Technical Yearbook 2023

Mono-pump with invertor

Peristaltic pumps Peristaltic pumps have various advantages. The main one is tolerating dry running, preventing the burning out of the pump. They can also run at a low variable rate, handle high solid content, and are easy to maintain. A significant drawback is, however, its limited portability due to its Flexible impeller pumps are an excellent option to create high pressure when transferring a liquid. Impeller wear may be problematic because resulting particles can land in the wine. It is suitable for lees transfer and pump overs, but not for finished wines. Diaphragm pumps Diaphragm pumps work by contracting a rubber diaphragm to pull wine into a chamber through an inlet valve and then expanding the diaphragm to push the wine out of the chamber through an exit valve. It is excellent for wine transfer but has certain limitations. The advantages include self-priming, easy cleaning and also being able to run dry without burning out. They are, however, not easily reversible and seeing that these pumps are air-powered, irregular shape and size. Flexible impeller pumps

suitable air compressor capacity is required. It is also difficult to sanitise, having many parts in contact with the wine. Gear and rotary lobe pumps The principle of these pumps is to move liquid in the space outside of the gear teeth and the sealing where the teeth mesh. A variation of this type uses rounded lobes instead of sharp teeth. The transfer of the wine is very gentle without aggressive agitation. These pumps are portable, reversible, easy to clean, and have a high solid tolerance. The smaller capacities of the pumps are not very suitable for must. The stainless-steel gears or lobes can easily be damaged by foreign materials like staples in must. Rotary lobe pumps are the best option if you choose only one pump. They also do not over-pressurise cellar equipment like tanks, barrels and hoses. Unfortunately, like most cellar equipment, a fit-for-all purpose pump does not exist, and all characteristics must be considered before a final choice is made.  Reference https://www.wineland.co.za/the-pros-and-cons-of pumping-options-for-cellars/

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TECHNICAL YEARBOOK 2023