Chemical pumps improve the performance of your fume scrubbers! 

It’s a bold statement, but true.  Industrial ventilation plays a key role in workplace safety and regulatory compliance in manufacturing plants. Industries like chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and metalworking rely on robust (and reliable) ventilation systems to remove harmful fumes, particulates, and volatile compounds from the air. At the heart of these systems is the fume scrubber, removing harmful contaminants so they don’t reach the atmosphere.

Chemical pumps are the unsung heroes of scrubber efficiency (we would say that), circulating scrubbing liquids that capture and neutralise harmful gases. Even the most sophisticated fume scrubbers would struggle to maintain consistency without pumps. Choosing the right pump helps save energy, reduces maintenance requirements, and extends the operational lifespan of the system.

The Role of Chemical Pumps in Fume Scrubber Systems

Most scrubber systems utilise centrifugal pumps because of their steady flow and ability to handle corrosive elements. These pumps continuously move the same liquid, which, after passing through the scrubber, returns to the collection tank for another cycle. Over time, this scrubbing liquid collects more and more pollutants.

Choosing a Pump to Meet Scrubber Needs

Choosing the right pump has a significant impact on how well fume scrubbers perform. The demands on fume scrubber systems include some distinct challenges that need to be considered:

• Material compatibility
• Flow rate and head
• The location of the installation, system layouts, mounting options, and ambient temperatures
• Pump sealing system – Is a mechanically sealed pump or a magnetic drive pump the best choice?
• If you do need a mechanically sealed pump, do you need single or double seals?

Maintenance and Efficiency

It’s important to factor in monitoring and maintenance to keep your pumps operational.   A solid maintenance plan avoids sudden breakdowns and helps lower day-to-day running expenses.  A well-planned maintenance schedule avoids surprise breakdowns but also reduces operational costs.  We recommend:

• Carry out weekly checks, look out for corrosion, check temperature levels, check seals for leaks, investigate any weird noises or vibrations
• Adding Variable Frequency Drives are a powerful way to boost pump efficiency. By changing the frequency sent to the motor, VFDs let pumps work at the needed capacity adjusting their speed to fit the demand.
• Track pump performance like suction pressure, discharge pressure, flow rate, pump speed, and energy use gives valuable information about the condition of the pump.
• Monitoring flow during shut-off conditions helps spot internal recirculation problems that lower efficiency. Pumps work best when kept within 10 to 15 per cent of their Best Efficiency Point.
• Training your team – the best way to keep your systems up and running is to have people who know what to look for. Pump training can be carried out at our head office in Northamptonshire, or we can come to you.

The Right Choice for Fume Scrubbers

Choosing the right pump is essential to make a system work, but it’s not a case of choosing the one from the website and getting it shipped out to you.  The right pumps need careful consideration; the materials it is manufactured from need to be able to handle the solution and additives. You need to make sure the flow rate and head pressure fit the system’s needs, proper installation planning and selecting the right sealing system. Spending time assessing each of these factors leads to better performance and fewer issues over the pump’s lifespan, which is where we come in.

At CDR Pumps, we have a team of experienced pump engineers who understand these factors inside and out.  If you are looking for reliable, robust, and long-lasting pumps for your fume scrubbers, call us on 01933 674777, send us an email, or fill out the form below.