6 Crucial Factors to Consider When Buying the Right Chemical Metering Pumps
ShareChoosing and buying the right chemical metering pump is quite a challenge due to variations and pump types available today. Therefore, it's essential to consider various crucial factors in your selection process. For better understanding, this post limits the discussion to those that pump chemicals under pressure that is no more than 50gph and 250psi.
Chemical Concentration Pumped
This factor is vital to consider since some materials only work best with certain chemicals. Thus, this determines your pump's wet end. Furthermore, chemical concentration is crucial since materials that perform well in low concentrations may fail to work better at higher levels.
Chemical Output Needed
Consider selecting a pump that runs well at 70-80% its total capacity at a normal, functional state. At this rate, chemical pumps operate more primely and accurately. Some applications require higher outputs, so you must accurately turn them down for the necessary low outputs. Large flow variation ranges, such as those between 5-25%, require chemical pumps with adjustable motor speeds.
Pump Control
Chemical metering pumps can either be analogue input, manual or digital pulse. For the manual models, you must adjust the frequency and stroke length to achieve the right flow rate. The digital pulse model relies on the control unit's optical signal that converts to strokes per minute. Finally, the analogue input model utilises a 4-20 milliamp signal that alters stroke frequency linearly and proportionally to the output device like a flowmeter.
Pump's Location
You need to realise that most chemical metering pumps don't operate as well in direct sunlight, rain or extreme temperatures. Such exposure is not healthy to the pumps and may lower their longevity. Therefore, you must provide excellent shelter or covering when using it under such conditions. There are various standards for environmental resistance that can help you find the perfect pump for your application.
The Chemical Viscosity
Any chemical's viscosity is its resistance to flow. High viscosity chemicals, such as honey, tend to keep the check balls suspended, which can affect or cease the pump's output. Hence, every chemical metering pump will have certain viscosity limits based on design. Some will have springs installed in check valves for higher-viscosity capabilities. Furthermore, the extreme temperature can affect viscosity, and it would be wiser to maintain the chemical's recommended temperature for optimal performance of your pump.
Cost Vs Features
Most chemical metering pump manufacturer's hype their pump's features as indispensable and most innovative. However, when purchasing your pump, determine your application's needs and which features you'll most require. It's also essential to measure your pump's output during installation and get the same value three months down the line.
Consider the six factors discussed above to understand what chemical dosing pump your application requires. This way, you'll find the right pump at a reasonable price and which can offer reliable performance for a long time to come.