Technical solutions provider Bearing Man Group (BMG) is strategising to enhance its fluid technology services to meet growing market demand in diverse industries, including the pumps industry.

BMG national product manager for lubrication Weylin Kapp says part of BMG’s portfolio pertaining to this strategy is the enhancement of its Pumprite range – encompassing lubrication, greasing as well as oil and abrasive-fluid handling equipment – designed and manufactured locally for Africa’s strenuous operating conditions.

“The new foot-operated grease pump, the 75 ℓ fluid roller cart, the air-driven grout pump, mixer and air-driven hose reels form part of the latest developments that the company has to offer in the Pumprite range.”

Kapp adds that the team’s broad technical capabilities enable it to solve problems such as drum pumps to remove product from drums. This reduces waste in applications where conventional components have failed after short periods of service due to dirty or contaminated pumped product, a lack of lubricants or incomplete routine maintenance.

Key Brand

The Pumprite range is key to BMG’s portfolio and has been designed for use in diverse applications such as mining, agriculture, packaging, pulp and paper, automotive, industrial, steel and construction, as well as the transfer of product, lubrication of machinery, greasing, pack setting, rock grouting, washing, fixed systems, mobile systems and drag lines.

The pneumatic abrasive Pumprite range handles cementitious products, with the wash/solvent pumps efficiently handling all water-based fluids, as well as chemicals, acids, solvents and antifreeze.

BMG’s Pumprite grease range encompasses pneumatic grease transfer pumps, heavy-duty retractable hose reels, spring feed lubricators, foot-operated grease pumps, bearing packers and hand lever grease guns.

“Robust Pumprite pumps, with a refined design that can be stalled without damage, also ensure fail-safe operation in arduous conditions. The reciprocating air piston has been designed for an even and nonpulsating delivery of product,” Kapp explains.

He adds that the filter and lubricator system removes dirt and excess moisture from the air stopping it entering the air motor of the pump, which also ensures air input is regulated at a safe pressure.

The Pumprite range has also been used in the handling of oil and grease for ilmenite producer Richards Bay Minerals, in KwaZulu Natal. Pumprite Grease Masters – a combination of the superior quality tube section of the Pumprite Pneumatic 425 and the 6" G200 air motor – are used on all the barges, with 180 kg of grease being pumped and used daily.

BMG’s expansion programme in the fluid technology sector also involves increasing product stockholdings at more than 160 branches nationwide and through its distribution network in South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Tanzania, Kapp says, adding that the Pumprite portfolio is supported by a one-year manufacturing warranty offered by the company.

The pump components are manufactured from high-grade material such as LM25 aluminium and EN8 mild steel. Crucial parts are heat-treated, with a ground finish for protection against wear, even in demanding environments. Air motors are anodised for extended service life – beyond the one-year average – and robust linear low-density polyethylene accessories (LLDPE), including drum covers, are corrosion resistant.

“The equipment is powder-coated and plating is done while using corrosive-resistant LLDPE plastic,” Kapp mentions, adding that the Pumprite range can correct the mistakes of other pneumatic pumps.

BMG’s extensive range of components for fluid technology systems and general industrial applications include valves, hydraulic hoses and fittings, accumulators, cylinders, heat exchangers, hydraulic motors and hydraulic plumbing, as well as pumps and reservoir accessories.