Chemical metering pumps are used in industries to help move a particular amount of fluid — in this case, chemicals — over a particular period or in intervals. It mainly helps achieve an accurate volumetric flow rate. The act of adjusting flow rates is referred to as metering, proportioning or dosing, and that is why the pump is referred to as a chemical metering, proportioning or dosing pump.
Why the Need to Meter Fluid/Chemicals?
There are instances when you want to control the amount of chemical introduced to another fluid because large additions might affect things like pH or viscosity. Metering helps you achieve this because you can release the chemical in small quantities at different intervals to avoid altering the pH or viscosity of your fluid streams.
How Do You Choose a Chemical Metering Pump?
Four key factors stand out when choosing a chemical metering pump:
You need to determine the flow rate and discharge pressure required by your industrial, manufacturing or processing needs. Choose a chemical metering pump that can meet or is slightly above this flow rate and discharge pressure just to be safe; you might need the additional capacity or pressure at a later time.
Material Versus the Chemical You Are Working With
What chemicals are you working with? Are they corrosive or erosive? Can they damage the pump? Choose a chemical metering pump with a material that can handle the particular chemical you are working with. When purchasing the pump, you will see or be informed about the various chemicals the metering pump can or cannot handle.
Some chemicals can be hazardous if they leak. Always consider a chemical metering pump that has an automated leak detection system, where an alarm automatically goes off to make you aware of a leak. You will not only protect the chemical metering pump from damage but also protect yourself from injury and equipment from damage.
Do Your Chemicals Emit Gas?
If you handle chemicals that emit some kind of gas, you should get a chemical metering pump that has a mechanism to emit this gas because a build-up can cause damage. The mechanism constitutes assemblies known as liquid ends. Make queries about the assemblies to ensure the chemical metering pump can handle chemicals that emit gases. Liquid ends constantly remove vapour or gases from the chemical metering pump.
Don't choose a chemical metering pump based on its price because you might miss out on important features you require. Consider the four factors mentioned above, then consider the cost.