MD-Kinney

MD-Kinney

The Kinney Vacuum Pump Company, established in 1875 by William J. Kinney in New York City, was a renowned manufacturer of vacuum pumps and associated equipment. The company earned a reputation for creating high-quality vacuum pumps in various fields, including scientific research, manufacturing, and medical equipment.

In the past few years, Gardner Denver acquired Kinney Vacuum, and the vacuum and blower divisions were combined and rebranded to become MD-Kinney. MD-Kinney is one of the last American-made suppliers of vacuum pumps with all manufacturing in their Springfield, Missouri facility. MD-Kinney is well-known for manufacturing industrial grade piston, liquid ring, dry screw, oil sealed vane, and booster packages. These pumps find usage in multiple applications such as coating, energy production, chemical processing, food manufacturing, plastic manufacturing, automotive, refrigeration evacuation and more.

Kinney Piston Pumps

Piston pumps are a variety of positive displacement pumps that use reciprocating pistons to transfer fluids or gases. Industrial, oil, gas, and chemical operations use piston pumps for precise flow control and high-pressure capabilities. These pumps can handle various viscous, abrasive, or hazardous fluids.

Different types of piston pumps are produced by Kinney, each with its design and set of characteristics. The most commonly found types include:

• Single-acting piston pumps: These pumps employ only one piston to draw fluid into the pump chamber and push it out. They are generally utilized in low-pressure applications and have a simple design with minimal moving parts.
• Double-acting piston pumps: These pumps use two pistons that move in opposite directions to draw fluid into the pump chamber and push it out. They are mainly employed in high-pressure applications and have more intricate designs with moving parts.
• Multi-stage piston pumps: These pumps utilize multiple stages, each equipped with pistons to increase the pressure of the fluid being pumped.
• KT models include an integral, positive pressure lubrication system to insure reliable lubrication at all pressure levels. KT pumps are water-cooled. Optional air-cooling systems are available. Adjustable gas ballast valves are standard for handling water and other vapor loads. Optional factory-mounted oil filtration system lowers maintenance costs and increases uptime.

Kinney piston pumps are engineered for longevity and dependability and can handle high-pressure and high-temperature environments. They are also versatile and can be tailored to suit the specific needs of various applications. MD-Kinney backs its entire piston line with a 30-month warranty.

Kinney Liquid Ring Pumps

A liquid ring pump is a positive displacement pump that uses a rotating impeller to create a vacuum and move fluids. It is called a "liquid ring" pump because a ring of liquid surrounds the impeller, typically water or another compatible liquid with the fluid being pumped.

A liquid ring pump works because the impeller rotates inside a casing filled with the liquid ring. The impeller's vanes are shaped to create a partial vacuum in the center of the impeller, which draws fluid into the pump. MD-Kinney produces two styles of liquid ring; single stage and two stage to fit into a wide range of applications.

Using a liquid ring provides several benefits compared to other types of pumps. Because the fluid is not in contact with the impeller, the pump can handle abrasive, corrosive, or viscous fluids and prevents cross-contamination between pumped liquids.

Kinney liquid ring pumps are typically used in industrial, chemical, and petrochemical applications. They are used often where high-pressure, high-vacuum, or high-volume pumping is needed or where the pumped fluid may be abrasive, corrosive, or otherwise hard on other types of pumps. They are also used for pump seal flush, condensate, and vacuum applications.

KLRC two-stage pumps can pull down as low as 4 Torr.

A Series pumps are not as susceptible to cavitation compared to flat plate design because the flow path through the pump is an axial flow. This allows the velocity through the pump to be unchanged and carries the air out effortlessly. It is not unusual for these pumps to run 24/7 operation for years without maintenance.

Kinney Oil Sealed Vane Pumps

Kinney KVO vacuum pumps offer a direct driven compact pump to deliver down to 0.075 Torr ultimate vacuum with pumping speeds up to 903 CFM. KVO oil flooded vane pumps are air cooled and produce low noise compared to other makes. The exhaust mist filters are easily accessed through the side ports. Applications include vacuum packaging, plastic thermoforming, food processing, and more.

Kinney Dry Pumps

Though Kinney is best known for their oil sealed piston and liquid ring pumps, they also offer a full portfolio of dry pumps for a multitude of applications such as semiconductor, chemical processing, and packaging.

Kinney SDV and KDP dry screw pumps offer 70-460 ACFM pumping speed with an ultimate vacuum of 0.01 Torr. Dry screw technology eliminates the need for oil changes by technicians. There is no metal-to-metal contact between operating parts and they are quiet to operate.

Kinney KVC single stage dry claw pumps offer a fast, hydrocarbon oil free pumping solution for rough vacuum applications where high volume air is needed. Pumping speeds from 43-671 CFM and an ultimate vacuum of down to 27” inches.

Packages with boosters and custom engineering systems are available.

Using Piston Pumps in the Plastics Industry

The plastics industry utilizes piston pumps for various purposes, including injecting melted plastic into molds to create parts of specific shapes and sizes, as well as extruding plastic materials. Injection molding involves forcing melted plastic into a mold under high pressure to make parts of a particular shape and size. The pressure generated ensures the plastic fills the entire mold and takes on its shape.

Piston pumps are also widely used in extruding plastic materials. This process involves melting plastic and pushing it through a die to create parts of a particular shape and size. A reciprocating screw or plunger heats and forces the plastic through a heated barrel to achieve this. Both applications demand specific usage and requirements, such as the plastic material's pressure, temperature, viscosity, and chemical compatibility.

Choosing the correct piston pump involves considering factors like the size, shape, and quantity of parts to be produced. It is always advisable to consult with pump experts and experienced machine builders to select the most appropriate and efficient machine for the application.

Using Liquid Ring Pumps in the Plastics Industry

In the plastics industry, liquid ring pumps are mainly used as ancillary equipment, such as vacuum applications or seal flush systems. An everyday use of liquid ring pumps in injection molding creates a vacuum in the mold. This helps to remove any trapped air or gases that can cause defects in the finished parts and also draws the molten plastic into the mold quickly, increasing the efficiency of the process.

Liquid ring pumps are also used as a seal flush system in the plastic industry. This process cools and lubricates the mechanical seal of the primary process pumps. During the manufacturing process, pump seals tend to get hot, and by providing a continuous flow of coolant, liquid ring pumps extend the life of the seals and reduce downtime and maintenance costs.