Metering pumps deliver a precise, though adjustable, amount of fluid into a chemical-feed system. They are designed for accuracy, so flow rates tend to be low for many applications and are typically measured in gallons (or liters) per hour instead of per minute.
With an emphasis on controlled flow, it is important that pulsations produced by the pumping action be minimized or “dampened.” Surging, pulsing flow can adversely affect the metering process and cause damage to the system.
Pulsation dampeners can mitigate this problem, but they add cost and complexity. Depending on volumetric size (cubic-inch) and materials of construction, a pulsation dampener can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars extra.
This paper examines how the use of a metering pump with a hydraulically-balanced, multiple-diaphragm design minimizes pulsations and maintains processing integrity without the use of expensive pulsation dampeners.
