Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Salarollpump
1. What is the Salarollrump?
The Salarollpump is a portable pumping system with a patented peristaltic (roller-hose) design. It offers super suction capabilities, enabling it to handle highly viscous, abrasive, or debris-laden liquids. (Megator)
Originally developed for shoreline and pipeline oil spill cleanup, it is also used in chemical spills, tank cleaning, submerged oil recovery, and industrial applications. (Megator)
2. How does the Salarollpump work (functional principle)?
• The system uses a specialized hose that is compressed by a roller or wheel mounted on a crankshaft. As the roller moves, the hose is squeezed and released in sequence, which causes suction and fluid movement. (Megator)
• The suction is generated when the hose returns toward its original shape after being compressed. Discharge pressure is created by the motion of the rollers pushing the fluid onward. (Megator)
• Because of its design, the pump can operate at low speed and under high vacuum, which improves its ability to handle heavy viscous materials and minimize mixing of water and oil. (Megator)
• The pump is capable of reversing direction, which allows it to either suck in or pump out liquid depending on the operation. (colvoy.com)
3. What kinds of liquids and materials can it handle?
• It is suitable for high-viscosity and abrasive liquids, as well as mixtures containing solids and debris. (Megator)
• The pump can tolerate solid particles of up to about 37 mm (1½”) diameter without damaging the system. (Megator)
• The standard inner lining of the hose is made of nitrile rubber (NBR), which is well suited for oil handling and some chemical operation. For more aggressive chemicals, alternative linings may be available. (environmental-expert.com)
• In chemical spill applications, the pump can handle many types of chemicals (for shorter durations) given the right hose lining and precautions. (environmental-expert.com)
4. What are the typical performance specifications?
• The pump comes in different sizes, with capacities around 9 m³/h (≈ 39 gpm) or 14 m³/h (≈ 61 gpm) depending on configuration. (Megator)
• Maximum suction (vacuum) is close to –1 bar (i.e. nearly full vacuum) in many configurations. (Megator)
• The discharge (outlet) pressure rating is typically around 6 bar, with some options for higher pressures (e.g. 10 bar). (Megator)
• The pump system (hose, rollers, housing) is built to allow long hose runs (i.e. the fluid can travel a long distance through discharge hose) due to the high pressure capability. (Megator)
5. In which applications is the Salarollpump used?
• Oil spill response — shoreline, pipeline, or submerged oil recovery operations. (Megator)
• Chemical spill cleanup in remote or difficult areas. (nexigentech.com)
• Tank cleaning — removing sludge, emulsions, or deposits from industrial, marine, or offshore tanks. (Megator)
• Skimmer offloading — the pump can take offloaded viscous liquid from skimmers. (Megator)
• Remote area operations — its portability and ability to be deployed in inaccessible areas are key advantages. (Megator)
6. What makes the Salarollpump different from vacuum trucks or conventional pumps?
• Portability and deployment: It is lighter and more portable than large vacuum trucks, allowing access to remote or tight locations. (Megator)
• Ability to handle debris and solids: Because of its peristaltic design, it tolerates solids (up to a certain size) better than many traditional pumps. (Megator)
• Low shear / low mixing: The slow operation and gentle handling reduce mixing of oil and water, improving separation downstream. (Megator)
• Reverse flow capability: The pump can be reversed to handle blockages or pump in reverse if needed. (colvoy.com)
7. What power options are available?
• The power pack that drives the pump is typically hydraulic, and may be driven by a gasoline, diesel, or electric engine depending on the configuration. (Megator)
• Pump speed is adjustable (e.g. 15, 30, 45 rpm) via hydraulic flow control to adapt to conditions. (Megator)
• Because the pump operates at relatively low speeds, the drive system can be placed outside hazardous zones in some applications. (nexigentech.com)
8. What are the limitations or considerations when using the Salarollpump?
• Hose wear and tear: Because the pump uses a compressible hose, that hose is a consumable and subject to wear. Proper selection of hose lining material is crucial. (environmental-expert.com)
• Viscosity limits: Very extremely viscous fluids or heavy sludge may require water injection or pre-treatment to improve pump performance. (Megator)
• Chemical compatibility: For aggressive chemicals, the standard nitrile lining may not always suffice; alternative linings may be required. (environmental-expert.com)
• Distance / head: While the pump has good discharge pressure, extremely long hose runs or high lifting heights may push performance limits. (Megator)
• Operational environment: In icy, cold, or hazardous environments, special care must be taken (e.g. for freezing, grounding, safety). (Megator)
9. What are the maximum solid sizes the pump can pass?
The system can tolerate solid debris up to about 37 mm (1½”) diameter without significant damage. (Megator)
10. Can the pump operate “dry” (without priming)?
Yes, the Salarollpump is self-priming, meaning it can safely run dry (i.e. with an empty suction line) without requiring auxiliary priming devices. (Megator)
11. Does the pump assist in oil/water separation?
Because of the pump’s low shear and slow operation, it helps maintain separation of oil and water — minimizing emulsification. After pumping, water can be allowed to settle and separated out, either via bottom valves or by reversing the pump to purge water.