Pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industry, and water treatment are just a few industrial chemical pump uses. They are made to move substances like liquids, chemicals, and other corrosive materials. Chemical industry-specific requirements such as those for safety and precision have led to the engineering of chemical pumps to suit those needs.

How do chemical pumps operate?

Chemical pumps apply pressure to transport a liquid or chemical from one location to another. There are various ways to create pressure depending on the chemical pump utilized. Most chemical pumps use impellers or rotors to generate the force required to transfer the chemical.

Chemical pump types

Pumpbiz has various types of chemical pumps based on their design, structure, and working principles. Here are some of the most typical kinds of chemical pumps:

Centrifugal pumps

Centrifugal pumps are the most prevalent chemical pump used in various sectors. They transform the kinetic energy of an impeller’s rotation into the fluid flow to the discharge exit. Due to their dependability, effectiveness, and affordability, centrifugal pumps are suitable for low-to-medium viscosity fluids with little solid content.

Diaphragm pumps

Positive displacement pumps, called diaphragm pumps, transport fluids using a flexible diaphragm. They function by oscillating the pump’s diaphragm, creating a vacuum that sucks fluid into the chamber and forces it out. For applications requiring moderate pumping action or moving fluids with a high particle content, diaphragm pumps are perfect.

Progressive cavity pumps

Helical rotor pumps or eccentric screw pumps move fluids. They trap fluid between the rotor and the stator, discharging it. Progressive cavity pumps are perfect for applications that call for delicate pumping action or for transferring highly viscous and abrasive fluids.

Piston pumps

Positive displacement pumps, called piston pumps, move fluids using a piston that reciprocates. They draw liquid into the pump chamber and expel it through a discharge valve. Piston pumps may move fluids with high viscosities and solid contents or for high-pressure applications.

Other types of chemical pumps include peristaltic, magnetic drive, gear, rotary lobe, drum, vane, vacuum, submersible, and metering pumps.

Typical applications of chemical pumps

Here are a few typical uses for chemical pumps:

Chemical processing: chemical pumps are frequently used in the sector to move chemicals and other fluids throughout production. Chemicals like acids, alkalis, and solvents need specific pumps to handle their corrosive qualities.
Oil and gas: chemical pumps are used in oil and gas to transfer chemicals, such as drilling fluids, acids, and alkalis, during drilling and production.
Water treatment facilities use chemical pumps to transport chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and hydrochloric acid to treat and disinfect water.
Pharmaceuticals: During the manufacturing process, chemical pumps move fluids like solvents, oils, and chemicals.

Care and maintenance of chemical pumps

The longevity and effectiveness of chemical pumps are dependent on proper maintenance and upkeep. The impeller, shaft, and seals of the pump, as well as routine maintenance and inspection of these parts, can help to prevent pump failure and guarantee optimum performance. Operating and maintaining the chemical pump per manufacturer instructions is also crucial.