In the chemical processing industry, pumps aren’t just another piece of equipment; they are at the heart of keeping operations safe, efficient, and consistent. Whether you’re transferring solvents, acids, alkalis, resins, or specialised chemical blends, choosing the right pump impacts production reliability, process quality, maintenance costs, and workplace safety.
At Fristam, we understand that chemical processing presents unique challenges, from handling aggressive and corrosive substances to dealing with extreme temperatures and precise blending requirements. That’s why we engineer centrifugal pump and shear pumps specifically designed for industrial chemical applications.
Challenges of Pumping Chemicals
When moving chemicals from one stage to another, your pump faces more than just a transfer job; it faces chemical, mechanical, and safety challenges that must be carefully addressed.
- Corrosion Resistance: Many chemicals are corrosive and can degrade a pump’s internal components over time. The wrong material choice can lead to costly failures and safety risks.
- Viscosity Variations: Chemicals range from water-thin solvents to thick resins. Pumps must maintain flow rates regardless of viscosity.
- Abrasiveness: Some chemical slurries and suspensions contain solid particles that accelerate wear on internal components.
- Temperature Extremes: High-temperature chemical processes can stress seals, bearings, and pump casings if the design is not optimised for thermal stability.
- Safety and Leak Prevention: Chemical leaks are more than messy; they can be dangerous to personnel, harmful to the environment, and costly in lost products.
Understanding these challenges is the first step toward selecting the right chemical pump type for your application.
Understand the Chemical Characteristics
Before deciding on a pump, you must analyse the specific chemical properties:
- Corrosiveness: Match the pump’s material (stainless steel, special alloys) to the chemical’s pH and reactivity.
- Viscosity: Low-viscosity chemicals are easy to move with centrifugal pumps, but thick fluids may need specialised pumping solutions.
- Abrasiveness: If solids are present, ensure the pump design and clearances can handle them without rapid wear.
- Operating Temperature: Select pumps and seals that can withstand your process temperatures without deformation or leakage.
Choose the Right Pump Type
Fristam offers two key pumping technologies for the chemical industry, each engineered for specific process needs:
1. Fristam’s Centrifugal Pumps
Perfect for low- to medium-viscosity fluids and continuous high-volume transfer. These pumps deliver smooth, consistent flow and are designed for high efficiency in chemical transfer applications. Built in corrosion-resistant stainless steel, they handle a wide range of aggressive fluids while maintaining low maintenance requirements.
Typical uses:
- Bulk chemical transfer
- Tank recirculation
- Cooling and heating loop circulation
- General-purpose chemical distribution
2. Fristam Shear Pumps
Typical uses:
- Blending polymers or resins
- Creating stable emulsions and dispersions
- Dissolving powders into solvents
- Homogenising speciality chemicals
How to Select? Some tips:
For pure transfer of liquids → Choose Fristam Centrifugal Pumps.
For processing and blending while transferring → Choose Fristam Shear Pumps.
Select the Appropriate Pump Materials
The right pump material ensures long service life and prevents chemical attack. Fristam chemical pumps are typically manufactured in high-grade stainless steel for maximum corrosion resistance. Depending on your chemical, alternative options can be considered:
- Stainless Steel (316L) – Excellent corrosion resistance for many acids, alkalis, and solvents.
- Special Alloys – For extreme pH levels or highly aggressive chemicals.
- Special Seal Materials – Such as Viton, EPDM, or PTFE, chosen for compatibility with the specific fluid.
Prioritise Safety and Leak Prevention
Fristam chemical pumps are engineered with precision manufacturing and tight tolerances to reduce leakage risks. Options such as double mechanical seals and seal flush systems are available for hazardous chemical handling. Our pumps are also designed to be CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilise-in-Place) compatible, reducing operator exposure during cleaning.
Consider Energy Efficiency and Total Cost of Ownership
While the initial purchase price matters, the real cost of a pump is determined by:
Fristam’s chemical pumps are energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and designed for long service life, ensuring the best possible return on investment.
Work with an Expert Partner
Choosing the right chemical pump type isn’t just about reading specifications – it’s about understanding your process. At Fristam, our application engineers work with you from site evaluation to commissioning to ensure the pump you choose is the most efficient and safest option for your plant.
Conclusion
Selecting the right industrial chemical pump is a crucial decision in chemical processing. The wrong choice can lead to corrosion, leaks, downtime, and lost productivity. The right choice can mean years of trouble-free service, improved safety, and lower operating costs.
Fristam’s centrifugal pumps and shear pumps are designed to meet the demanding requirements of the chemical industry, combining durability, precision engineering, and hygienic design with a focus on process efficiency and safety..
When it comes to your chemical processing needs, we don’t just supply pumps – we engineer solutions.