Comprehensive Guide to PFA Lined Pump Specifications and Benefits


PFA Lined Pump
Comprehensive Guide to PFA Lined Pump Specifications and Benefits

For industries handling corrosive, high-purity, or hazardous chemicals, a run-off-the-mill pump would barely work. These industries need pumps that offer superior chemical resistance and can handle all sorts of aggressive fluids. PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy) lined pumps provide the mechanical strength of metallic casings with the superior chemical resistance of PFA lining, making them perfect for displacing the most challenging fluids.

So, how does a PFA lining make a pump better?  PFA is inert to almost all aggressive chemicals, including strong acids, bases, solvents, and oxidisers. Typical metal pumps can be easily corroded over time with repeated fluid contact. The PFA lining acts as a non-reactive barrier, a protective layer of sorts, between the pump's metallic body and the fluid, maintaining structural integrity even in highly corrosive environments. The PFA lining is mechanically locked into the metal armour, offering vacuum resistance. This thick, strong layer can absorb all kinds of mechanical stresses that can result from system pressure or piping nozzle loads.

Specifications of PFA lined pumps

  • The outer body of PFA-lined pumps is typically made of ductile iron, stainless steel, or cast steel, giving them strength and durability.
  • As discussed before, the inner layer is protected in a PFA lining casing.
  • PFA-lined pumps with mechanical seals are designed for standard applications.
  • Sealless PFA-lined pumps are used with applications handling highly hazardous or toxic chemicals, eliminating the risk of leaks.
  • PFA-lined pumps are designed to operate in extreme temperatures.
  • Design variants in PFA-lined pumps include centrifugal PFA-lined pumps that are ideal for chemical transfer applications where high flow rates are required; magnetic drive PFA-lined pumps that offer leak-free operation in hazardous environments; and vertical PFA-lined pumps that are popular with sump and tank applications where space constraints need to be considered.

Benefits of PFA-lined pumps

Superior Chemical Resistance - This is the main advantage of PFA-lined pumps. The PFA lining does not react to strong acids, alkalis, oxidisers or solvents, protecting the pump from corroding. No matter how pure or aggressive a fluid is, it will not degrade the pump body.

No-leak operation - PFA-lined pumps come with the promise of protection against leakage. Be it sealless magnetic drive designs or double seal options, a PFA lining gives pumps an extra layer of safety. PFA doesn't absorb fluids and let them pass without affecting the pump structure. Extended lifespan of the pump - The tough outer casing and the PFA lining ensure these pumps do not rust, have minimal wear and tear and minimal part replacements. PFA's smooth, non-sticky surface doesn't allow a build-up of crystals or residues. All this makes PFA-lined pumps a cost-effective option for industries.

PFA-lined pumps are energy-efficient - Since the PFA lining doesn't allow any particles or residue to stick to the pump's surface, it allows for a friction-free operation. And a friction-free operation often leads to reduced power consumption.

To understand PFA-lined pumps better, let's take a look at a few top pumps in the market today –

PFA-lined centrifugal magnetic drive pumps by Richter

These pumps come in three variations - QMD (Standard Duty), RM (Medium Duty), and MNK (Heavy Duty). Featuring optimised hydraulics, these pumps offer enhanced energy efficiency. The RM pump can handle temperatures between -30 °C to +150 °C. The housing material is made of EN-JS 1049 / ASTM A 395, and the pump can handle pressure up to PN16. The PFA lining (3 to 5 mm) has been vacuum-proofed for extra strength. These pumps are suitable for applications that handle chemicals such as H2SO4, 30-38% NAOH and HCL.

THE QMD or the standard duty pump, on the other hand, can also handle pressure up to PN16. The pump has been designed for easy storage, ideal for operations with space constraints. The lining is made of FEP and offers superior resistance to corrosion.

The MNK or heavy-duty pumps feature SAFEGLIDE® PLUS – which offers dry running optimisation, ensuring no damage to plain bearings for a brief period. The actual lining is made of PFA, PTFE, PE-UHMW, or is PFA conductive. This pump is compatible with applications handling chemicals such as bromine, HCI 30%, Phosphate Chloride, Caustic solution, H2SO$, Diester Mass, NACL, Thionyl Chloride, and HCL.

Richter's mechanically sealed pumps feature a mechanical seal RG4 for solids and a modern design that makes them highly reliable. If needed, mechanical seals can be easily replaceable without breaking a bank. These pumps are made of EN-JS 1049 / ASTM A 395 and have a 5 mm lining of PFA, PTFE, PE-UHMW, or PFA conductive.  All Richter mechanically sealed pumps are certified by 2006/42/EC Machinery Directive, 2014/34/EU Equipment explosive atmosphere. These pumps are popular with Reaction Mass + Diester Mass and Math + Methanol applications.

To learn more about Richter's premium PFA lined pumps, please visit their website - https://www.idexindia.in/richter/

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