C&B Equipment’s Complete Guide to Industrial Dosing Pumps

Various types of pumps are used to move fluids from one point to another. Among these pumps, dosing pumps are a common type that deliver controllable amounts of solutions. Here is a complete guide to dosing pumps, including how they work, their advantages, and the different applications across various industries. 

What Is a Dosing Pump?

Dosing pumps are positive displacement pumps that are designed to send a specific amount of a chemical or some other liquid into a flow or gas, water, or steam. These pumps are generally small in size but provide very precise flow rates for the highest levels of control. 

How Dosing Pumps Work

Depending on the model and brand, dosing pumps can function in a variety of ways, but the aim is the same: to take a specific amount of a chemical and inject it into a pipe or other container. Dosing pumps have several major parts that are similar.

• Chemical tank — This holds the chemical to be injected (or dosed). 
• Foot valve — This is a single-direction valve that is placed into the chemical tank and attached to a suction line. It allows the pump to stay primed. Some foot valves are weighted so they remain at the bottom of the chemical tanks. 
• Dosing pump — The dosing pump itself is a small pump made from either stainless steel, rubber, or chemical-resistant plastic. The other end of the suction line attaches to the pump. 
• Dosing line — Also called a feed line, this is a piece of PE tube, rigid PVC, or reinforced hose that comes out the other end of the dosing pump. 
• Injector — This is the point where the chemical is injected into the targeted pipe. It consists of a one-way valve, so the precise amount of the chemical moves only in one direction and can’t flow back into the dosing line. 
• Control system — Some dosing pumps also have control systems to turn them on and off at certain intervals and ensure that the dosing amounts are accurate. 

Advantages of Dosing Pumps

The main advantages of industrial dosing pumps include the following.

• Accuracy — A dosing pump’s accuracy is how closely it can achieve a desired flow rate. 
• Flow rate — This is the amount of fluid a pump can deliver in a specified period, usually measured in gallons per hour (GPH) or milliliters per minute (mL/min). 
• Repeatability — Measured in the standard deviation of flow rate, repeatability is how consistently a pump can deliver a flow rate within 0.1% of the desired flow. 
• Durability — Depending on the pump you choose, the machine may be able to withstand some wear and tear. 
• Programmability — Some dosing pumps are programmable to deliver a particular flow rate for a specified period. 
• Remote control — Some dosing pumps have the ability for remote control using a tablet or smartphone. 
• Warranty — Since dosing pumps are made by reputable companies, they generally come with a warranty, which provides additional peace of mind. 

Different Types of Dosing Pumps

There are four main types of dosing pumps, which are slightly different in the way they move chemicals through the process. These include the following.

1. Diaphragm Pump With Constant Injection

With this type of pump, the pump, a piston, and diaphragm are used to fill and empty the pump chamber. There are also separate valves at the outlet and inlet. These are highly accurate pumps that can provide a nearly constant flow of material. Many can even deliver variable dosing amounts. 

2. Diaphragm Pump With Pulse Injection

This is a similar pump, but instead of offering a constant flow rate, a solenoid coil controls the pump. This sucks the chemical into the diaphragm and pushes it back out, which creates a “pulse.” These are affordable pumps but are considered outdated for many applications. 

3. Lobe Pumps

This type of pump uses impellers made from mesh gears to move chemicals through the pump. The downside is that this design can sacrifice some accuracy in volume and flow rates. Lobe pumps are most suitable when the material being pumped has high viscosity to prevent premature wearing of the surfaces. 

4. Peristaltic Pumps

These are another type of lobe pump that offers an incredibly accurate dosing of chemicals. The pump works by passing the chemical through a flexible tubing, which is bent in a semi-circle. 

A mechanical arm moves a small roller over the outside of the tubing, which pushes the chemical through the tube. This type of pump is often used in the medical industry because the tubing can be easily discarded to maintain a sterile environment. However, these pumps can’t handle high-pressure streams, and they tend to wear out quickly. 

Applications for Dosing Pumps

Dosing pumps are used in many different industries for a variety of applications. Some examples include the following.

• Water treatment
• Agriculture
• Power generation
• Oil and gas
• Medical treatment
• Breweries
• Horticulture
• Dairy farms
• Mining
• Food processing
• Manufacturing

These are just a few examples. Dosing pumps can be used for any application where a specific volume of a chemical or steam must be injected into another solution. 

Choosing the Right Dosing Pump for Your Needs

When choosing a dosing pump, it’s vital that you consider the specific application as well as the desired performance and features of the pump.

For example, you might need a pump with high accuracy and efficiency that delivers a consistent flow. This would rule out a pump with pulse injection. Maybe you also want a pump that allows for programming and remote control, which are features found in several different types of pumps. A reputable dealer can help you make the right selection. 

Talk to C&B Equipment for Your Next Dosing Pump

If your business needs a dosing pump, find out how we can help. C&B Equipment is one of the largest industrial equipment distributors and servicers in the Kansas City area. We deal with a wide variety of industrial pumps, including dosing pumps. We also offer various pump services, such as preventative maintenance and emergency repairs. 

Our company has decades of experience installing and working with all types of industrial pumps. Our goal is to ensure you have the right pump for your needs so you get the maximum use out of your equipment. We serve clients throughout Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and the Texas Panhandle. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services!