Chemical Transfer Pump Basics

By definition, a chemical transfer pump is any type of pump that safely transfers and dispenses chemicals among a system, be it a positive displacement pump or centrifugal pump. Often times, many chemical transfer pumps have to meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifications.

Chemical transfer pumps are not to be confused with chemical process pumps, or pumps used to process chemicals by mixing them, heating/cooling them, or some other process. A chemical transfer pump may be used in conjunction with a chemical process pump in order to carry out a process.

Although water is technically a chemical, a water transfer pump is generally not considered to be a chemical transfer pump. This is because the casing and components of a chemical transfer pump are often built with highly resilient materials that can withstand toxic, corrosive, or otherwise hazardous media.

Chemical Transfer Pumps and Dosing Pumps

The process of dosing involves adding small amounts of chemicals or medicines to a process fluid at timed intervals in order to give sufficient time for the chemical or medicine to react. Dosing can also involve adding chemicals or medicine to an atmosphere, and the pumps are an important part of the process.

Chemical Transfer Pump Applications

Chemical transfer and dosing pumps are used in a variety of applications, not just in the chemistry industry. For example, these types of pumps are used in swimming pools to add chlorine at acceptable levels. They are also used in boilers and power stations to inject chemicals at various stages of the process, including helping to regulate water pressure. In HVAC systems, these pumps help check and fill the chemicals needed for the process, such as Freon. Inhibitors may also be added to protect the pipes and components against corrosion. In other cases, a biocide may be added to stop the growth of bacteria in systems with lower temperatures.

Other industries that use chemical transfer pumps include:

• Aerial spraying
• Agriculture
• Biofuels
• Construction
• Food processing
• Mining
• Nuclear
• Oil and gas
• Pharmaceutical
• Pulp and paper
• Sewage
• Slurry processing
• Water treatment

Pro’s and Con’s of Chemical Transfer Pumps

Chemical transfer pumps are an essential tool for the handling of hazardous chemicals in many industries. Whether they are used for conveyance of chemicals or to aid in chemical reactions, the pumps need to be able to handle these chemicals efficiently and with care to avoid any damage that can occur to the surrounding system or if it comes in contact with personnel. As a result, these pumps often come with a larger price tag, which is worth every penny but makes them a poor choice for handling non-hazardous or non-essential media.

Advances in Chemical Transfer Pumps

Neptune’s Series MP7000 – These diaphragm pumps have been specifically designed with water and wastewater applications in mind. The mechanical design eliminates contour plates on the liquid side of the diaphragm while the simple, straight-through valve and head design allows for improved flow characteristics. The Series MP7000 is self-priming, provides superior performance, and has a maximum capacity range up to 275 gph (1,135 L/h) at 235 psi.

MAGNATEX® MAXP Series – Based in Houston, this manufacturer has built a rugged pump that conforms to ANSI B73.3 dimensional standards, making them ideal for heavy duty applications in the chemical and petrochemical industries. They offer flow ranges of up to 2,000 gpm and offer options including secondary containment, steam jackets, external flush, vortex breakers, and more.

For More on Chemical Transfer Pumps

Positive Displacement Pumps Offer Operational Advantages In Chemical Transfer – Tom Zuckett shares his expert opinion on why any chemical transfer process should be done by a positive displacement pump. He even links to a white paper with more.

Netzsch vs. Polyflx vs. Vogelsang – Anthony Bennet of World Pumps reviews innovations in chemical transfer technology by profiling these three manufacturers and their work across a wide range of industries, which often involves harsh applications.

Chemical Transfer Pumps for Aggressive Fluids – Castle Pumps conducted this case study on how best to select a chemical transfer pump that it is compatible with the chemical composition the pump will be used for transferring.

Positive Displacement vs. Centrifugal Pumps in Transfer Operations in Chemical Manufacturing – PSG Dover published this white paper on the pro’s and con’s of positive displacement and centrifugal pumps when used as chemical transfer pumps and similar applications.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical Transfers

http://web.applied.com/base.cfm?page_id=3052

http://www.grainger.com/product/WHEELER-REX-Chemical Transfer-Test-Pump-44A746?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/44A746_AS01?$smthumb$