A NEW higher output pump has just been launched by specialist, SlurryKat.

Its new Doda AFI HD45 centrifugal pump boasts typical flow rates in optimal conditions of 600m3 per hour.

First developed in 2010, it has since been rigorously tested for use with umbilical systems, with six inch and eight inch flexible pipelines - sizes commonly used in USA, Canada, Russia and Estonia - which is a bit different to those used in the UK.

Traditionally umbilical systems here use four or five inch pipe, but SlurryKat said there is a demand from larger contractors and farmers to move to bigger, more efficient systems. Also, in anaerobic digester plants, where large volumes of digestate need to be moved quickly, need higher putput systems.

The new pump is available as a tractor PTO model or direct drive for coupling with an engine. It houses a three-blade chopping system for handling heavy fibrous material and incorporates a Wida tungsten mechanical seal to protect the oil filled driveline system.

It has a heavy duty impellor and body housing and comes complete with an eight inch or ten inch suction line, depending on operator requirements. Priming of the pump is carried out with a hydraulic vacuum primer or with an optional submersible pump, which can be placed up to 6m deep.