The Uses, Features and Types of Precision Metering Pumps
Precision metering pumps have grown in popularity throughout recent years, but a lot of people still don’t know what they are.
This is why we’ve teamed up with the precision metering pump salt lake city ut experts at Z-Axis to provide this in-depth look at what precision metering pumps are, how they work, what their general uses are, and the different types of metering pumps!
What Exactly is a Precision Metering Pump?
Precision metering pumps are machines that pump a specific amount of fluid within a predetermined time in order to create what’s known as volumetric flow.
The phrase metering pump actually covers a variety of different pumping techniques, and a user’s specific application or usage will determine what type of metering pump style they’ll require.
There are certain factors that go into choosing a precision metering pump for your company or personal needs, and these factors include:
- Liquid viscosity
- Discharge pressure
- Temperature
- Wetted path materials
- Flow rate
Common Types of Precision Metering Pumps
There are many different types of precision metering pumps, but they’re all generally meant to control the amount of fluid that moves within a specific process.
Some of the most common precision metering pumps include:
Piston Metering Pumps
These metering pumps are positive displacement pumps that utilize pistons to successfully displace fluids found within a reservoir chamber.
These fluids will move through inlet and outlet check valves, and the piston will create a discharge stroke to push liquids through the outlet check valve once the pumping chamber has filled up.
Diaphragm Metering Pumps
These metering pumps utilize a diaphragm that ends up being depressed and compressed in order to bring liquids into and out of the pumping chamber. Similar to piston pumps, the diaphragm movement will create a suction-like effect that pulls fluids through the inlet and outlet valves.
Hydraulic fluid is often required for this type of metering pump because it helps move the diaphragm.
Peristaltic Metering Pumps
The mechanisms associated with peristaltic metering pumps are different than the above two types of metering pumps, and this is because peristaltic pumps have tubing or a hose through which the fluid passes. The fluids are controlled by rollers that rest on top of a rotor, and a negative pressure is formed within the tubing to pull fluids through the pump valves.
This metering pump relies heavily upon rotational movement.
Some Other Common Types of Precision Metering Pumps Include:
- Gear pumps
- Syringe metering pumps
- Bellow metering pumps
- Plunger pumps
- Small metering pumps
- Chemical metering pumps
- Electronic metering pumps
- Solenoid metering pumps
Precision Metering Pump Applications
Precision metering pumps are often utilized for purposes like injecting chemical additives, transferring liquids, proportional bleeding and much more. Countless businesses rely upon these pumps to adjust and control liquid flow rates, and below are some common applications of precision metering pumps:
Detergent Dosing
Precision metering pumps are often needed for commercial washing machines in order to properly dose detergent. These pumps will release detergent into a washing cycle, while reducing the amount of waste per laundry load.
This helps keep the laundry process more efficient, and it protects many workers from chemical and detergent exposure.
Automated Dispensing
Automated dispensing is a lean production operation process that’s often used for packaging raw products. Automated packaging is an effective method that essentially incorporates every packaging step into an all-inclusive set of operations.
One issue that companies have with automated dispensing is when they switch from packaging different products, but digital volumetric adjustments have recently been able to overcome these once-common dilemmas.
Water Treatment
Precision metering pumps are also utilized for putting chemical mixtures into municipal water supplies, as well as wastewater supplies.
These pumps are often used for water treatment purposes because they’re very energy efficient. Most water treatment facilities aim to control their energy costs and optimize their overall production, and precision metering pumps help treatment plants exceed their goals.
Gas & Oil Production
Precision metering pumps are also used to inject chemicals like monoethylene glycol, methanol and corrosion inhibitors into the flow of oil and gas. The purpose of this pumping is to prevent scale buildup, hydrate formations and corrosion that can hinder a company’s production rates.
Most oil and gas precision metering pumps need to be incredibly durable, and these industry pumps will typically last upwards of 20+ years without needing repairs.
Irrigation Systems
Some tech-savvy irrigation systems require precision metering pumps, especially when they’re pulling water from rivers, ponds, or other local water sources. In these systems, water is pumped from the source and sent through a complex piping system until it’s applied to crops.
Irrigation metering pumps are also often attached to other pumping systems that contain nitrogen, and these metering pumps create the perfect mixture of nitrogen to support crop development.
Reach Out To Z-Axis To Learn More About Precision Metering Pumps!
There’s no denying just how fascinating and innovative precision metering pumps are, and they’re incredibly valuable tools for countless businesses around the world.
One of the top American producers of precision metering pumps is Z-Axis, which is based out of Salt Lake City, UT. If you’re interested in learning more about precision metering pumps and how they support business applications, you can speak directly with the Z-Axis experts by clicking on the link located at the top of this page!
