A Long-Standing Partnership

Some customer relationships are measured in years. Others are measured in decades.

Our long-standing partnership with Imerys, formerly English China Clay, is one such relationship. For generations, Imerys has extracted and processed clay in the UK, producing a fine powder that finds its way into countless everyday products including paint, tyres, car dashboards and pharmaceuticals.

Decades ago, likely in the 1980s or 1990s, we supplied an FE5 exhauster to support a centralised vacuum cleaning system at one of their kiln operations. At the heart of the process is a kiln stretching more than 100 metres long, operating continuously for over 30 years. It is never switched off. If it were allowed to cool, the structure would fail.

The material being handled has a Mohs hardness rating of 9, making it extremely abrasive and placing exceptional demands on any equipment in service.

When the time came to replace this particular exhauster, the challenge was clear. Our modern exhauster range has evolved over time, with most units now being smaller and more compact, designed for contemporary applications. There was no off-the-shelf alternative that could meet the original duty.

The FE5 Exhauster Solution

To deliver the right solution, we returned to our original FE5 drawings and legacy designs, effectively giving this machine a rebirth. The FE5 range is known for its robust construction, vee-belt drive and oil-free air delivery, with grease-lubricated bearings isolated from the air stream. These features have allowed FE5 units to perform reliably in demanding industries including chemicals, food, iron and steel and textiles for decades .

Working closely with Imerys and our trusted local manufacturing partners, we were able to resurrect and refine this proven design, manufacturing an exhauster capable of meeting the original performance requirements while benefiting from today’s manufacturing standards.

For Graham and the Imerys team, this project represents the strength of an ongoing partnership built on trust, shared experience and a deep understanding of critical processes. For us, it is a reminder that going the extra mile sometimes means looking back to proven engineering, standing behind our customers and supporting equipment long after it was first supplied.

Contact the BVC Quirepace team below to discuss a bespoke build, refurbishment, or to learn more about our exhauster range.