efforts
Since 2021, Northwest Pump has committed to changing our stocking strategy when it comes to critical equipment for our customers. We have worked to reduce lead times by increasing on-hand stock from 25 to 40%, depending on the vendor, adding a new warehouse, and expanding our inventory and operations teams. As a result of these radical changes, we have reduced lead times from up to 20 weeks to as short as 2 weeks and, in some instances, even same-day shipping or pickup. Increasing on-hand stock has been especially true as Northwest Pump recently committed to being the master distributor for PSG, a Dover Company’s European brands: Almatec, Abaque, and Mouvex.
AODD Pumps for Semiconductor Manufacturing
Air-operated double-diaphragm pumps offer a unique solution when compared to other types of positive displacement pumps, and this is no different for the semiconductor industry. For one, an AODD pump does not need an electrical power source. These pumps operate automatically once they are connected to a source of compressed air. This means an AODD pump can be just as effective submerged in fluid as it is outside of the container. AODD pumps offer shear sensitivity, working gently with or without solid particles or even slurries. Another benefit is that they are self-priming and can be deadhead without causing damage to the pump.
The durability and gentle fluid-handling qualities make AODD pumps a common choice for chemical transfer applications. They can operate in wide ranges for both temperature and pressure. If the compressed air exceeds its pressure capabilities, the pump simply spits out the air and resumes operation once again. These qualities also carry over to the semiconductor industry, where high-purity chemicals assist with CMP processes. Later, these pumps can assist in moving these chemicals after they mix with waste process water or even waste gases from clean rooms.
The Almatec Advantage
Almatec is a German-manufactured brand specializing in AODD pumps for high-purity chemical and acid transfer. What sets this brand apart is the construction; it machines its pumps out of solid blocks of PTFE, PE, or corrosive-resistant metals. Almatec’s plastic pumps have no metal in the wetted housing, which could be at risk in corrosive pumping applications. The E series pumps from Almatec can work in operating conditions up to 248°F, while the semiconductor specific FUTUR series can work with chemicals at near 400°F. Additionally, Almatec assembles its specialty FUTUR series pumps in cleanrooms to prevent unnecessary contamination from dust or dirt.
Next Steps
Northwest Pump is the master distributor for Almatec on the West Coast and in the Midwest, ranging from New Mexico to North Dakota. To find your local distributor for Almatec Pumps, see our distributor list below. For more information on how Almatec’s acid transfer pumps can help your semiconductor manufacturing processes, contact us using the button below. Use the ‘Request Service’ button below for service needs on your Almatec or AODD pumps.
Corrosives can hurt more than just your seawater pumps. Whether the pumped fluid is seawater or sulfuric acid, once it encounters the wrong material, it will continue to corrode your pump and any other equipment it reaches afterward. While some materials fare better when working with corrosives, it is not always practical to change everything to a resistant material. Industrial and marine coating products help protect your equipment from harmful conditions, including aggressive weather conditions.
What is a marine coating?
An industrial coating is made of layers of protective, waterproof material, such as epoxy resin, which protect against untimely damage. Industrial coating can be used on metal equipment or on concrete floors or walls. Depending on the application style, coatings come in liquid, aerosol, powder, paste, and film.
A marine coating will differ from an industrial coating in two ways. Most marine coatings will be best suited for coating metal surfaces. Additionally, the protections it offers are specific to sea or freshwater needs. When searching for the right marine coating, the key features to look for are:
High corrosion resistance
High abrasion resistance
Low volatile organic chemical content (also referred to as VOC)
Operating temperatures best-suited for local environment
Another factor in finding the right marine coating is the pot life and curing time. Because of the innate adhesive design of industrial coatings, understanding how long the material will remain in a liquid state (pot life) is another important factor in knowing when to replace excess containers. Curing time will vary depending on the environment, including ambient temperatures and humidity, and will impact how long it takes for a coating to go from a ‘tack-free’ state to ‘full chemical resistance’. Keep in mind that the faster the coating dries, the shorter it will take before it hardens after opening.
