We recently provided collaborative project support to a customer delivering a new refinery in the UK – built to replace and upgrade an existing facility with modern, sustainable processing technologies for refining precious metals.

The project required reliable, technically advanced pumping solutions to support sophisticated scrubbing processes for emission control and aggressive chemical transfer, with a focus on reducing nitrogen oxide (Nox) output.

From initial enquiry in January 2024 through to final pump delivery in March 2026, this large-scale, multi-phase project required close collaboration, technical agility and a flexible approach to adapt to evolving requirements at every stage.

Customised Pump Solutions Delivered at Scale

We manufactured a total of 46 pumps – primarily magnetically-driven centrifugal units, alongside mechanically-sealed centrifugal and regenerative turbine pumps, delivering a robust and reliable solution tailored to complex process requirements.

To ensure long-term performance in a demanding chemical environment, the pumps were constructed from a range of high-specification materials, including PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride), PP (Polypropylene), ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) and PFA (PerFluoroAlkoxy).

Our scope extended to a complete package including commissioning spares, dry-run protection systems, current transformers, documentation and testing, and extended warranties – ensuring operational readiness from day one.

All pumps were fitted with custom-built motors ranging from 0.37 kW to 18.5 kW, engineered specifically for the application. The majority were installed in low-risk zones, with some units designed to meet ATEX requirements.

Every pump underwent rigorous testing at our manufacturing site in Italy before dispatch, including hydrostatic pressure testing, five-point performance validation, and sound pressure level measurement. Crucially, performance testing was conducted using the final, application-specific contract motors rather than standard slave motors – eliminating installation risk and providing complete confidence in real-world operation.

To further strengthen quality assurance, the first pump and motor of each model size was witness tested by a nominated inspection authority, ensuring full validation before site deployment.

Collaborative Project Support

Our dedicated project engineer worked as an extension of the client’s engineering team for over two years, providing hands-on technical expertise and proactive project support throughout every stage. Through participation in more than 90 weekly project meetings and consistent email communication, we maintained close alignment across international engineering teams – ensuring consistent project momentum.

Managing the project’s complexity required rigorous documentation control. We successfully handled nearly 400 technical document submissions, with multiple revision cycles during the project lifecycle, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and full compliance at every stage.

The Successful Outcome

A complex, fully integrated pumping solution delivered on time and aligned with project requirements – supporting seamless commissioning within a demanding, multi-phase build.

Our long-term customer now benefits from a next-generation pumping system designed to support sustainable technologies, improve emissions control, and provide the reliability needed for future growth.

This large-scale and technically-challenging project demonstrates our ability to deliver high-performance, customised fluid-handling solutions through close collaboration and engineering excellence.

To discuss a tailored pumping solution for your application, contact the specialist team at CDR Pumps: 01933 674777, sales@cdrpumps.co.uk