While this is a relatively simple operation, there are certain features that improve the product’s reliability:
1. Dual ball checks on the inlet and outlet ensure that a precise and repeatable amount of fluid is being dispensed and improve reliability.
2. Integrated priming ports enable the user to prime the pump quickly, such as the LMI FASTPRIME port integrated into the PD and AD series product.
3. Availability and selection of liquid end materials which ensures all components are chemically compatible with the process fluid.
There are certain features that should be accounted for when selecting a solenoid driven metering pump that goes beyond price, pressure and flow:
1. As metering pumps are specifically used for dosing precise amounts of chemical, the accuracy and repeatability at which that chemical is dispensed is very important. For example, if too much caustic is dispensed in a neutralizing process, then incremental acid must be dispensed to reach a neutral point which can be wasteful and costly over time. Additionally, it is important that the pump does not see loss of calibration over time or even worse – leaks due to thermal shift.
2. These pumps are frequently placed in a wide variety of environments and operating conditions. Rugged pumps with high NEMA and IP ratings prolong pump longevity. Robust solenoid pumps are less susceptible to issues caused by thermal shift.
3. Speed: pumps that operate above 200 strokes per minute might have trouble with leaks past the ball check as there is not enough time between cycles to fully seat the check valve. This phenomenon negatively impacts accuracy.
4. Reliability: it is important to select a pump that you can set and forget. Low quality products are susceptible to leaks, frequent calibration, and chemical spills caused from prematurely failed diaphragms (or failed tubing in peristaltic pumps).
Ultimately, when you select a LMI Solenoid Driven Metering Pump for your chemical process, you are selecting a rugged, reliable, and accurate product that helps you focus on the process at hand. You can rely on LMI.