Any time hazardous chemicals are handled, there is an inherent risk that they will be released through carelessness, technical defects or selection of the wrong equipment. The challenge, then, for manufacturers is to handle them in a way that eliminates any chance for their release into the atmosphere where they can harm humans or the environment.
While safety in handling these chemicals is a top concern for those who come in contact with them, there is also a secondary one: enabling the highest level of operational efficiency to be achieved. These chemicals are often very expensive and any loss due to leakage or release has a direct effect on the manufacturer’s bottom line.
Pumps represent a central operating resource, especially in the processing of chemicals, where they ensure the in-plant transfer in the production process. However, keeping these dangerous chemicals fully contained is often easier said than done. Since many chemicals can also be highly corrosive, the pumping equipment used to transfer them is prone to chemical attack if the materials of construction are not compatible (e.g., temperature resistant or chemical resistant) with the acid, caustic or solvent. Materials of construction are not the only factor to consider when determining if a pump should be used to handle dangerous chemicals. Another area to focus on is the actual design features of the pump.