| Material | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Polypropylene (PP) | Mild acids, alkalis, water-based | Avoid chlorinated solvents |
| Stainless Steel 316 | Nitric acid, salts, oxidizers | Not for hydrochloric acid |
| PVDF | Strong acids (HCl, sulfuric), solvents | Expensive |
| PTFE (Teflon®) | Most aggressive chems (e.g., bromine) | Brittle at low temps |
| Ceramic | Ultra-corrosive, high-temp fluids | Fragile, high cost |
Seal Materials Matter Too:
Viton®: Best all-around for oils/solvents
EPDM: Good for acids/alkalis (not oils)
PTFE: Nearly universal chemical resistance
| Pump Type | Max Viscosity | Best Chemical Matches | Example Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centrifugal | 1,000 cP | Thin acids, solvents (PP/PVDF) | FLUX FCH-PP |
| Diaphragm | 50,000 cP | Slurries, abrasive fluids | Yamada NDP-PTFE |
| Gear | 100,000 cP | Viscous polymers, syrups (SS316) | Viking 242 Series |
| Peristaltic | 10,000 cP | Ultra-pure/food-grade transfers | Verderflex VF100 |
✔ ATEX/IECEx Certification – For flammable chemicals (e.g., acetone, toluene)
✔ Grounding Wire – Prevents static sparks
✔ Sealless Designs – Magnetic drive pumps (zero leakage)
✔ Drip Trays – Contain spills during disconnection
Acid Transfer: Sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric (PVDF/PTFE)
Solvent Handling: Acetone, MEK, TCE (PTFE-lined)
Caustics: Sodium hydroxide, ammonia (SS316/PP)
Pharmaceuticals: API transfers (sanitary SS316L)
Flush Immediately After Use – Prevents crystallization/corrosion
Inspect Seals Quarterly – Replace at first signs of swelling/cracks
Store Dry & Disassembled – Prevents material degradation
Lubricate Sparingly – Use only compatible grease (e.g., PTFE-based)
| Chemical | Recommended Brand/Model | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Sulfuric Acid | Finish Thompson SaniForce PVDF | PVDF |
| Chlorinated Solvents | Lutz 8500 PTFE | PTFE |
| Sodium Hydroxide | FLUX FLEXI-FLO SS316 | SS316 |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Alfa Laval Sanitary Centrifugal | SS316L Electropolished |
✓ Confirm chemical compatibility charts from manufacturer
✓ Match viscosity to pump type (gear/diaphragm for thick fluids)
✓ Specify explosion-proofing if needed (ATEX Zone 1/2)
✓ Include spare seals in order (Viton®/PTFE backups)
Pro Tip: For hydrofluoric acid (HF), only PTFE-lined pumps with Kalrez® seals are safe—standard SS316 will corrode catastrophically!
Need a pump for a specific chemical? Tell me:
Chemical name/concentration
Temperature/viscosity
Required flow rate (LPM/GPM)
Any regulatory needs (FDA, ATEX, etc.