Whether working on a corporate fleet or providing maintenance to customers’ vehicles, having easy access to lubrication equipment in the shop increases overall efficiency. Northwest Pump has been a leading supplier of petroleum products since 1959. However, in the last few years, our Industrial Service Division has worked to provide custom-built lubrication system packages for customers. We offer lubrication solutions for any shop, fleet, or facility, with options for DEF to even window-washing fluid.
Our Expertise
Northwest Pump utilizes the Industrial Service technicians to install the lubrication systems. Our compressor technicians are already familiar with how to best install piping for optimal air pressure at point-of-use. The already-present compressors will provide the air needed to operate the air pumps controlling these systems. Another benefit for our current compressor service customers is our technicians’ familiarity with how the shop uses its air. Having an established relationship with the customer provides better insights and better outcomes for these lubrication systems. Our systems have an expected ‘lifespan’ of up to fifty years.
The Industrial Service Team has offered these system installation services since 2017, with over twenty-five projects completed since then. If service needs arise on our lubrication systems after installation, our Industrial service technicians will provide the required maintenance. The onsite installation team collaborates with the customers to build the best layout possible.
What to Expect During Lubrication System Installations
The lubrication systems we provide are custom-built to the customers’ needs, ranging from small portable systems to large systems spanning the interior and exterior of the shop. Our installation encompasses tanks to grease guns, using our high-quality hose reels, pumps, and piping. Metering and automation controls are also available for each nozzle for real-time analysis of how much lubrication is used per application.
Each fluid will have its own separate piping, nozzle, and tank systems. Our technicians have previously installed up to thirteen separate systems simultaneously. Depending on the spacing available within the shop, we will install as many fluids as the shop allows and or requires. Our team uses piping that we can bend onsite for faster installation times, or in case of any last-minute adjustments. The service technicians ensure the installed piping meets pressure and volume requirements. With pressure drops at every turn, we keep all piping straight with as few bends, curves, or fittings as possible. The result is a pristine, professional look in all the shops we work with.
Depending on the size of the shop’s interior or exterior, programming any additional automation equipment, and the amount of piping needed, our installation appointments can take as little as one day to complete or up to several weeks. Onsite technicians always inform customers of when potential downtimes may occur. However, they are able to adjust their schedule to minimize any downtime requirements, up to and including performing installations on the customer’s off-hours.
Next Steps
Learn more about our lubrication equipment installation capabilities by using the contact button below. Use the service button to contact our service team for repair, maintenance, or general service appointment needs.
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.
The simplest way to waste your compressed air is by ignoring compressed air piping. The wrong air piping equipment connecting your compressor to the rest of your facility can mean thousands of dollars in lost utilities, and even safety hazards- depending on the type of piping used. Common issues with piping include undersized pipes, layout inefficiencies, air leaks, and the material making up the pipe itself. Here are a few factors to consider when looking at your compressed air system’s piping.
Layout Inefficiencies
Inefficient piping layouts are the fastest way to reduce the pressure of compressed air. As the air travels through the piping to its destination, each turn in the pipe will reduce the momentum of the air. Additionally, the farther the air travels from the compressor, the likelihood of this pressure drop increases.
The best solution to this inefficiency is preventing it before the air piping is laid down. Installations can be costly and time consuming, and that is before considering potentially turning off air power to production. When considering where the piping should be installed, look for the straightest paths from the compressor to where it needs to be on the production line. Our installation team always looks to create a ‘loop’ in the piping to evenly distribute air to all the equipment.
Undersized Air Piping
The diameter of the piping adds another factor into pressure loss, and this can also stem from layout inefficiencies as well. With undersized pipes, the problem is maintaining the pressure needed at the end of the pipe while keeping the air flowing at the right speed.
This is another issue that is better solved before it happens than fixing it later. Before picking out the size of the pipe, find these specifications for your compressor system:
Maximum CFM (cubic feet per minute)
Minimum operating pressure of the compressor system
Length of the pipe to be used
Interior diameter measurements of the pipe itself (for aluminum pipes only)
Air Piping Material
Compressed air pipe is either metal or plastic. Metal pipe materials are typically steel, aluminum, or copper, and the joints for these pipes come in a wider variety of metals. Plastic piping materials can include PVC and CPVC, as well as ABS, PE, and high-density polyethylene. Northwest Pump advises against using plastic piping in compressor systems, especially PVC piping, as PVC can be a safety hazard. Additionally, depending on the kind of plastic used, the pipes can deteriorate when interacting with certain kinds of lubricant oil particulate in the compressed air.
