A dosing pump is a positive displacement pump that is used to inject a chemical or other material into a flow of water, gas, or steam. Dosing/metering pumps, which are generally modest, enable a highly accurate flow rate for complete control. They are the focal point of an integrated dosing system meant to disperse chemicals automatically. This dosage definition applies to a wide range of applications and industries, including wastewater treatment and food processing.
Dosing Pump Applications
Dosing pumps, also known as metering pumps, are utilized in a variety of applications, including industrial plants, agriculture, manufacturing facilities, medical laboratories, and mining activities. A chemical feed pump can be used to supply a caustic chemical or acid to a water storage tank in order to neutralize the pH. It may also function as a chlorine pump to eliminate microorganisms. A metering pump is built to withstand extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and pressures.
How does a dosing pump work?
This pump sucks a predetermined volume of liquid into its chamber before injecting the chemical into a tank or pipe containing the fluid being dosed. It is driven by an electric motor or an air actuator and features a controller that switches the pump on and off and regulates the flow rate. Some versions have more complex control systems.
Components of Chemical Dosing Pumps
The primary components of a metering pump are:
- Chemical Container or Tank – stores the substance to be dosed.
- Pump – Pumps come in a variety of materials and sizes, and contain an intake, suction line, and dosing line.
- Injector – An Injector is a one-way valve that injects a chemical into the product, overcoming pipe pressure and allowing the chemical into the liquid flow.
- Foot Valve – one-way valve attached to the suction line; put in the product drum to keep the pump primed.
- Dosing lines – They are rigid tubes or reinforced hoses that can be made of PE, PVC, or stainless steel for high-pressure applications.
- The control system – It ensures accuracy by turning on and off at particular moments. It can be as basic as a flow switch or timer, or as complex as a SCADA central control system for several sensors with the capacity to link into bigger systems.
Types of Dosing Pumps
These four dosing/metering pump types are intended for various pressures, chemicals, and uses. They differ according to pumping action and mechanism.
Diaphragm (constant injection) pumps – They employ a diaphragm, piston, and valves on both the inlet and output to fill and empty their chambers. Drawing in the piston fills the chamber, and a predetermined amount of chemical is injected at a specified speed, often a percentage of the maximum flow rate. Certain pump types are capable of varying dosage rates.
Diaphragm (pulse injection) pumps – Dosing pumps likewise employ the diaphragm mechanism, but instead of a steady flow rate, a solenoid coil receives the chemical and injects it in pulses. The flow rate is the amount of time between pulses. It is less precise than a continuous injection pump, but it is simpler to construct and less costly.
Lobe pumps – They allow a specific volume of fluid to flow through meshing gear impellers. It is not as precise as a diaphragm pump and is only appropriate for high viscosity fluids that self-lubricate to reduce wear. They are not designed for low flow rates since it is difficult to ensure accuracy.
Peristaltic pumps – They are quite accurate in dosing. A flexible bent tube allows the fluid to pass through, and the flow is regulated by a roller that moves via a mechanical arm on the outside. This forces the product from the tube into the dosing tube and the main fluid stream.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dosing Pump
The sort of chemical being pumped: Certain chemicals are more difficult to work with than others. Make sure the pump you purchase is compatible with the chemical you plan to use.
The flow rate: The flow rate is the amount of liquid that the pump can deliver per unit time. Make sure the pump you pick can provide the required flow rate.
Pressure required: The pressure is the amount of force the pump can apply to the liquid. Make sure the pump you chose can produce the required pressure.
Accuracy required: The precision refers to how exactly the pump can produce the appropriate flow rate. Make sure the pump you select is precise enough for your needs.
Chemical Dosing Pump Maintenance Tips
Preventing Pump Corrosion and Rust.
When working with some chemicals, corrosion can occur over time, particularly if abrasive or corrosive compounds are employed in your metering system. Aside from selecting equipment and solenoid-driven chemical dosing or metering pumps that can withstand corrosive chemicals, which are perfect for metering disinfectants, corrosion inhibitors, and biocide, there are self-contained relief devices that may be fitted to positive displacement pumps.
Wear and Tear
Chemical dosing pumps are designed to transport fluids at high temperatures, high pressures, or corrosive chemicals; therefore, the core materials must be appropriate for the task. As a result, the region around a chemical metering pump is continually in touch with fluids and water, and it can get overly moist over time, allowing rust and rot to settle in. Although modern pump designs are geared for high flow rates with reduced fluid loss, regular maintenance can help prevent seepage into the region surrounding the metering system.
Regardless of the sort of dosing pump you have installed, you must review the region regularly while taking precautionary actions to reduce moisture levels. This may be accomplished by simply replacing dosing pipes before they become damaged and leaky.
Incorrect Chemical Metering Pump Installation Issues
Just as you can’t fit a gearbox inside an engine compartment. If the pump and its components are placed poorly, issues might accumulate over time, resulting in greater money spent on maintenance; this is true even when performance is measured over a few months.
If a pump is installed wrongly, even slightly, it can generate pressure in the wrong areas, causing equipment or other moving elements to fail quickly. Depending on your individual needs, consider Air, Motor, or Selenoid-driven chemical dosing pumps with motors designed to handle cooling, high flow rate, and temperature.
Conclusion
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