Metering pumps Manufacturers online

Metering pumps are specialized pumps that are used to convey and dose liquids in precise quantities.

They are widely used in various industries, for example in the chemical industry, water treatment, the food and pharmaceutical industries and in laboratory applications.

Below you will find the basic principle and mode of operation as well as the different types of metering pumps, their applications, their advantages and information on maintenance and care:

Basic principle of metering pumps:

The main feature of metering pumps is their ability to deliver liquids in controlled and precisely adjustable quantities. They are characterized by high precision and are often designed to deliver a specific quantity per unit of time (e.g. millilitres per minute). Dosing can either be set manually or controlled automatically, often using sensors and control systems.

How it works:

A metering pump usually works through the following steps:

Suction phase: the pump creates a vacuum which draws the liquid from a container into the dosing chamber.
Dosing phase: The pump mechanism (piston, diaphragm, hose, gears, etc.) delivers a precise quantity of liquid.
Dispensing phase: The liquid is dispensed to its destination (e.g. reactor, production plant) via a valve or pipe.

Control is either mechanical, pneumatic or electronic, depending on the pump and application.

Types of metering pumps:

There are different types of metering pumps, which are selected depending on the application. The most common types are

• Piston metering pumps: these pumps work with a piston that compresses and doses the liquid in a chamber. They are very precise and are often used in the chemical industry and for high pressure requirements.
• Diaphragm metering pumps: In these pumps, a flexible diaphragm is moved to draw the liquid into the chamber and then discharge it. They are ideal for chemically aggressive or sensitive liquids as the diaphragm forms a barrier between the pump mechanism and the liquid.
• Peristaltic pumps: These pumps work by squeezing a flexible tube, which agitates the fluid. They are well suited for highly viscous media and liquids that must not be contaminated, as the medium does not come into contact with the pump.
• Gear metering pumps: These pumps use gears to pump the medium into the line. They are often used for viscous liquids and oils.

Applications of metering pumps:

1. Water treatment:
Metering pumps are used to precisely dose disinfectants, chemicals or pH stabilizers in water treatment plants.

2. Chemical industry:
In chemical production, metering pumps are used to precisely feed reagents and catalysts.

3. Food and pharmaceutical industry:
They are used in the production of food and medicines to add flavors, preservatives, vitamins or other additives in exact quantities.

4. Laboratories:
Metering pumps are essential for laboratory applications as they can dose precise quantities of small amounts of liquid, e.g. for titrimetric analyses or in the production of reagents.

Advantages of metering pumps:

• High dosing accuracy and reliability
• Adaptation to many different liquids, including aggressive or viscous liquids
• Can be integrated into automated systems

Maintenance and care:

Regular maintenance is crucial for the service life and precision of metering pumps. The maintenance work includes:

• Cleaning and possibly replacing seals and valves
• Checking the pump mechanics (e.g. diaphragm or piston)
• Calibration of the pump to ensure dosing accuracy

Metering pumps are high-precision devices that are essential for the precise dosing of liquids in many areas. The choice of pump type depends on the medium and the dosing accuracy requirements, while regular maintenance ensures the functionality and longevity of the pump.

Here you will find an overview of the most important criteria to look out for when purchasing metering pumps:

When purchasing a metering pump, there are several important criteria to ensure that the pump meets the specific requirements of the application.

• The choice of pump type depends heavily on the application and chemical requirements. The most common types are piston, diaphragm, gear and peristaltic pumps. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages and is better suited to certain applications than others.
• Peristaltic pumps, for example, are ideal for highly viscous media or liquids that must remain sterile, while piston pumps are very precise and pressure-resistant.
• Dosing accuracy: This is often crucial, especially in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and in laboratory applications. The pump should allow precise adjustment of the dosing quantity and work consistently and accurately over time.
• Delivery rate: The metering pump should be able to deliver the desired amount of liquid per unit of time. check the minimum and maximum flow rate and select a pump that works reliably within these parameters.
• Depending on the medium, the pump materials should be resistant to corrosive or aggressive liquids. Commonly used materials for chemically resistant dosing pumps are stainless steel, PTFE (Teflon), and special plastics.
• If the medium is particularly viscous (thick), you may need a special pump, such as a peristaltic or gear pump, as piston or diaphragm pumps do not work as effectively with viscous media.
• For media containing solids, a pump that is suitable for abrasive substances and does not have problems with particles (e.g. certain peristaltic pumps) should be selected.
• Metering pumps with digital control systems are particularly practical for industrial applications. They enable precise and often remote-controlled dosing.
• If the pump is to be integrated into an automated system, interfaces such as Modbus, Ethernet or other control options are required.
• Some metering pumps offer the option of being coupled with flow sensors, pressure sensors or pH sensors to make dosing even more precise and reliable.
• Depending on the application, it may be necessary for the pump to withstand high or low pressures. Piston pumps are often suitable for higher pressures, while other types may wear out more quickly.
• Some applications require the dosing of hot or cold media. The pump should be able to operate in a temperature range suitable for the liquid without damaging materials.
• An energy-efficient pump saves operating costs, especially during continuous operation. The choice of drive (electric, pneumatic or manual) plays a role here. Electric drives often offer the best control, but can result in higher electricity costs.
• Especially with aggressive media or high operating requirements, it is important to choose a robust and durable pump.
• Some pump types require regular maintenance and replacement of parts such as seals or diaphragms. Choose a pump that is either easy to maintain or requires little maintenance.
• For long-term use, it is advisable to choose a pump where spare parts are readily available to avoid breakdowns.
• For applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, dosing pumps should meet certain hygiene and safety requirements, e.g. FDA certificates or GMP compliance.
• In potentially explosive environments, such as those found in the chemical industry, metering pumps should be explosion-proof and comply with ATEX directives.
• The price of the pump should be in proportion to the performance and durability offered. Although dosing pumps with high-quality materials and digital control are generally more expensive, the precision and durability usually make the investment worthwhile.
• Also consider the follow-up costs, such as maintenance and energy consumption, and plan these costs into the budget.

When purchasing a metering pump, a careful analysis of the requirements is necessary. Aspects such as dosing accuracy, chemical resistance, control options, pressure and temperature resistance as well as compliance with legal requirements play an important role. By taking these factors into account, you can select the most suitable metering pump for your application and operate it efficiently in the long term.

Metering pumps can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Metering pumps from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.