Air Leaks
Air leaks can waste up to 30% of a compressor’s energy if left unchecked. They also contribute to reduced air tool functionality, which then lowers production. Worst of all, an air leak can shorten the lifespan of equipment in the compressor system, leaving a facility to replace its compressor far sooner than expected. Leaks typically occur in the couplings, joints, valves, etc; any pipe ending can be at risk of leaking. Stopping these leaks is not the challenge, the solution for a leak often requires tightening a valve or replacing faulty equipment. The issue with air leaks is finding them before they cause damage. Air leaks are not visible to the naked eye, and not all hissing from the leaks will be heard above the noise level that a working facility offers.
Regular maintenance on a compressor system will be able to clue plant managers and maintenance staff in case of leaks. If there are concerns about air leaks, an air audit can identify weaknesses in a compressed air system.
Champion Quick-Lock Tubing
For premier compressed air piping, Northwest Pump uses Champion’s Quick Lock Tubing. This air piping uses non-corrosive aluminum, meaning no rust or deterioration from oil usage. Using aluminum over other metals also means lightweight durability, these pipes can be easily suspended on or near ceilings for simple layout design. Champion designed these pipes for fast, easy installation, no specialization in welding or complicated tools required.
Northwest Pump
Northwest Pump offers both Champion Quick-Lock Tubing and a team of engineers specializing in compressed air systems. This team works both with our sales team & our service division to make sure all applications, new or current, run as advertised.
For more information on air piping equipment for your facility, reach out to your nearest Northwest Pump by phone or email through our locations page.
Our industrial service division has compressor technicians who handle anything from compressor system installations to routine maintenance to even emergency service calls. They are vendor certified by top brands such as Sullair & Gardner Denver, ensuring top-quality service for your equipment.
For many years, Northwest Pump has partnered with PSG, a Dover Company, to provide our customers with the industrial and petroleum pumping equipment they need. PSG, A Dover Company, has many internationally acclaimed pump brands including Wilden, Blackmer, & Griswold. However, many in the US may not recognize its more popular brands coming out of Europe: Almatec, Abaque, & Mouvex. These brands have been offered sporadically through the US, but now Northwest Pump is proud to announce that along with being the PSG west coast distributor, we are now the master distributors for these brands from Alaska to New Mexico, including Hawaii. So, what does Northwest Pump as master distributor for these brands look like? Here is everything you need to know.
What does a Master Distributorship mean for you?
As your PSG west coast master distributor, Northwest Pump has been able to offer eight of its core brands in our territory. What has now changed is Northwest Pump is now importing Almatec, Abaque, and Mouvex directly from their manufacturers in Europe. While we are the primary importer of these brands, Northwest Pump will support other PSG distributors within our territory when they acquire Abaque, Almatec, & Mouvex products. The only change these distributors will experience is the point of contact for these pumps.
Northwest Pump will be the primary point of contact for technical support, customer service, and service & warranty needs. This means for anything related to product information, basic application support, availability or order status, as well as warranty claims will go through Northwest Pump. PSG will continue to provide more advanced technical support through its branded websites, distributor portals, and product selection tools.
What do these brands offer?
Almatec designs AODD pumps for specialized applications such as chemical processing, pulp & paper, battery production, and semiconductor construction. To prevent untimely corrosion, Almatec offers its pumps in three main materials polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), and stainless steel. Learn more about Almatec here.
Abaque specializes in peristaltic hose pumps. The main benefit of these kinds of pumps is the pumped fluid will not be exposed to air. Abaque pumps are perfect for water/wastewater, mining, chemical, and sanitary applications. Learn more about Abaque here.
Mouvex is a familiar brand at Northwest Pump. It offers eccentric disc pumps designed specifically for hygienic applications. This brand has pumps for applications ranging from paint to cosmetics, as well as wine & beer to fruit slurries & yogurt. Learn more about Mouvex here.
Next Steps
Interested in seeing what these pumps can do for you? Contact your nearest Northwest Pump branch here. Need repairs on your current PSG equipment? Our service team is vendor certified for your needs. Request service directly here for immediate assistance.
