When it comes to chemical transfer, safety is essential, both to protect the physical integrity of workers and to prevent accidents. As there are countless chemicals, from household products to dangerous components, it is important to choose the right bomba ideal for this type of application.
In this sense, pneumatic diaphragm pumps have the ability to handle a wide range of chemicals with security and versatility. Due to their versatility, pumps are excellent options for those looking to carry out chemical transfers safely. To help you, we have prepared some advantages that these pumps guarantee for this type of operation. Check it out!
Leak-free construction
Leaks are always a problem, and if they involve chemicals, this problem is even bigger. To prevent this, pneumatic diaphragm pumps are available in bolt-on, leak-free designs to ensure the pumped chemical is safely contained within the pump. Additionally, to ensure an extra layer of safety, exhaust air can be channeled to a containment location away from the workers' environment.
Secure lock
Depending on the type of fluid being pumped, it may be necessary to have a safety mechanism to block the operation. Pneumatic diaphragm pumps can be blocked without causing any damage to the pump or the product. They are an excellent option for applications that are intermittent.
Does not generate heat and does not require electricity to operate
In addition to producing no heat during operation, these pumps do not require electricity to operate and can be grounded for safe and reliable operation in explosion-hazardous environments. When pumping flammable products and operating in environments with gases, this aspect is fundamental.
Dry running
Most positive displacement pumps can suffer some type of damage in the event of dry operation. Pneumatic diaphragm pumps are not damaged when running dry, as happens when pumping chemical reservoirs, unloading tanks, etc.
High chemical resistance
As there are pump options in different materials, it is possible to find pneumatic diaphragm pumps compatible with different types of chemical products, therefore, there will always be an option to meet your needs.
Support a wide range of temperatures
This equipment can withstand a wide range of temperatures, pumping cold fluids (consult factory when pumping fluids below zero degrees) and fluids up to 104°C. For higher temperatures, consult the factory for guidance.
Tip: To find chemical and temperature ratings, consult chemical resistance guides offered by pneumatic diaphragm pump manufacturers. In these guides you can also check the pump's composition materials, seals and diaphragms used.
Can handle solids and are sensitive to shear
In most cases, standard ball valve units can handle solids up to ¾" (19 mm). This is especially relevant in chemical reservoirs, which can receive all types of waste that can shut down or cause damage to other types of pumps. Additionally, because they do not feature rotating components, pneumatic diaphragm pumps are very sensitive to the shear of the products being pumped. This is essential for many chemicals that can suffer some type of damage if separated or cut.
They are self-priming
These pumps are self-priming and do not require positive inlet pressure (NPSHA) to prime. They can pull a suction height of up to 9.8 meters, or be placed on the floor next to a tank and operate well with no inlet pressure or positive inlet pressure of up to 3.0 meters. If the inlet pressure is greater than 10′, it is necessary to consult the factory for better guidance.
They are portable
Pneumatic diaphragm pumps can be easily moved and require only a source of compressed air to operate. Some users opt for cart-mounted pumps, which ensures greater mobility and versatility for various applications. A single pump can easily be used for different jobs according to the company's needs.
As a result, pneumatic pumps do not need to be permanently fixed in a single installation, and they do not require an electrical power source. With suction/discharge hoses and an air supply, you can simply place the pump on the floor and get going. Some plants even use pneumatic pumps as a replacement for other pumping technologies while undergoing maintenance.
When you need to move a pump to perform a new task, be sure to clean the pump before moving to the next location, especially if you are pumping different chemicals. Also make sure that the pump is designed for all the different chemicals being pumped to avoid possible incompatibilities (Table of chemical compatibility). To optimize your operation, standardizing a set of materials for all chemicals pumped is essential.
Allows variable pressures and flows
Compatible with flow rates up to 280 gpm (1,060 lpm), pneumatic diaphragm pumps provide a wide variety of streams without the need for expensive and sophisticated controls. Pneumatic pumps and standard construction have a 1:1 ratio and can produce pressures of up to 125 psi (8.6 bar). High pressure pumps with a 2:1 ratio can produce pressures of up to 240 psi (16.5 bar).
Can handle a wide range of viscosities
Different chemicals can have different viscosities, and it is important to have an efficient pump that can transport these products. Pneumatic diaphragm pumps have the ability to handle virtually any fluid and a wide range of viscosities.
Easy installation and low initial cost
There is no need for laser alignment and no need to purchase sophisticated controls to ensure correct alignment. efficient operation of a pneumatic pump diaphragm, simply having a supply of compressed air to do so. Control can be done with a valve on the fluid discharge or by controlling the air entry into the pump. Therefore, these pumps are the simplest and most versatile solution on the market today.
In most cases, pneumatic diaphragm pumps have a considerably lower cost compared to other positive displacement pump solutions. Furthermore, they do not require expensive engines, controls or the need for specialized installation.