Where can marine coatings be applied?
Marine and industrial coatings can protect both the exterior casing and sometimes even the wetted housing of your pump. Coating works on impellers, blades, bearings, valves, or any place in a pump that can encounter corrosive fluid. Beyond the pump, coatings prevent slip hazards before they occur, as well as reduce corrosion damage. Tanks, pipes, bins, silos, and hoppers can also benefit from the use of marine or industrial coatings.
Chesterton ARC Industrial Coating
A.W. Chesterton specifically created the ARC 858 with marine-duty applications in mind. This marine coating uses a reinforced abrasion-control epoxy compound to protect metals against damage caused by seawater and other harsh chemicals. The design of ARC coatings reduces downtime, with only one coat needed. With high adhesive strength, ARC 858 protects against corrosion above and even below the film layer. ARC 858 works with new and current equipment to ensure a longer lifespan, and requires minimal downtime for the application process. Check out this case study where the use of ARC 858 helped to increase the lifespan of a seawater pump 18 years after the initial application, 3 times longer than the original goal.
For ship deck protection, Chesterton offers ARC 855, which uses a ceramic-reinforced epoxy coating to protect the material beneath from corroding and prevent slip hazards when applied to high-foot-traffic areas. Not only did ARC 855 reduce slipping incidents by 80% in one case study, but it also saved over $20,000 by reducing the amount of coating applied.
Next Steps
Northwest Pump offers ARC 858 and other equipment solutions for the marine industry. Use the buttons below to contact us or request help from our service team.
The chemical properties in seawater make finding the right pump more difficult than when pumping with fresh water. Not only do these pumps have to withstand the damage from floating sand, but saltwater corrodes the metals commonly used in pump manufacturing. When looking for pumps for marine applications, especially at sea, there are certain materials that prevent rust and other damage. Read more to see what our team thinks are the best seawater pump material options.
Ideal Characteristics for Seawater Pump Material
The key quality in looking for a seawater pump is how resistant the materials of construction are to corrosive material. The amount of salt present in seawater corrodes metal five times faster than fresh water. Salt that is present in the air, corrodes metal ten times faster than that. This is due to the chemical properties of salt in the water; ions float freely in salt water, and these ions then force metals into a more neutral (or corroded) state. In a similar vein, floating sand in the water poses a threat of eroding the wetted interiors of pumps- especially in high-velocity applications.
In addition to corrosion resistance, the right material should also be able to handle fluctuating temperatures, especially for heating & cooling applications onboard. Submarines or other submersible applications will also require materials strong enough to withstand stress from high-pressure usage. Another characteristic of a good seawater pump material is how durable it is. Being out at sea limits the tools available to repair broken pumps, and removes the opportunity to take these pumps to the nearest repair shop until after the ship is docked.
Bronze Pumps
Pro: Bronze material is the Marine industry standard for seawater pumps. This material is corrosive-resistant and works well with fluctuations in water temperature. These properties make bronze an excellent choice for either bilge pumps or onboard heating & cooling pumps.
Con: While bronze pumps are popular for marine applications, this material does not have the same strength as stainless steel or other harder metals. Because of this weakness, a pump made out of bronze will be less durable than a pump made of cast iron, steel, or other metals. Additionally, bronze is more expensive than other seawater pump materials.
Oberdorfer & MP Pump specializes in bronze pumps for marine & heavy-duty chemical applications. Oberdorfer offers gear & centrifugal pump options, while MP offers its bronze pumps in centrifugal styles only.
304 and 316 Stainless Steel
Pro: While there are many variations of stainless steel, the most common type used for pumps is either 304 or 316 stainless steel. These are common materials used in industrial pumps and are a popular choice in food manufacturing due to the surfaces’ clean-in-place capabilities. Stainless steel has excellent strength and withstands high-temperature applications very well. Another benefit to using stainless steel as a seawater pump material is the durability of the pump will last a long time when compared to other comparable materials.
