Chemical pumps are one of the best inventions in the history of mankind. Manipulating chemicals to a high degree of precision is a skill in itself, and this is what defines chemical pumps, their ability to control chemicals.
So, what are chemical pumps? They are machines that use mechanical energy to create pressure and move fluids using external energy. The source of these machines’ power can come from electricity, hand or foot, steam, water, or other sources.
How do Chemical Pumps Work?
Chemical pumps use external energy that is supplied to them via a variety of means. The most common source of energy supply is an electric motor. The motor can either be a DC or AC electric motor. The second most common source of energy is compressed air, which has been used since the beginning of chemical pumps.
Pumps have been using water as their power source for several decades now, and this process is called hydrostatic transmission. Chemical pumps that use water are known as diaphragm pumps. These pumps use high-pressure water to provide the necessary energy to move chemicals.
The chemical pumps are designed in a way that they can withstand high pressure and enable chemicals of different viscosity to be moved easily. The working principle of these pumps is derived from the Venturi effect, which describes how fluid speed increases as its pressure drops.
Application areas of chemical Pumps
Today’s world is completely dependent on chemical pumps for performing numerous processes that are vital for a quality life. Since the advent of chemical pumps in the 20th century, their application areas have expanded greatly. Some areas where chemical pumps are used include the construction industry, medical industry, food production, paintball industry, etc.
Types of chemical pumps
Chemical pumps come in different sizes and shapes. They can be used in a variety of applications, as seen above. The most commonly found chemical pumps are listed below:
- Centrifugal pump – These pumps use blades that spin to create pressure and move fluids inside or outside an application. They come with variable speed capabilities, and usually, they use AC electric motors as their power source. The fast-spinning blades can also be used to speed up chemical reactions.
- Diaphragm pump – The working principle of these pumps is derived from the Venturi effect, which describes how fluid speed increases as its pressure drops. This type of pump uses water at high pressure to move chemicals. These pumps use external energy for pressurizing liquids and then use them for processes such as displacement, mixing, and agitation.
- Drilling mud pump – These chemical pumps are used to circulate a drilling fluid that has been combined with a solid additive known as bentonite or barite. They have a double-acting piston design, and the pressure created by this type of pump is usually very high. The rotation speed of the pump varies based on the type of material that needs to be moved.
Before buying a chemical pump, ensure that you understand the needs of your project fully. This way, you will be able to get one that will be best fitted for the job.