Material selection is vital for ensuring the reliability and longevity of equipment if it regularly comes into contact with harsh acids, caustic bases or solvents. Corrosion-resistant pumps are necessary for keeping flow rates consistent and preventing unplanned downtime. With this in mind, what are the best pumps for chemical processing?

The Consequences of Corrosion

Corrosion is caused by a chemical reaction between a pump and an incompatible fluid. It can cause pitting, producing holes in the equipment’s exterior. Alternatively, it can be localized to crevices between adjoining planes, widening the gap. Either way, it drastically increases the chance of cracks, leaks and premature equipment failure.

Compounding the issue, erosion often occurs at the same time as corrosion because the reactions interact with each other. Erosive liquids — typically slurries or high-pressure flowing solutions — mechanically wear down the metal surface’s protective oxide coating, leaving them vulnerable to degradation.

Corrosion often renders parts unsalvageable because it causes irreversible deterioration at a structural level. For this reason, service technicians frequently have to replace components instead of repairing them. For instance, approximately 50 million bearings are taken out of service annually due to damage.

Since parts must be removed and the damage is often extensive, maintenance costs increase exponentially. While facilities may simply have to replace bearings or mechanical seals, there’s a strong likelihood that critical components like impellers will need replacing. Decision-makers should be able to recognize why corrosion-resistant pumps are necessary.

Why Corrosion-Resistant Pumps Are More Reliable

Corrosion-resistant pumps are less prone to pitting, cracking and rupturing because they can withstand repeated exposure to harsh chemicals for longer periods. Through strategic material selection and protective coating applications, they consistently perform better and stay in operation longer than their conventional counterparts.

Moreover, they are less likely to warp or bend when corrosion-related damage occurs. Without deformities, their gallons per minute and pounds per square inch remain consistent, reducing maintenance costs and improving reliability. Service technicians won’t have to manage unplanned downtime nearly as often.

5 of the Best Pumps for Chemical Processing

Naturally, the specifics of material selection, pump type and equipment supplier vary depending on what fluid facilities transfer and what regulations they must adhere to. In chemical processing, pumps are generally resistant to corrosion, highly durable under harsh conditions and have long life spans. What pumps meet these requirements?

1. Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps are standard in chemical processing applications because original equipment manufacturers design them with durability in mind. In addition to being resistant to harsh fluids, they’re capable of pulseless flow. On account of their consistent flow rate, they mitigate erosion corrosion issues.

2. Positive Displacement Pumps

Since positive displacement pumps can transfer high-viscosity fluids at high pressures, they can handle a wide variety of corrosive liquids. While they are comparatively slow, they are often more reliable, even under lower power loads. Like centrifugal models, their constant flow volume mitigates erosion and corrosion issues.

3. High-Temperature Submersible Pumps

High-temperature submersible pumps are among the best pumps because they are purpose-built for harsh conditions. They are typically made of metal, have a corrosion-resistant epoxy coating and can process corrosive liquids. Of course, their implementation is limited to specific applications.

4. Thermoplastic Pumps

Corrosion primarily affects metals, so thermoplastic pumps are excellent alternatives. While plastics like polyethylene terephthalate degrade over time and dissolve upon contact with acidic or caustic fluids, purpose-designed materials can withstand harsh liquids. Moreover, their modularity makes them ideal for pharmaceutical and food applications.

5. Magnetic Drive Pumps

Magnetic drive pumps come highly rated due to their sealless technology. Since they lack mechanical seals, they are far less likely to leak when exposed to caustic or acidic fluids. Original equipment manufacturers design them with low maintenance and reliability in mind.

The Bottom Line of Corrosion-Resistant Materials

While material selection varies by application and fluid type, corrosion-resistant pumps remain a staple in industries like pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, chemical processing, and food. Regardless of the kind of pump decision-makers choose, their selection will be inherently better than almost any conventional alternative.