Con: The drawback to using either version of stainless steel is the corrosion resistance. 304 and 316 are moderately resistant to corrosion, however, they are prone to ‘crevice’ corrosion, meaning in the small areas near gaskets and other hard-to-reach areas. This can also lead to an increased risk of stress cracking throughout the pump as well.
When it comes to Marine industry pumps, Blackmer offers top-of-the-line stainless steel options through its sliding vane, screw, and gear pumps. Blackmer’s main focus is providing military-grade solutions as opposed to other pump vendors. This brand is an excellent choice when looking for durability in a seawater pump. For heating and cooling applications as well as wastewater treatment onboard, Grundfos’s CR series pump is made entirely out of stainless steel for high-temperature resistance and efficient pumping.
Duplex Stainless Steel (CD4MCu)
Pro: While 304 or 316 is the most common version of stainless steel, duplex stainless steel is another variation that offers better corrosive resistance than other types of steel. The difference between the two is 304 steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel with a maximum of .08% carbon. Duplex stainless steel, also referred to as CD4MCu, contains approximately 25% chromium, 5% nickel, and .04% carbon; it also includes copper, manganese, and silicon. The result is higher corrosion resistance & more durable material when compared to 304 or 316 stainless steel.
Con: The biggest drawback to choosing duplex stainless steel versus a 304 stainless steel is the price associated with the material.
Blackmer offers CD4MCu options for its centrifugal pumps. Griswold’s 811SP series pumps also offer CD4MCu material rather than standard stainless steel such as the 811 series.
Fiberglass
Pro: The last option for seawater pump material we offer is the non-metallic fiberglass option. Fiberglass is an excellent choice for corrosive substances like seawater or chemical applications. Fybroc specializes in making fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) pumps, and they are a popular choice for fisheries and aquariums.
Con: The main drawback of using fiberglass as opposed to other seawater pump materials is that fiberglass is more fragile than metals like stainless steel or even bronze.
Next Steps
Our Industrial sales team can help you find the exact pump for your ship’s needs, use the “Contact Us” button below to get started or chat with us in person at Pacific Marine Expo through November 8-10th at the Lumen Event Center in Seattle. For repairs on your current seawater pumping equipment, use the “Request Service” button.
When working in sanitary or hygienic applications like Food & Beverage or Semiconductor manufacturing, it is vital to maintain strict air purity standards, especially having oil free air. Oil vapor in compressed air can be tied to diminished product quality as well as health concerns for both employees and customers alike. Depending on the industry, exceeding the limits of oil vapor in air can mean loss of product, hefty fines, or even a pause in production altogether until the problem is resolved. The International Standards Organization (ISO) designed parameters for compressed air to determine the quality of compressed air, ranging from class 0 to class 6.
Why ISO Class 0 Status Matters
ISO classification 8531-1 uses three different metrics to determine the quality of compressed air, sorted by the types of contaminants. The difference between these options is through the displayed ISO class. These classifications can be split up depending on how they meet each standard or by meeting all three thresholds at once. So one compressor could be Class 1, but another might be Class 1 for only one of the criteria, and Class 2 or 3 for the others. ISO sets Class 0, the highest level of air purity, differently from the other classes. Manufacturers and end-users set standards for Class 0 Air, however, these standards must be more stringent than Class 1’s parameters.
The first measurement is the Solid Particle Maximum or number of particles per million in the compressed air. Proper filtration protects against dirt, dust, and other solids present in compressed air. The second measurement is the Pressure Dew Point, which relates to the amount of water vapor present in the compressed air. The lower the dew point, the less moisture is available for bacteria to grow. The final metric for air purity measures the presence of lubricant or oil vapor within the air. Oil vapor, especially non-food grade lubricants, contaminates the compressed air encountered.
