A chemical pump is a device used to manage and transfer liquid chemicals. However, there’s more to know about these specialized pumps to understand what makes them resistant to hazardous materials and usable in various industries.

In this article, we’ll explain what a chemical pump is and how it works. Then, we’ll go through different types of chemical pumps and what they are used for. At Surplus Solutions, we offer all kinds of high-quality pre-owned lab equipment, including premium chemical pumps, so we are going to teach you everything you need to know about them, too.

Let’s dive in!

What Is a Chemical Pump and How Does It Work?

A chemical pump is a specialized type of pump used to move chemicals from one place to another. To fully understand what a chemical pump is and how it works, let’s compare it to a standard pump.

Unlike standard pumps, chemical ones are purpose-built to resist damage from moving dangerous and reactive chemicals.

One of the biggest differences between chemical and regular pumps is material durability. Chemical pump materials are typically high-grade and incredibly resistant, like titanium, stainless steel, and specialized plastics, all of which are impervious to various destructive chemical reactions.

In addition to resistance to chemicals, these pumps are often more tolerant to high pressures and extreme temperatures. They are built to withstand drastic conditions that often accompany hazardous chemical handling.

Another characteristic of chemical pumps is their leak prevention and sealing. Many of these devices use sealless designs or magnetic drives to improve efficiency and reduce or eliminate the risk of leakage due to potential damage or malfunction on these parts.

Due to their properties and versatility, chemical pumps are utilized across multiple industries. They are used in chemical manufacturing, laboratory chemical transfer, water treatment, mining and metallurgy, food and beverage, oil and gas transport, pharmacy, and more.

How do Chemical Pumps Work?

Chemical pumps work based on their design, and each type differs from the rest.

For example, centrifugal pumps use impellers to convert rotational energy into kinetic energy to transfer fluids. Peristaltic (or hose) pumps feature flexible hoses that are compressed and released to move the chemicals. Magnetic drive pumps (also known as mag-drive pumps) use magnetic forces to power impellers and transfer fluid.

There are many other types of chemical pumps with various purposes, each featuring unique mechanisms and working principles, which we’ll examine more closely in the following sections.

5 Main Types of Chemical Pumps

Now, let’s explore some of the most common types of chemical pumps and see how they work based on their design and function.

#1. Centrifugal Chemical Pump

Centrifugal chemical pumps are the most common type, and they are used across many industries. These pumps use rotating impellers to create a centrifugal force, which pushes the chemical. Centrifugal pump applications range from water treatment and chemical processing to HVAC systems.

Some of the biggest benefits of these pumps are their reliability, high flow rates, and cost-effectiveness. This makes them ideal for transferring high volumes of low-viscosity fluids. However, they can be less effective with viscous and abrasive fluids.

#2. Diaphragm Chemical Pump

Diaphragm chemical pumps are positive displacement pumps that transfer liquids using suction created by flexible diaphragms. A diaphragm moves back and forth, drawing liquid in and pushing it out with a vacuum.

The seal-less design of these pumps makes them ideal for handling hazardous and abrasive chemicals. In addition to operating leak-free, diaphragm pumps allow for precise dosing and are compatible with viscous fluids. As a result, they are frequently used for metering chemicals and transferring slurries.

#3. Peristaltic Chemical Pump

Peristaltic chemical pumps function using flexible tubes (or hoses) and rollers to displace fluids. The rollers rotate and squeeze the tube, which creates a vacuum, draws the fluid into the pump, and pushes it out.

The fluid in these pumps only comes into contact with the tube, which makes them suitable for sensitive, viscous, and abrasive materials. Another upside to these peristaltic pumps is their accuracy, which makes them excellent chemical metering pumps.

#4. Air-Operated Chemical Pump

Air-operated double diaphragm pumps, also known as AODD pumps, use compressed air as a power source, so they don’t need electricity. These pumps are widely used for their portability, and they are also great for transferring liquids with high solid content.

The double diaphragm mechanism creates suction and discharge to move liquid through the pump. Its air-powered nature makes it safe to use in hazardous environments, such as for the transfer of flammable fluids.

#5. Magnetic Drive Chemical Pump

Magnetic drive pumps (also known as mag-drive pumps) use magnetic couplings to transmit torque from the motor to the impeller. The main benefit of this method is that there’s no physical contact between the motor and the pump, which makes it perfect for hazardous and highly corrosive fluids.

Mag-safe pumps are leak-free and typically low maintenance. They are frequently used to transfer toxic, flammable, and corrosive chemicals. The downside is that they are usually limited to non-abrasive fluids.

5 Key Features of Chemical Pumps

Here are some of the key features of chemical pumps that make them perfect for the reliable transfer of hazardous materials:

1. Corrosion-resistant build. Materials like stainless steel, Hastelloy, titanium, PTFE (Teflon), and polypropylene (PP) are used to create corrosion-resistant pumps. Depending on the material, a pump can be made resistant to exceptionally strong acids, seawater, oxidizing agents, and more.
2. Tolerance to high pressure and temperature. Industrial fluid pumps often need to work under extreme conditions, such as temperatures below 0°F or above 400°F. Ceramic and metal components can make these pumps suitable for high-temperature applications, while reinforced casings increase pressure tolerance.
3. Compatibility with various chemicals. Chemical pumps are designed to transfer a wide variety of chemicals. This includes acids, like sulfuric and hydrochloric acid; bases, like sodium and potassium hydroxide; organic solvents; abrasive slurries; and more.
4. Leak prevention and safety. This is a critical feature of chemical pumps that makes them suitable for use with dangerous and toxic substances. Some pumps have magnetic drives, while others utilize double containment to minimize the potential for wear and tear and prevent detected leaks in cases of failure.
5. Versatility in types. There are many different sorts of chemical pumps designed for specific needs. For instance, centrifugal pumps are great for high volumes of low-viscosity fluids, while peristaltic pumps are perfect for handling abrasive fluids.

