Sampling Pumps are used to test small quantities of fluids in a variety of process. They can be found in a variety of locations within process as a robust means for quality control, that batches remain consistent and that process efficiency is maintained.
Common Applications
They are commonly found in use near chemical baths where strong Acids, or Alkalis are used for etching or within process, in wastewater applications to determine what level of flocculants require adding for meeting discharge conditions, or as part of a robust process check to ensure adequate process controls are in place for batches to remain consistent or meet required quality controls.
Quite often there can be a variety of pump technologies used to undertake such applications but as to which may be best suited for an application can vary.
What should users be looking for when specifying a sampling pump? Here are 6 points to consider:
Safety – Full containment, Leakage Detection & Maintenance
Ensuring safety during sampling is paramount. There are a number of ways to not only ensure that samples are taken safely, but that as the system ages and maintenance is required that users are not inadvertently exposed to hazardous fluids.
Opting for technologies which can be controlled remotely means operators do not need to come into contact with the fluid being sampled, and having low powered, low pressure designs prevents the build up of pressures, reducing the likelihood of misting or jetting of fluid.
One issue we recently witnessed was an operator being sprayed by sampled fluid due to a diaphragm pump being used for sampling. The unit had suffered internal corrosion to a diaphragm causing fluid to leak into the air exhaust, which was ejected at pressure.
Some designs of units are available with leakage detectors on diaphragms and on peristaltic pump casings to automatically stop the pump should leakage occur, ensuring full containment.
Another consideration if you are monitoring air quality for the presence of chemicals, is to move to electric pump technology where you can ensure that chemicals are not leaching into atmosphere.
Opting for designs of pump which can be easily maintained, with few wearing parts or risk of human contact can vastly reduce contamination risks.
Reliability & Accuracy
It goes without saying that a sampling pump should be consistent in flow and pressure but with a wide range of pump technologies available it is essential the correct one is selected for use in your process.
As to what type of pump is chosen a lot depends on what accuracy of results is required. For example a pump which can self prime, and run dry will ensure any liquid within the pump is evacuated, and utilising peristaltic pumps where hoses can be replaced between batches can ensure highly accurate reliable readings are taken free from cross contamination. Utilising a pump which can convey solid particles so they do not form clogs or remain in pumps further guarantees results.
Pump materials can also be a major factor not only to ensure units are compatible with the fluid being pump but that they do not interfere with any readings taken when monitoring the presence of metals.
Temperature Handling
Some fluids need to be sampled at their working temperature without stoppages to process, so having a pump which can handle fluids at their working temperatures is advantageous and worthwhile consideration.
Drive Option
Drive options can at times be limited to what is available in the location for sampling which can vary from air, to 110V -230V, 3 phase or sometimes be absent meaning a hand powered unit is required. Some traditional designs of pumps can also be coupled to air motors providing flexibility in your installation, meaning you are not limited to AOD Pumps.
Flow Pattern
If pumps are being used in conjunction with flowmeters or analyzers it could be that a pulsating flow is not possible limiting pump technologies. There are a variety of ways to address this from opting for non pulsating pump types to the utilization of pulsation dampeners.
Control, Connectivity and Timed operation
There are a multitude of ways to control sampling from manual operator control, timed operation or via a direct process connection via 4-20ma, bus, profibus, profinet, canbus, or fluid contacts to mention a few. Having a process partner who can talk you through ways to control not only starting and stopping of units, but also reverse pumping motion can ensure units can be mounted in remote areas.
As North Ridge pumps are not tied to a single pump technology, we ensure any pump selected is not only based on lowest lifetime cost but what is most appropriate for the installation.
If you have a sampling application you are looking to undertake visit here to see how we can help, email us at sales@northridgepumps.com or contact us on 01773 302 660.
North Ridge Pumps
- 01773302660
- sales@northridgepumps.com
- http://www.northridgepumps.com
- North Ridge House 3 Chrysalis Way Eastwood Nottinghamshire NG16 3RY GB
About us
North Ridge Pumps are an independent manufacturer and distributor of pumps. Having been established since 1998, we have a vast array of experience having become accustomed to supplying pumps for most processes.
We work within a range of industries both UK and Internationally, specifying pumps for a wide variety of applications from the transfer of corrosive and aggressive chemicals, to dewatered sludge, viscous grease, resin, glues, food and Seawater.
Our pumps range from standard centrifugal and multistage pumps, to immersed and process overhung solid handling pumps. We also supply a wide range of positive displacement pumps including Vane, Piston, Progressing Cavity and Peristaltic enabling us to specify more than one solution for your application, but also ensuring the majority of applications remain within our reach.
We offer the following services:
Technical support – We know at times pump selection is difficult. Pump selections are made with confidence by technical sales engineers who understand your process, ensuring equipment is engineered beyond your needs.
To select the correct technical solution for your requirement, longevity of design is prioritised. If there are existing issues you need assistance with, we work with you to solve these which could be high maintenance costs, frequent service periods, repeated equipment breakdown leading to lost revenue, inconsistent flow rates, clogging or where pumped product is inconsistent.
Application experience – Due to our 20 years of application experience we work with you to ensure our pumps operate according to your desired application. Our experience means we have most likely provided a solution for a similar process previously. With proven results, we know how to achieve your outcome sooner.
As our pumps are completely configurable, we design pumps with materials according to your requirement, and to your required duty point. Pumps are engineered specifically for your process whether they be baseplate mounted, within a mobile frame or in kit form with couplings, hoses, and dispensing nozzle.
Industry knowledge – We have a thorough understanding of a range of industries through experience from supplying the offshore oil and gas market, to paper mills, chemical plants and food manufacturers to name a few.
We not only understand the importance of downtime but also what each process requires and how small design improvements specific to the nature of your industry and application can reduce downtime, facilitate maintenance and improve longevity.
If you have a process or application you require a pump for, or a process which requires improving, get in touch to see how we can help.
What we do in a nutshell
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