What is polyvinyl acetate? And how do you pump it? Polyvinyl acetate, or PVAc, is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic thermoplastic solid. It is insoluble in water, oils, and fats, but soluble in alcohols, esters, benzene, and ketones. PVAc is shear-sensitive and can set up when not moving in the process. PVAc can be used in many different ways—latex paints, adhesives, inks, and even chewing gum. So what's required to pump PVAc? Internal gear pumps have low shear capabilities and preserve product consistency. Cast iron or stainless steel construction handles chemical compatibility needs.

So we all know what chocolate is...but how do you pump it? The chocolate production process can be simply described with these steps: cacao beans are roasted and ground, then mixed with oils into a semi-liquid. This early stage is known as "bitter" chocolate. From here, sugar can be added to make "sweet" chocolate—milk can be added for "milk" chocolate—and if the chocolate has been thinned down it's called chocolate liquor. There are a few different types of chocolate facilities. Some are bean to bulk, where chocolate is processed. Others are bulk to bar, where confections are made.

What are polyols? And how do you pump them? Polyols are alcohols with many hydroxyl radicals and are a key ingredient in polyurethane foams. Viscosity varies widely—some polyols can be as thick as 40,000 centipoise. Polyols are often blended with isocyanates, so pumps must use compatible lubricants and deliver non-pulsating flow to ensure proper mixing ratios. Some polyols contain polymer solids or other materials, which can be abrasive. So what's required to pump polyols? Internal gear pumps have many sealing and bushing options to provide chemical compatibility and abrasion resistance.

Viking Pump's O-Pro® Barrier seal is the latest in sealing technology and is designed to replace packing - creating a robust seal that prevents pump leakage.

With two internal o-rings and an outer bracket o-ring, the barrier seal creates a sealing area between both the seal and shaft - as well as keeping process liquid out of the bracket - preventing process fluid from becoming trapped.

Biofuels are a renewable energy source produced from biomass blended with refined fuels. They provide energy for much of the world's transportation. The two most common biofuels are biodiesel and ethanol. Biodiesel is produced by combining alcohol with vegetable oil, animal fat, or recycled cooking grease. Ethanol is made from various plant materials through the fermentation of their starches, sugars, and cellulose components. So what's required to pump biofuels? Biofuels vary in chemical composition—biodiesel, ethanol, and their blends each interact differently with pump components.

Welcome, in this quick tip video we will guide you through the installation of a behind the rotor Type 1 mechanical seal in Viking pumps with the U-Plus™ bracket. Before installation, ensure the casing, bracket bushing, idler, head, idler pin, and rotor shaft are free of any debris or wear. Replace any worn components. Using an arbor press, install a new lip seal into the bracket until it is flush with the bracket face. Reinstall the seal spacer. Lubricate and install the stationary seal seat into the bracket bore with the lapped side facing out. Avoid touching the seal face directly.

Place a brass or hardwood bar into the port opening to keep the pump from turning. Loosen and remove the lock nut. Remove and discard the lock washer. Loosen the bearing housing set screws. Loosen and remove the bearing housing. Remove the bearing spacer collar. The collar may have come out with the bearing housing. Remove the half- round rings. Next, remove the stainless-steel window guards from the bracket. Loosen and remove the head cap screws. Remove the head by tilting it backward to prevent the idler from falling off the idler pin. Remove and discard the head gasket.