This third metric, the oil vapor has historically been difficult for facilities to monitor. Typically, facilities need to coordinate with outside laboratories certified by the FDA and provide samples of the compressed air. This process can be time-consuming, and with severe consequences for a failing grade, ensuring oil free air is truly oil free is vital. While there are many ways to achieve oil free air, here are three methods we have found to be effective.
1. Oil Free Air Compressors
The easiest way to eliminate oil in your compressed air system is to start at the source. An oil free air compressor still has oil lubricating the machine, but its design does not allow oil vapor to interact with the air at all.
Sullair’s oil free DSP rotary screw compressor takes oil free to a new level. The DSP is classified as Class 0 air, meaning the oil vapor present in the air is less than .01 mg/m3. However, Sullair took this one step further by utilizing third-party certification to offer not just Class 0 air, but certified Class 0 air. DSP compressors achieve this through technology like its patented oil mist remover, the drain separator, and an easily accessible oil filter. As an added benefit, the oil mist remover recycles the compressor oil captured, reducing the amount of compressor fluid needed.
2. Air Treatment
Using the right air treatment options, facilities can be more secure in the fact their air is oil free. Pairing oil free compressors & air filtration together decreases the chances of oil present in production. In the unlikely event that an oil free machine accidentally releases more oil than an oil mist remover allows, the air filtration is another barrier to prevent oil from leaking through. Air dryers can also have a similar effect by reducing the oil’s temperature enough for condensation to occur. From there, the filtration collects the oil so it can be safely removed.
Parker provides top-of-the-line filtration such as its Oil-X OVR Oil Vapor Reduction Filters. Similar products use loose carbon to trap oil vapor, however, Parker sets the Oil-X apart with the extruded aluminum design, making it both smaller and lighter. With this trade-off, the Oil-X uses compact activated carbon cartridges to maximize packing density.
3. In-House Oil Vapor Monitoring
While oil vapor testing usually requires sending a sample to a certified laboratory, this is no longer the only solution. Beko Technologies offers a one-of-a-kind in-house oil vapor monitoring solution, the Metpoint OCV. The Metpoint OCV connects to the compressed air system and takes two samples every sixty seconds. The first sample is purified and compared against the unaltered sample with detection for up to .001 mg/m3 oil vapor content. When the set threshold is met or exceeded, the OCV then sets off an alarm. Alternatively, the OCV can send alerts directly to email using an optional IoT feature.
Next Steps
For assistance with finding the best oil free air solution for your facility, reach out to our compressed air experts below. Alternatively, request service on your oil free equipment through our service team.
Water usage and water conservation are becoming increasingly important topics for manufacturers. Reducing water waste can mean thousands of dollars in both water and energy expenses. One of our flagship vendors, Grundfos, specializes in water pumps that allow for better water efficiency, while still maintaining or even increasing the amount of product made.
Grundfos Pumps for Industrial Applications
Grundfos specializes in water pumps in a variety of styles to best match the spaces and needs of a facility. Our customers choose Grundfos water pumps because of the wide variety of tasks they can accomplish.
As an added benefit, this brand prides itself on its energy and water-saving pump technology and has pledged to help reduce water waste worldwide. Some case studies have shown up to a 20% decrease in water consumption at some facilities by implementing process-water recycling measures. Grundfos accomplishes this by reducing leaking through automation and its proportional pressure control during off-peak hours. Additionally, this control in pressure reduces the amount of water hammer in the system, which in-turn protects downstream equipment from premature failure.
In addition to these world-renowned water pumps, Grundfos also offers sensors & controllers to increase the capabilities of the pumping systems they create. This automation frees up facility staff to better oversee the entire production line.
Process Applications
Grundfos offers water pumps such as the SP series, CR series, & NB series to act as intake pumps. The SP series of submersible pumps is best for groundwater uses, while the NB series offers single-stage end-suction pumps for surface or tap water. Grundfos’s CR series serves as the flagship multi-stage pump and works for a wide range of applications throughout a facility.
