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How Does a Dosing Pump Work?
20-11-2018
How Does a Dosing Pump Work?
A dosing pump is a small pump that is known as a positive displacement pump. This means that it pumps at a very precise rate of flow and can pump a chemical or other substance into water, steam or gas.
There are a few ways that it does this but the most common involves drawing a specific amount of the substance into the chamber then infecting this into the pipe or tank being dosed. These pumps are used in a number of industries including agriculture, medicine, manufacturing and other industrial applications. But which dosing pump does your business need?
Basics of dosing pumps
A dosing pump can have different specifications and variations but let’s take a look at the basics to help you see if it is the right option for your business project. All the different types involve taking that measured amount of chemical and then injecting it into the vessel or pipe. There are a few major parts to understand:
1. Chemical tank – this is the container for the product being dosed
2. Foot valve – one-way valve that is attached to the suction line on the drum of the product to allow the pump to be primed. It often has weights on it to keep it at the bottom or occasionally a float to bring it to the top
3. The pump – this is often made from chemical resistant plastic such as PVC or PE, stainless steel or rubber with a suction line attached to the inlet and the dosing line attach to the suction
4. Dosing line – fairly rigid PVC or PE tube, often with a reinforced hose. It may also be stainless steel if the pump is for hot water or super high-pressure purposes
5. Injector – the point where the project is injected, a one-way valve that lets the pump push the right amount of product into the line
6. Control system – not all pumps have them but if they do, these are to ensure the dose is accurate and to activate the pump
Variations of dosing pumps
As well as slightly different main components and systems in the pump, there can also be some
different types of pumps based on their action and pumping mechanism.
The diaphragm constant injection type is where the pump chamber is filled and then emptied using a piston and diaphragm as well as valves on the inlet and outlet. The chamber is filled by drawing in the piston and then injected out at a set speed to produce a near-constant flow rate.
The diaphragm pulse injection type is where there is a slow and constant flow rate because the pump operated by a solenoid coil. The gap between pulses is that provides the control of the flow rate.
Lobe type pumps let a certain volume through a meshing gear type of impellors and are better suited for high viscosity products as they are more difficult to use in very exact measurements.
Peristaltic pumps are the most specialised and accurate type of dosing pump that has a flexible tube which captures some of the product and then moves it along and out of the tube. They are most commonly seen in the medical industry with their ease of sterilisation.
Getting help with dosing pumps
Dosing pumps are quite technical pieces of equipment and if you need one for your business, it is often best to work with experts who are used to choosing them for a specific purpose. That way you get the right balance of features that will complete the task required, last the longest time and ensure accuracy and top efficiency for your business.
For more information on How Does a Dosing Pump Work? talk to MSD Ltd (Manufacturing Support & Design)
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