Vesconite Bearings’ Hitemp 160 vanes have shown outstanding performance and durability under extreme operating conditions in Zambia’s sanitation sector. Since their installation in June 2024 on two 10,000-litre septic tank trucks operated by Lunem Enterprises, these high-temperature-resistant vanes have demonstrated resilience and efficiency in daily high-demand applications, enabling Lunem to tackle sanitation needs in Zambia’s peri-urban areas.
The two trucks, equipped with rotary vacuum vane pumps featuring the Hitemp 160 vanes, operate five hours daily in pumping duties, handling extended 20-40 metre pumping distances. Due to continuous usage and heavy-duty sanitation work, the pumps regularly reach temperatures between 140 and 180 degrees Celsius. These operational temperatures far exceed the tolerance limits of previous materials, prompting Lunem to seek an alternative that could withstand Zambia’s demanding environment.
After using the original vane materials that came with the pumps, including metallic and carbon graphite, Lunem Enterprises selected Vesconite Bearings’ Hitemp 160 vanes as a suitable replacement for their temperature resistance and lighter weight. Metallic vanes, though durable, proved problematic under high temperatures as they expanded excessively, leading to operational issues, cracking, and added strain on the pump. Carbon graphite vanes, while lighter, were found to wear quickly, failing to meet Lunem’s longevity requirements.
“Vesconite’s Hitemp 160 vanes are proving to be an exceptional choice,” said Lunem Enterprises Operations Manager Keith Soboya. “We inspected the pumps after a period of use and found the vanes intact and wear-free. They expand and contract efficiently, adapting well to the temperature fluctuations and maintaining excellent performance.”
With a proven temperature resistance of up to 160 degrees Celsius—and occasionally up to 220 degrees Celsius depending on chemical exposure—Hitemp 160 vanes ensure good performance in sanitation applications. These lightweight vanes reduce the strain on the pumps, improving overall efficiency and pump lifespan. Soboya further praised Vesconite Bearings Application Engineer Jandri Ueckermann for the exceptional customer support provided during the vane-sizing adjustments in the initial stages of application development, which helped optimise their performance. He also appreciates her availability for communication, her consistent follow-ups on product performance, and her commitment to ensuring timely deliveries.
As Lunem Enterprises expands the introduction of Hitemp 160 vanes into the rest of its fleet and stocks Hitemp 160 vanes for future operations, the company intends to supply these vanes to other sanitation companies, leveraging its leadership role in Zambia’s Sanitation Association to improve industry standards.
Lunem’s commitment to sanitation is part of its broader mission to protect public health in Zambia, especially during the rainy season when the risk of cholera rises.
“Sanitation trucks are vital to our community, ensuring safe waste management when council systems are not available,” says Saboya. “These high-temperature vanes allow us to maintain our service without interruption, contributing to Zambia’s sanitation needs and public health efforts.”
Vesconite Bearings is pleased to support Lunem’s mission, knowing that Hitemp 160 vanes are making a difference in challenging sanitation environments.
