Manufacturers who use chemicals as part of their production activities face many challenges. All chemicals must be moved and contained securely to avoid leaks that may compromise the health and safety of both workers and the surrounding environment.

It's important that you select the right pump when dealing with chemicals in your manufacturing facility. Here are three factors to take into consideration as you work to ensure you purchase the most reliable chemical process pump possible.

1. Construction Materials

Chemical process pumps can be made from a wide range of materials. It is vital that you take into consideration how the chemicals that you deal with on a daily basis will interact with these materials. Not all materials are compatible with certain chemicals. Exposure to chemicals can cause a negative reaction that may damage certain materials.

You will need to determine if the chemicals that you rely on pair best with a metal or a non-metallic pump. Once you have identified which construction materials will not deteriorate when exposed to your chemicals, you can select a suitable chemical process pump for your facility.

2. Size

Once you have determined the best material for your chemical process pump to be made from, you will need to determine the best size for your pump. Pump size plays an important role in determining the flow rate of the chemicals that your facility uses each day. The faster the flow rate, the more efficiently your facility can operate. Look for a pump that is slightly larger than what your facility currently requires.

Purchasing a larger pump will give you the ability to grow and expand your manufacturing activities without having to replace your chemical process pump to accommodate the increase in demand.

3. Viscosity Rating

Viscosity is an important consideration when you are purchasing a chemical process pump. The chemicals that are commonly found in manufacturing facilities come in a wide range of viscosities.

You must invest in a chemical process pump that is equipped to move your facility's unique chemicals with ease. This means matching the viscosity rating of the pump with the viscosity of the chemicals in your facility is critical. If your chemicals are too thick for the pump to handle, the pump could overheat and shut down. Be sure that the chemical process pump you invest in has a viscosity rating that is high enough to accommodate your facility's chemicals.

If you have any questions about chemical process pumps, be sure to contact a manufacturer near you.