3 Key Chemical Pump Applications

In addition to knowing what a chemical pump is, you should familiarize yourself with its application in various environments and industries to make the most of it.

#1. Laboratories

Chemical pumps play a vital role in laboratory settings, as they are essential for operations and processes that require high levels of precision and safety.

One common use case for chemical pumps in laboratories is to safely transfer corrosive or hazardous materials from one container to another. Furthermore, chemists and engineers often use these pumps for dosing and metering to facilitate controlled reactions. The pumps are also used to push fluids through filters for preparation and purification.

Many of these chemical pumps are compact, which makes them ideal for tight laboratory spaces. Their resistant builds, material compatibility, and leak-free designs further enhance their safety and usability in laboratories.

#2. Chemical Manufacturing

Chemical pumps are at the heart of chemical manufacturing. They are fundamental tools in large-scale production with the main focus on efficiency and reliability.

A typical application for these devices in chemical manufacturing is moving raw materials between storage tanks and reactors. Chemical pumps are also used as parts of larger systems to facilitate reactions and circulation and ensure homogenous mixing.

These pumps are necessary in manufacturing due to their resistance to corrosion, pressure, and temperature. They can function for long periods of time under demanding conditions. Plus, they are versatile and can accommodate different types of chemicals for various purposes.

#3. Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical-grade pumps are built for processes that require extreme precision and rigorous hygiene, and they meet strict quality standards for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

They allow for precise dosing and delivery of ingredients when developing drugs. Additionally, pharmaceutical chemical pumps enable a sterile transfer of materials to avoid contamination during research and manufacturing. Finally, these pumps are vital in filtration and purification processes.

This type of pump is constructed using pharmaceutical-grade or food-grade materials, which ensures it complies with the necessary standards (e.g., FDA or USP standards). They keep the materials safe and sterile with a leak-free design. Also, some specialized pumps feature unique characteristics, like gentle handling of sensitive fluids.

How to Choose the Right Chemical Pump

When choosing the right chemical pump, you want to ensure that it meets your needs, has full operational efficiency, and is safe to use.

Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a chemical pump:

• Chemical compatibility. You must match the chemicals you plan to use with your pump and the pump’s materials. This is necessary to ensure the chemicals are handled properly, and the pump is protected from contamination, corrosion, and degradation.
• Flow rate. Flow rate is measured in the fluid volume a pump can handle in a given period. Some pumps are designed for high pressures and large volumes, while others are more precise and delicate.
• Liquid viscosity. Some chemical pumps are designed to handle thicker liquids safely and without straining. Fluids like slurries and oil typically require specialized pumps that can ensure their smooth transfer without the risk of damage.

If you’re unsure what the right chemical pump is for you, feel free to contact us at Surplus Solutions. We offer a wide selection of used lab equipment and chemical pumps, and our experts can advise on what device suits your needs the best.

Used vs. New Chemical Pump

Choosing between used and new chemical pumps involves examining the pros and cons of each option. While buying new pumps comes with several handy perks, such as a long-term manufacturer warranty and technical support along with the latest technology and features, there are also many advantages to choosing used chemical pumps.

Here are the key benefits of choosing used chemical pumps:

• Cost savings. If you’re operating on a tight budget (e.g., a startup lab), you can obtain a high-quality chemical pump without breaking the bank.
• Availability. Used pumps are usually available for immediate purchase, and you can have them in your laboratory or facility in no time.
• Reliability. Carefully inspected used pumps have been proven in practice, and their durability and efficiency have been field-tested, so you don’t have to second-guess their performance.

At Surplus Solutions, we offer an assortment of pre-owned, high-quality lab and processing equipment, including pumps. Browse our collection and look for new arrivals as we regularly update our stock.

Maintenance and Safety Handling Tips for Chemical Pumps

Now that you know what a chemical pump is and how to choose the right one for your ventures, here are some tips on how to handle and maintain it:

• Regularly inspect your pumps. Check for wear and tear and look for any unusual noises or leaks. Practice preventive maintenance by cleaning the necessary components and replacing worn-out parts.
• Monitor operating conditions. Keep an eye on all the relevant parameters when your pump is working, such as its temperature, pressure, and flow rate. This will help you ensure everything is in working order and the pump isn’t under strain.
• Only use compatible chemicals. Avoid using your pumps with incompatible chemicals, as that can result in quick deterioration, complete failure, and even environmental risk.

Key Takeaways

Understanding what a chemical pump is and how it’s different from a regular one helps you choose the right device for your needs. Remember that there are many types of chemical pumps designed to work with different fluids and in varying conditions.

Don’t forget to consult our experts at Surplus Solutions if you are looking for a pre-owned chemical pump but aren’t sure which one to pick. Our experts will guide you throughout the browsing process and help you make the best choice!

What Is a Chemical Pump FAQ