Here’s a specialized guide to plastic drum pumps designed for acids and alkalis, with key recommendations based on chemical compatibility, safety, and performance:
Type: Manual piston pump
Materials:
Body: HDPE (high-density polyethylene)
Seals: Viton® or Kalrez® (for aggressive acids)
Flow Rate: 2 GPM (7.5 LPM)
Compatible Chemicals:
Acids: Sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric (up to 50% concentration)
Alkalis: Sodium hydroxide (50%), ammonia solutions
Key Features:
Zero metal parts (fully corrosion-proof)
Static-dissipative design (grounding wire included)
Leak-proof even with low-viscosity acids
Price: $200–$300
Type: Rotary hand pump
Materials:
Body: Polypropylene (PP)
Seals: EPDM (best for alkalis)
Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM (6.8 LPM)
Compatible Chemicals:
Alkalis: Potassium hydroxide (30%), bleach solutions
Weak Acids: Phosphoric, acetic acid (<20%)
Pros:
Affordable ($80–$120)
FDA-compliant for food-grade applications
Cons: Avoid with strong oxidizers (e.g., nitric acid)
Type: Double-diaphragm pneumatic
Materials:
Body: Conductive PTFE-lined HDPE
Seals: Kalrez® 6375 (resists 98% sulfuric acid)
Flow Rate: 3 GPM (11 LPM)
Certifications: ATEX, OSHA
Best For:
High-concentration acids (e.g., 93% sulfuric acid)
Hazardous area transfers
Price: $700–$900
| Chemical | Recommended Pump | Critical Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrochloric Acid (30%) | GoatThroat GT-2 (Viton) | Acid-resistant seals |
| Sodium Hydroxide (50%) | Kecol 3160 (EPDM) | PP resists caustic degradation |
| Nitric Acid (40%) | FLUX ChemPump HD | PTFE/Kalrez construction |
| Bleach Solutions | Kecol 3160 (PP+EPDM) | Oxidizer-resistant materials |
| Plastic Type | Acids Performance | Alkalis Performance | Avoid With |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDPE | Excellent (<50% conc.) | Good (≤50% NaOH/KOH) | Concentrated HNO₃ |
| Polypropylene | Good (weak acids only) | Excellent (all conc.) | Halogens (e.g., chlorine) |
| PTFE | Best (all conc.) | Best (all conc.) | None (but expensive) |
Grounding: Always use pumps with grounding wires for static protection (critical with flammable solvents mixed with acids).
Seal Checks: Replace Viton/Kalrez seals annually if used with >30% acids.
Cleaning: Flush with deionized water after alkali transfers to prevent crystallization.
Storage: Keep pumps dry and capped when not in use to prevent material stress cracking.
| Feature | Budget (Kecol 3160) | Industrial (FLUX ChemPump HD) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Acid Conc. | 20% sulfuric | 98% sulfuric |
| Lifespan | 1–2 years | 5+ years |
| Maintenance | Seal replacements | Full-service kits available |
For labs/small batches: GoatThroat GT-2 (manual, precise control).
For bulk NaOH/KOH transfers: Kecol 3160 (cost-effective for alkalis).
For >50% sulfuric/nitric acid: FLUX ChemPump HD (PTFE-lined, explosion-proof).
Need a pump for a specific acid/alkali concentration? Share the chemical name and concentration for a tailored pick!