When it comes to food production, there are strict standards during the manufacturing process to maintain safety standards. With smooth internal surfaces & ease of cleaning, sanitary pumps meet these requirements to protect against bacteria and other contaminants. Northwest Pump offers several sanitary pump options for many different applications, whether it be for a thick yogurt slurry or freshly pressed oil.
Do all pumps in a plant need to be sanitary pumps?
No, not all pumps in a food production plant need to be sanitary. A sanitary pump is only necessary when it is in direct contact with food products. Grundfos, for example, does not offer sanitary pumps. What it offers instead is pressure-boosting equipment as well as pumps to clean out the sanitary equipment already present in a facility.
What makes equipment sanitary?
3-A symbol from the International Association of Milk, Food, and Environmental Standards
The FDA regulates Food Contact Substances (FCS) ranging from the pumping equipment processing the food, to the coverings on an at-home coffee machine. The key feature of sanitary equipment is a smooth surface that can be easily cleaned. Manufacturers of sanitary pumps can offer easily disassembled pumps to increase the ease of cleaning, depending on the brand. A sanitary pump will typically be made of stainless steel 316A, or alternatively will be made of a non-porous plastic. The International Association of Milk, Food, & Environmental Standards also has a symbol called 3A to show when a pump meets these classifications. This and the FDA logos will appear on pump literature when the product meets these requirements.
Are sanitary & hygienic the same thing?
The main difference between hygienic and sanitary equipment is in their applications. The FDA classification for sanitary pumps must meet higher standards for consumer product manufacturing. Hygienic pumps on the other hand, are for high-volume transfer applications for food & beverage, cosmetics, and even pharmaceutical processing.
Our Sanitary Products
Northwest Pump offers sanitary & hygienic pumps for a variety of applications. Our main vendor for sanitary pump equipment is PSG, a Dover Company, through its Wilden, Mouvex, and Abaque brands. We now also offer vacuum pumps through Atlas Copco, for canning and other sanitary applications. In addition to these pumps, Northwest Pump now offers food-grade valves, fittings, and other ancillary pumping equipment through Dixon Valve & Fitting. For food-grade lubricants, we have partnered with A.W. Chesterton Company. Finally, for food-safe compressed air, Northwest Pump offers oil-free compressors through Sullair.
Next Steps
Need a sanitary pump for your facility? You can contact our experts here, email them at sales@nwpump.com, or call 1-800-452-PUMP to discuss your application needs. Looking for service on your current sanitary pumps? Reach our service team here, email them at service@nwpump.com, or call 1-866-577-2755.
Over the last few months, our Industrial service team has been working on revitalizing the Portland branch’s in-house pump shop. The end goal of this project is to build the most respected industrial pump repair shop in the country. Northwest Pump is committed to servicing your industrial equipment needs, and now we will expand our capabilities even further.
Learning from the best
Our team realized the best way to start this journey was to look at other renowned pump shops across the United States to compare what they have, to where we want to be. With help from A.W. Chesterton, the team was able to visit pump fabrication facilities in the south-eastern US. This helped us know not only the type of equipment they utilize, but also the layout of the shop as well as the technical know-how our team needed to consider.
What to expect from the new pump shop
When the renovations are finished, Northwest Pumps’ repair shop will be assembling pump packages in-house. The packages will have Chesterton seals or packing as needed and be engineered with customer need first. We will also be able to increase production in compressor packages manufactured in-house as well.
In addition to assemblies, the shop will add an inside overhead crane to expand our capabilities when working with larger turbine pumps. The shop is also upgrading its dynamic balancer for more precise insights on the balance of the impellers that we work with.
What is new?
In the time since the trip, our shop has upgraded its tool boxes for increased capacity & ease of use. Those visiting our Portland branch for any will calls should notice the warehouse now starting to make space for upcoming pump assemblies already. As we begin the process of updating the shop, we expect no impacts to repair times.
Next Steps
Stay tuned for updates through social media or sign up for our service newsletter to receive them monthly below.
Looking for maintenance on your industrial pumps? Request an appointment here.
In the time since the trip, our shop has upgraded its tool boxes for increased capacity & ease of use. Those visiting our Portland branch for any will calls should notice the warehouse now starting to make space for upcoming pump assemblies already. As we begin the process of updating the shop, we expect no impacts to repair times.