In our last post, we announced the release of Waukesha Cherry Burrell’s newest positive displacement pump- the Universal 2 ND. In this follow up post, we’ll do a deeper dive on some of the distinguishing features of the U2 ND and how it fits into the overall WCB PD pump portfolio, as well as what separates it from other industrial PD pumps we see in the field today. So let’s get started!
In order to understand what makes the Universal 2 ND pump unique we have to start by looking at what makes it similar to its siblings- the Universal 1, Universal 2, and Universal 3 external circumferential piston pumps. Like the U1, U2, and U3, the U2 ND is an external circumferential piston positive displacement pump that is ideal for moving medium to high viscosity products and is almost perfectly efficient with any fluid over about 500 centipoise. This incredible volumetric efficiency, even at high discharge pressures, makes the Universal 2 ND ideal for bulk transfer as well as metering applications.
Like the Universal 2, the Universal 2ND features single and mechanical seal options in a variety of material and elastomer combinations. The U2 ND is dimensionally interchangeable with the Universal 1 and Universal 2 pumps (as well as many Universal 3 models) and uses the same parts as the Universal 2.
Unlike the Universal 2, however, the Universal 2 ND is NOT a sanitary pump. While still featuring 316SS materials of construction and excellent cleanability, the Universal 2 ND is purpose built for industrial applications such as oil and gas, formulated and specialty chemical, bulk chemical transfer, and power generation. The Universal 2 ND is NOT 3A certified and comes standard with 150 lb. flanges or NPT ports. Tri Clamp ports are available as an option.
Where do we like the use the Universal 2 ND & How is it Different than other Industrial Pumps?
So now that we’ve dug a little deeper into what the Universal 2 ND is, let’s take a closer look at where we like to use the U2 ND and what makes it different from other industrial pumps in the market.
To start, we love to use the U2 ND in applications where the pump can be filled with settled slurries and you need to restart without damaging the pump or seals, as well as when handling shear or heat sensitive products. These are applications where we’ve seen incumbent technologies such as progressive cavity and internal gear pumps struggle.
Additional applications where we’ve seen early success and acceptance of the ND include detergent gels, chemical cleaners, PVC emulsions, plastic coatings, and cooked starch handling.
What else distinguishes the Universal 2 ND from incumbent pump brands such as Viking, Roper, and Blackmer? As we alluded to above, the U2 ND, when equipped with a proper seal flush, can run dry indefinitely, features pulsation free flow that reduces vibration and system wear, and has no internal contacting parts, reducing wear. Shaft timing on the U2 ND is also not critical, which makes it much simpler for maintenance technicians to service. Separation of the gearcase and fluid chamber also means you don’t ever have to worry about oil contaminating your product.
The Universal 2 ND also features a number of long-life features that differentiate it from the gear and progressive cavity type pumps we commonly see in industrial applications. Pump bodies are machined from 316L stainless steel (and given Waukesha’s large volume of 316L pump bodies, quite cost effectively we might add). Large diameter hardened 17-4PH shafts offer superior strength and stiffness compared to competitors 316SS or cast iron shafts. Rotors are the same non-galling Alloy 88 featured in the Universal sanitary pumps, which means you don’t have to worry about galling or rotor seizure. And finally, double tapered roller bearings are grease lubricated for positive lubrication to all bearings over the entire speed, temperature, and pressure rating of the pump.
So to close out this post, let’s recap. In many ways, the Universal 2 ND is similar to it’s sanitary brother, the Universal 2. The Universal 2 ND is an external circumferential positive displacement piston pump and features an all 316SS body, 17-PH shafts, Alloy 88 rotors, and single and mechanical seal options in a variety of material and elastomer combinations. The U2 ND is dimensionally interchangeable with the Universal 1 and Universal 2 pumps (as well as many Universal 3 models) and uses the same parts as the Universal 2. Unlike the Universal 2, however, the Universal 2 ND is NOT a sanitary pump and is not 3A certified.
And at Triplex, where we’ve been specifying pumps for both sanitary and industrial applications for over 40 years, we feel strongly that these features put the Universal 2 ND a level above incumbent industrial PD pump technologies from brands like Viking, Roper, and Blackmer.
Have any questions about the Universal 2 ND or your industrial pumping application, please contact a Triplex Sales Engineer today!