If you work in any industry that uses processes which mix liquids, then you will understand the importance of accurately measuring the different quantities involved. Adding too much or too little of a chemical can completely change the desired effect and ruin what you are trying to create. In some cases, you may want to rely on a skilled professional accurately measuring the amount of the liquid to transfer, but in most cases, you will be working with sufficient quantities to warrant the involvement of a degree of automation. By using chemical metering pumps, you can easily transfer sufficient quantities of liquid without the risk of human error.

How do chemical metering pumps work?

When you need to add a precise amount of chemicals to another solution, it is always best to allow a pump to carry out the task. Chemical metering pumps can transfer exactly the amount of liquid you need within the desired timescale without the possibility of human error, and they can keep working non-stop for as long as you need without any requirement to take a break or finish their shift.

Which chemical metering pumps should you buy?

While you may understand the need for chemical dosing pumps, you can't simply rush out and buy the first pump you find in the shop. Before you can make your decision, you will need to consider the operational conditions under which the pump will operate. In particular, there are three operational constraints that you must bear in mind before you know which pump you should buy:

• The nature of the liquid that you intend to pump
• The pressure at which you will be pumping
• The environmental conditions where you will be pumping

What are you pumping?

While most liquids can be pumped without a problem, there are times when your chemical metering pumps may need to cope with a chemical that is corrosive or that has a high level of viscosity. Understanding the liquid that you want to pump will help you to select a pump made from a material which can withstand the liquid without any ill effects. If the liquid has a high viscosity, you must pay particular attention to the pump diaphragm and the fluid ends that you choose.

At what pressure will you want to pump?

Understanding your desired working pressure is important for selecting your chemical metering pumps but it also has an impact on your entire system. Before choosing the components of your pumping system, it is helpful to work out the pressure that will be experienced at both the inlet and outlet of your pump. Knowing these pressures allows you to buy a pump that is built to withstand them.

What are the prevailing environmental conditions?

Is your production line especially hot? Is there any likelihood of chemical spillage that could affect your chemical metering pumps? Is the system somewhere that is subject to corrosion? The more you understand about your system, the easier it will be to find the perfect chemical metering pumps for your application.