How to Select a SLES System

What is a SLES System?

SLES, an acronym for Sodium Laurel Ether Sulphate, is a surfactant known for its exceptional foaming and cleansing properties when combined with water. Before it’s ready for use, SLES is mixed with water and other additives to create a diluted SLES concentration. SLES finds its application in an array of products such as soaps, detergents, shampoos and liquid body gels. Typically, manufacturers purchase SLES at a 70% concentration. This is highly viscous and needs to be diluted down to approximately 27% before it can be seamlessly integrated into your process line. Buying SLES at a 27% concentration can be a huge financial investment for companies, and by using systems such as the SLES Mixing and Dilution Unit, businesses benefit from improved processing time and significant cost-savings.

Advantages of SLES Systems:

All Tapflo SLES Mixing & Diluting Systems ensure immediate and precise preparation of a less concentrated solution of SLES. Some key benefits of using SLES Systems are:

• Continuous/batch supply of SLES at specific concentrations
• Immediate start of the mixing process
• Constant tracing and recording of operational parameters
• Compact and lightweight construction
• Local or remote control
• Independence from deliveries of pre-diluted SLES
• Flexibility and continuity of production
• System ensures the highest quality of pre-prepared SLES on-site
• Significant cost reduction
• Available extensions include the dosing of additional ingredients, and feeding 70% SLES directly from a road tanker

Common industries & applications:

• Pharmaceutical
• Cosmetics
• Print & Dye
• Petroleum
• Leather

What are your fluid & media transfer characteristics?

To choose the appropriate SLES System for your application, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What media will be pumped? Consider the chemical composition of the media you will be pumping – is it chemically neutral or corrosive, shear sensitive etc.
2. What is the viscosity of the media you intend to pump? Consider viscosity limitations, shear sensitivity etc.
3. Do you need to pump fluids containing solids?
4. Is your environment or fluid explosive?
5. Do you require CIP/SIP?
6. Do you require self-priming capabilities?

Materials Available:

• Stainless Steel AISI 304/316: Offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability for prolonged and efficient use

Some of our materials offer an ATEX option on request for explosive applications and environments.

Maintenance required to keep your SLES System running:

• Visual inspections of the system’s components to spot any wear or damage (applicable to each pump within the system – Centrifugal & PC Pump)
• Check the system’s noise levels; excessive noise may indicate wear problems to gears and bearings, dragging of screws on the pump casing, or cavitation
• If a flushing system is present, check the pressure and flow
• If a heating/cooling system is present, ensure temperature capabilities are at optimal levels
• Oil level in the gearbox
• Ensure the control unit is in the correct working order
• Checking the condition of the pressure and temperature transmitters
• Ensure frequency inverters are in good condition
• Check the condition of the flow meters are valves to ensure they’re operating according to your required parameters

Depending on the size of your pump and the fluid you are pumping, a more detailed maintenance schedule may be required.

Additional Factors to Consider:

Will your pump be stationary, or do you need it to be portable? If you require portability, SLES Systems can be fitted to trolleys of any size to suit your needs.

Related Articles:

• SLES – Diluting & Mixing Process Guide