In addition to being able to transfer process liquids, Grundfos water pumps work well supporting machining applications as well as for sanitizing and cleaning processes. Grundfos offers solutions for clean-in-place needs, such as food production facilities, as well as solutions for conveyors & pipes. For additional sanitization, Grundfos even offers solutions for pasteurization & bottle washing, both of which are important features for dairies and breweries.
Temperature Control Applications
Grundfos water pumps can play a vital role in temperature management and have solutions for both increasing and decreasing temperatures to maintain the desired outcome. Whether working outside a facility in a cooling tower, or inside a facility, either working as chiller pumps or circulating pumps, a pump from Grundfos will go a long way. For a more in-depth look at how Grundfos water pumps work with cooling systems, click here.
Water Treatment Applications
With so many risks associated with unclean water, having the right equipment in place for water treatment is the first defense against disaster. The feed & backwater pumps Grundfos offers can be automated with pressure & temperature sensors also in Grundfos’s catalog to remove particulates from the water itself. From there, the water can be treated against bacteria, and distributed to where it needs to be through Paco’s KP & HS pumps or through the NB series end-suction pumps.
On the wastewater side of water treatment, Grundfos’s submersible S, SE, & SL series pumps work well with wastewater slurries. From there, it can be screened and filtered through sand, and sent through biological & chemical treatment, before being transported elsewhere for use. For facilities looking for sustainable solutions to reduce water waste, Grundfos offers systems to treat industrial process water in-house for immediate reuse.
View a more in-depth view of water treatment solutions from Grundfos here. View waste-water treatment solutions here.
Next Steps
Interested in seeing how much Grundfos water pumps could save your facility? View the Grundfos sizing tool for cost analysis.
Want to talk about Grundfos for your facility? Reach out to your nearest Northwest Pump branch here.
One of the critical problems wineries face is preventing their wines from coming into contact with oxygen. Wine oxidation means contamination and running the risk of throwing out tens of thousands of dollars worth of product. While there are ways to save the wine afterward, these measures siphon extra time and money from the rest of production. The easiest way to prevent wine oxidation is to minimize the risk of oxygen exposure, especially where the risk is highest: at the pump. Here are seven features to look for in pumps to reduce the risk of wine oxidation and improve the quality of your wine.
Self-priming
Self-priming means that a pump can run dry and create a vacuum to pull in the liquid, even if it’s at a lower level than the pump. Non-self-priming pumps typically require a flooded suction, where the fluid level stays above the centerline of the pump, to prevent cavitation as tank levels lower. To prime a REAL self-priming pump, there’s nothing else to do but turn on the pump. A self-priming pump reduces the number of steps to follow during daily startup and continues to pump even when the fluid in the tank drops below the pump suction. Self-priming pumps reduce the risk of cavitation and the entrainment of potential air pockets, which can contribute to wine oxidation.
Shear sensitivity
Whether working as a regular wine pump or a must pump, a pump with shear sensitivity will better maintain the quality of the wine. Shear sensitivity, alternatively known as low shear rate, refers to a pump’s ability to maintain the integrity of liquids that change in viscosity depending on the force applied. High shear rates in a pump will damage the fibers and molecules that contribute to the flavors in wine. A pump with a low shear rate will have a much gentler impact on any fluids it pumps.
Mobility
Every second counts during the harvest, with some days lasting ‘until the job gets done.’ In most pumping applications, a facility places pumps in fixed locations with piping moving liquid where it needs to go. However, for wineries, it is the other way around. These pumps need to transfer wines to and from barrels, tanks, and bottles, and depending on the time of year, the locations of each can dramatically change. The easier it is for a cellar worker to transfer wine from one place to another, the more time they will save overall. This means more wine with less hassle and a lower cost per bottle.
