How AxFlow and Viking Pump Helped an Adhesives Manufacturer Stick to Success

When it comes to manufacturing adhesives like PVA wood glue, precision and reliability in pumping systems are essential. One adhesives manufacturer recently faced a challenge with their existing pump setup and turned to AxFlow, a trusted Viking Pump distributor, for a solution. What followed was a story of collaboration, technical innovation, and superior customer service.

The Challenge: A Sticky Situation

The manufacturer had been using Johnson Pumps for their internal gear applications but was experiencing suboptimal performance. Having had a positive experience with AxFlow in the past, they sought an alternative that could match or exceed the performance of their current setup.

Their requirements were specific:

• Viscosity range: 5,000 to 30,000 cP (centipoise), which is quite thick—think of the consistency of honey or syrup.
• Flow rate: Approximately 40 m³/h (175 GPM).
• Pressure: 5 bar (75 PSI) differential.
• Pump configuration: 180° inline ports, similar to their existing 4" packed stainless steel pump.

Understanding PVA Wood Glue and Pumping Needs

PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) wood glue is a common adhesive used in woodworking. It’s water-based, but its viscosity can vary significantly depending on formulation and temperature. Pumping such materials requires equipment that can handle high viscosity without clogging or excessive wear.

Internal gear pumps are ideal for this because they offer:

• Smooth, non-pulsating flow.
• High efficiency with viscous fluids.
• Compact design suitable for tight spaces.

The Journey: Finding the Right Fit

AxFlow, working closely with Viking Pump’s Application Engineering team, analyzed the application data and determined that the existing Q-size pump was too small. They proposed the QS-size Viking Pump, which allowed for the desired 180° port configuration and matched the dimensional requirements with 6" 150# flanges compatible with DN150 PN16 standards.

A key part of the discussion was the O-Pro® Cartridge Seal, a modern sealing solution designed to replace traditional stuffing box packing. Unlike packing, which can wear out quickly and require frequent maintenance, the O-Pro® seal offers:

• Improved sealing performance.
• Reduced leakage.
• Longer service life.
• Easier installation and maintenance.

The Solution: A Pump That Performs

The final recommendation was the Viking QS1127A pump with the O-Pro® Cartridge Seal. Viking Pump’s team in Shannon went above and beyond by:

• Supporting operation slightly above the standard performance curve.
• Securing ATEX certification for the O-Pro® Seal, ensuring safety in potentially explosive environments.

Thanks to this collaborative effort, the manufacturer not only received a technically superior solution but also experienced the kind of attentive, expert service that sets AxFlow apart.

Why It Matters

This success story highlights how choosing the right distributor—like AxFlow—can make all the difference. Their deep understanding of Viking Pump products, combined with a commitment to customer satisfaction, helped solve a complex challenge and improve operational efficiency.

Whether you're dealing with adhesives, chemicals, or any other viscous fluid, having a knowledgeable partner can help you find the perfect pump solution.