How To Choose Liquid Handling Pumps

What’s a liquid handling pump you would ask, what is it used for? 

A liquid handling pump is a specially designed pump often found and used in industries that utilize all forms of liquid media such as sewage coolant, water, wastewater, oil, chemical slurry, and so on used in health labs, refineries, and the like.

Liquid handling pumps are vital components of the liquid handling system as they facilitate the flow and transfer of the liquids through the system. Their importance concerning the system makes choosing the correct one vital for the proper functioning of the system.  

To avoid having instances where a liquid handling pump meant for water is used with a system meant for chemical slurry, engineers and professionals that handle such mechanized devices need to consider certain important criteria to ensure that the right pump is used with the right handling system. 

• Look Into The Different Types Of Pumps

Liquid pumps come in different types, and if you’re unsure of the type you should get for your liquid handling system, speak with a professional provider of pumps and systems such as KNF who can advise you on the best choice. But for a quick rundown, here are the major types of liquid pumps available on the market: 

• Diaphragm pumps or membrane pumps – these pump mechanisms use the reciprocating action of a set of diaphragms embedded within the pumps to move fluid.
• Chemical pumps – made from non-corrosive materials like titanium, stainless steel, and others, the chemical pumps are specifically designed for the usage and disposal of chemicals.
• Centrifugal pumps – utilize a propeller mechanism or paddle wheels for the constant flow of large quantities of fluid at high speed.
• Fuel and oil transfer pumps – just like chemical pumps, the fuel and oil transfer pumps are uniquely designed to cater to the transfer of fuel, oil, and other petroleum-related substances.
• Circulating pumps – more common with, ponds, fish tanks, and water heating systems, these pumps are designed to move liquid from one place to another within the same system.
• Drum pumps – the drum pumps are suction pumps built for the suction of all types of fluids from barrels, totes, pails, and drums with minimal risk of spillage.

• Know The Fluid Type You’re Going To Work With

Certain fluids require special liquid handling pumps due to their nature. Fluids like oils, chemicals, fuel, and other corrosive fluids can’t be moved or pumped through pumps that are not well equipped to handle them.  

For the safety of all, ensure you choose a pump that is adequately designed to handle whatever kind of liquid you intend to pump through it. Look out for pumps made from non-corrosive materials for a chemical pump, and ensure you have a good idea of the viscosity level of the fluid to make sure that the pump is powerful enough to pull the liquid through it.  

• Match The Flow Rate

The flow rate is the volume of liquid that passes through a pump within a certain period. The right liquid handling pump for your system should be able to accommodate the volume of liquid dispensed by the system easily at any given time, and to do that, the flow rate of the handling pump must match that of the system.  

To know if the flow rate of your pump matches that of your business’ system, you can calculate it by multiplying the total volume of liquid by the desired time you wish to move it, this will give you the average flow rate required. 

• Check The Pressure

While pumping your liquid, there’s a measure of resistance for the handling system and this measure is called pressure. Measured in pounds per square inch, the pressure rate of a pump determines the amount of resistance it can handle.  

The ideal liquid handling pump should have its operating pressure to be more or the same as the pressure that is required by the liquid handling system to avoid it being overpowered and invariably useless to push the fluid within the pipes. Ensure you check the pressure levels with respect to that of the handling system to avoid weakening the pumps early.  

• Consider The Temperature

Liquids can vary in temperature, and this temperature variance can have a severe effect on the longevity of the pump. As a machine, the liquid handling pump operates within various ranges of temperature which sometimes differ from that of the liquid being transferred such as petrol and other liquid fuels. 

To be on the safer side, before you choose a pump, check the maximum temperature range of the pump and ensure that it can withstand the temperature of the liquid being transferred to avoid cases of malfunction.  

Conclusion

Liquid handling pumps are a vital part of the liquid handling system as they’re the main mechanism that allows for the flow of all kinds of fluid within the system. As a major device used by many industries, an ideal liquid handling pump goes a long way in ensuring the efficient distribution, usage, and movement of all forms of liquid resources.  

To ensure that you choose the right liquid handling system, alongside other crucial digital business tools, be sure to check all the boxes of requirements listed above, acquaint yourself with the types, and know the type of fluid you’re working with to choose the best option on the market.