Furrow Pump, Inc.

P.O. Box 1849

8525 SW St. Helens Dr.

Wilsonville, OR 97070

Phone: (800) 937-3666

FAX: (800) 377-9960

www.furrowpump.com

There are a few other things to be aware of. Some chemicals are just tough to deal with – sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite are good examples. If there is even a crack in the plumbing, they’ll find it and start growing a crust of chemical. A containment seal or an occasional warm water wipe will improve the cleanliness of your application.

Another problem is gasification. This is most commonly caused by sodium hypochlorite (especially with elevated concentration and temperature), as well as hydrogen peroxide. Both pumping situations can be improved by adding a discharge recirculation bleed valve to assist with the off-gassing.

The most common problem of all is a loss of prime, either because of a false flooded suction or a foot valve laying on its side. The suction tubing, for a suction lift application, needs to be cut so that the foot valve hangs vertically. Metering pumps can only create 2-3 PSI of vacuum for their suction lift (5’ from head to foot valve), so they need to be fully vertical so that the ball of the gravity ball-check is fully seated. Any air or liquid lead between the head and foot valve can also cause a loss of prime (loose head, pinhole leak in tubing, bad diaphragm). Check these things first.

A note for you all: The worst chemical pump accidents I know of involved two very intelligent guys who made the same mistake. They both leaned over a working 50 % caustic pump without eye protection, and lost an eye. Whenever you deal with a chemical pump, whatever you are doing, WEAR SAFETY GLASSES! Everything else can be washed off without permanent damage.

Home