German Paint Manufacturer Cuts Maintenance Costs with Bredel Hose Pumps

A leading German paint producer has replaced its progressive cavity pumps with Bredel hose pumps from the Watson‑Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG). The switch, driven by high cleaning, maintenance and repair expenses, has now resulted in eight Bredel 40 pumps operating across the plant.

During the Covid‑19 pandemic, a surge in DIY home improvement projects spiked paint demand. Reliability and efficiency of pumping systems became critical, as any downtime directly impacted production and profitability.

High‑cost challenges with progressive cavity pumps

Progressive cavity pumps left behind even minute paint traces that could contaminate the next batch. The abrasive titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and pigment dyes accelerated wear, driving up maintenance cycles. Cleaning was labor‑intensive and costly.

Bredel hose pumps eliminate moving parts that contact the product. The entire fluid stream is confined to a long‑life hose—the only wear component—which can be swapped quickly and at minimal cost.

Cleaning is simplified: modern acrylic or latex‑based paints are rinsed with water, and the hose can be cleaned with sponge or foam balls (pigs). No valves or seals mean fewer clogs and lower maintenance.

Robust performance on the production line

At the German facility, the Bredel pumps transfer mixed paint—viscosity ~5,000 mPas—to filling stations. Containers of 10–20 L await the paint. Each batch takes roughly 20 minutes to complete, depending on stock and order demand. The pumps deliver about 3,000 l/h while maintaining strict colour purity.

The plant now runs eight Bredel 40 units: four on duty and four on standby, ensuring uninterrupted production. Hose life exceeds one year, and the absence of mechanical seals further reduces the maintenance budget.

Expanding to lower‑flow applications

Building on the success of the Bredel pumps, the engineering team adopted a 630UN/RE process/cased pump for lower flow rates. This unit transfers specialty paints into smaller cans (250–1,000 ml) with the same reliability.

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