2L/15 bar Volumetric Pump for 98% Sulfuric Acid Injection
For an industrial process application, our team designed and manufactured a specific volumetric pump. The primary challenge was managing an extremely corrosive fluid, 98% sulfuric acid, which required precise dosing within a defined flow range. We delivered a 2-liter unit capable of operating up to 15 bar, ensuring both operational safety and full chemical compatibility with the fluid.
Specifying a Safe Pumping System for High-Concentration Sulfuric Acid
Our client required a reliable pumping solution for their industrial process involving sulfuric acid. The specifications demanded a custom-built design capable of meeting precise constraints:
- Fluid: Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) at a 98% concentration.
- Pressure: A minimum operating pressure of 10 bar.
- Volume: A 2-liter useful pump body capacity.
- Flow Rate: A controlled flow range from 389 to 1416 ml/hour.
- Conditions: Operation at ambient temperature.
A Design Focused on Chemical Compatibility and Operational Safety
Confronted with the aggressiveness of 98% sulfuric acid, our design office validated a rigorous selection of materials. The wetted metal parts are machined from Super Duplex steel (UNS S32750), chosen for its excellent corrosion resistance to high-concentration H₂SO₄ at low temperatures. Sealing is ensured by FKM O-rings, an elastomer renowned for its chemical resistance (rated “A” for this application), complemented by a PTFE piston for total chemical inertness.
The drive architecture was designed for safety and precision. We integrated a worm gear/wheel system coupled with a ball screw. This assembly, driven by a stepper motor, not only guarantees high flow rate accuracy (from 40 to 10,000 ml/h, easily covering the client’s requirement), but, more importantly, offers a major safety benefit: the drive is mechanically non-reversible. In the event of an emergency stop or power failure, the pressure is securely held within the pump body.
The equipment is controlled via a remote HMI (Human-Machine Interface) on a PC, allowing the pump to be operated by flow rate setpoint, pressure setpoint, or in pressure regulation mode. The interface handles data acquisition in .csv format and provides an Ethernet connection for external control. Safety is redundant, featuring a dual overpressure protection system: one programmable software safety and one hardwired passive safety.
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