Problem:
A Florida-based juice producer, one of the largest in the U.S., processes 90 million gallons of orange juice annually and operates a feed mill that converts fruit peels into cattle feed. The evaporation process used to extract citrus oils and moisture from fruit skins generates hot, corrosive wastewater containing solids such as peels, sticks, and leaves.
This wastewater, reaching 170°F, routinely overwhelmed the facility’s submersible pumps. Overheating and clogging caused repeated pump failures, forcing frequent replacements at an annual cost of $10,000–$15,000. Rising maintenance costs and recurring downtime reduced production efficiency and profitability, leading them to seek a reliable solution.
Solution:
Working with their distributor, the maintenance team installed Industrial Flow Solutions™ SKXF Series high-temperature, corrosion-resistant, non-clog shredder pumps.
Built to withstand liquids up to 200°F, the SKXF pumps feature tungsten carbide-tipped impellers that deliver continuous 360-degree shredding action, effectively handling peels and debris without sacrificing flow or lift performance.
Since installation, the pumps have operated with zero failures. The facility has since added two more units—one in operation and one as backup, which has not yet been needed—resulting in a 60% reduction in maintenance costs and uninterrupted, efficient operations.