Developments in this technology may offer significant savings and improved reliability.
11/11/2015
The potential danger and volatility of certain fluids make safety a primary concern within the chemical industry. Diaphragm pump technology offers many benefits in such applications and the latest technology's design ensures efficiency and high performance, as well as virtually leak-free operation.
Image 1. This type of metering pump comprises diaphragm and plunger pumps, with drives to accommodate single or multi-stream applications using horizontal or vertical configurations. (Courtesy of SPX)
The chemical industry faces many challenges due to the nature of the fluids processed. Fluids may be abrasive, hazardous, toxic or volatile when they mix with other compounds such as water. These chemicals must be handled carefully and any leaks or ingress of moisture involving substances such as Triethylaluminium (TEAL) can cause serious health and safety risks.
Slurries or suspensions containing particulates can be abrasive and have detrimental effects on rotating parts of pumps and their seals.
In addition to concerns about damage creating leakages, machinery may require increased maintenance and greater system downtime with such fluids. Special materials and sophisticated seal systems can be used to improve pump performances, but keeping the liquid separate from the pump internals may offer a more secure, efficient and reliable solution.