Flow Reversal
Similar to mobility, having a pump that can reverse the flow entirely can greatly benefit wineries. A pump with flow-reversing capabilities cuts down on the number of pump carts a winery needs, and in the event of a mistake or emergency, a cellar worker does not need to track down a second pump cart to move the wine back to where it needs to be. In stationary pumping systems, less piping is required for bi-directional flows. Simply reverse the pump to reduce installation costs and save time.
Seal-free, leak-free
Wineries work with distinct seasons rather than a standardized year-round output. Equipment going down during harvest can devastate the entire production line. Mechanical seals require the pump to be taken off the production line during removal and installation. The alternative to seals, pump packing, does not stop leaks from a pump. In fact, packing by design must leak to stay properly lubricated. Finding a pump that does not require a seal and will minimize leakage is essential for reducing the risk of downtime during the peak of production and reducing the loss of product due to failed seals and packing.
Clean-in-Place Capability
All sanitary pumps must maintain strict hygienic standards to comply with FDA regulations. Instead of repeatedly taking the pumps apart every night, sanitary pumps often come with clean-in-place designs. A clean-in-place design allows workers to feed the cleaning solution through the pump without dismantling it every night.
Line-Stripping
One issue that wineries often face is leftover juice or wine remaining in the piping after the pump has been turned off. This remaining wine, if recovered, is usually off-color and diminished quality- due to wine oxidation from the disconnecting pipes. If not recovered, it is flushed with the cleaning solution nightly. The solution to both problems is a feature called ‘line stripping.’ Line stripping refers to a pump’s ability to pull the remaining fluid from the input pipes before turning the pump off for cleaning. A pump with line stripping capability will not only prevent wine oxidation, but it will also allow for product recovery and dramatically reduce waste.
Mouvex Pumps
This year, Northwest Pump announced a master distribution agreement with PSG to offer Mouvex and two other pump brands on the West Coast. Mouvex offers eccentric disc pumps designed in the heart of wine country in Auxerre, France, specifically to meet the needs of wineries. These eccentric disc pumps come with the following features:
Self-priming design
Shear-sensitive pumping
Mobility options like pump carts or fixed skids
Flow reversal add-on valve options
Seal-free & leak-free design
Line stripping
Clean-in-place capabilities
Mouvex’s line stripping procedures are automatic, and the clean-in-place process is as simple as a turn of the valve. Additionally, certain Mouvex pumps offer dry-run capability, which protects pumps from heat damage when the pump runs without liquid. Lastly, Mouvex offers precise volume metering options to track how much wine is produced daily.
Next Steps
Looking for your winery’s next pump cart? Reach out to your nearest Northwest Pump branch for more information on Mouvex pumps here. To further reduce operating costs and protect your product from oxidation, ask our team about our nitrogen generation solutions for blanketing your wine in the vat or the bottle. Click here to learn more.
Whether looking for on-site emergency service for your pumps during harvest, or routine seasonal maintenance, our service division can keep your pumps running smoothly.
Grundfos offers water pumps such as the SP series, CR series, & NB series to act as intake pumps. The SP series of submersible pumps is best for groundwater uses, while the NB series offers single-stage end-suction pumps for surface or tap water. Grundfos’s CR series serves as the flagship multi-stage pump and works for a wide range of applications throughout a facility.
Grundfos water pumps can play a vital role in temperature management and have solutions for both increasing and decreasing temperatures to maintain the desired outcome. Whether working outside a facility in a cooling tower, or inside a facility, either working as chiller pumps or circulating pumps, a pump from Grundfos will go a long way. For a more in-depth look at how Grundfos water pumps work with cooling systems, click 
With so many risks associated with unclean water, having the right equipment in place for water treatment is the first defense against disaster. The feed & backwater pumps Grundfos offers can be automated with pressure & temperature sensors also in Grundfos’s catalog to remove particulates from the water itself. From there, the water can be treated against bacteria, and distributed to where it needs to be through Paco’s KP & HS pumps or through the NB series end-suction pumps.
