Pumping Up Performance: How Viking Pump Helped Modernize Molasses Operations in Ireland Facility

When you think of molasses, you might picture a sticky, sweet syrup used in baking. But in the agricultural world, molasses plays a much bigger role. It’s a by-product of sugar refining and is prized for its high energy content and palatability—making it a key ingredient in animal feed.

In Ireland, one company specialising in the importation, storage, and distribution of molasses and liquid feeds faced a challenge: how to modernise their aging pump systems to keep up with growing production demands.

The Challenge: Aging Equipment in a Demanding Environment

Back in 2014, a distribution and blending facility in Foynes, County Limerick, needed reliable and durable pumps to transfer molasses around their tank farm and into road tankers. They had been using Viking pumps for years, and the equipment had proven to be robust and efficient. But as time passed, the need to upgrade became clear.

The Journey: A Decade of Partnership and Performance

Enter Thomson Process, a trusted Viking Pump distributor. Their relationship with the client began over a decade ago, when they were asked to design pump layouts and manifolds to optimise the facility’s operations. The solution? Installing two Viking Pump® RS324A units, each capable of handling 170 tons per hour (TPH) of molasses.

TPH, or tons per hour, is a measure of how much material a pump can move. In this case, it refers to the volume of molasses transferred—an essential metric for high-volume operations.

These pumps ran flawlessly for nearly a decade, a testament to Viking Pump’s engineering and reliability. When the client needed to replace older vane pumps in 2023, they didn’t hesitate to stick with Viking.

The Solution: Smart Upgrades for Long-Term Efficiency

Thomson Process didn’t just swap out the old pumps—they engineered a smarter solution. They recommended the QS1124A model, featuring a vertically mounted gearbox. This modern design reduced the pump’s footprint, making it easier to integrate into the existing system while improving efficiency and longevity.

A gearbox in a pump system helps control the speed and torque of the pump. A vertical mount saves space and can simplify maintenance.

Why It Worked: Collaboration and Customization

This success story highlights what Viking Pump and our distributors do best: work closely with customers to understand their unique needs and engineer solutions that fit. Whether it’s designing a custom layout, selecting the right pump model, or upgrading components for better performance, our goal is always the same—help our customers succeed.