Like many highly technical industries, the world of drum pumps and diaphragm pumps is full of a lot of special terms, jargon, and lingo that can be difficult for an outsider to understand. But whether you’re in the chemicals industry or the nutraceuticals sector (a growing market that hit $142.1 billion in 2011 sales and is projected to reach $204.8 billion by next year), it’s important to understand exactly what you’re looking for when you’re in need of a particular kind of pump.
To help bring you up to speed, here’s a quick glossary guide to some common terms and abbreviations you’re likely to encounter when choosing between our wide variety of pump products.
AOD and AODD: Air-operated diaphragm pumps and air-operated double diaphragm pumps run on compressed air instead of electricity, which makes them suitable for use with combustible materials. They can also be certified with sanitary standards for use in food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.
CIP: This acronym stands for “clean in place,” which is an important designation for hygienic applications and is a required standard for 3A certification in the dairy industry, for example. CIP drum pumps are generally made of stainless steel and can transfer viscous fluids from 55 gallon barrels.
DEF: Diesel Exhaust Fluid pumps must be designed to meet strict regulation standards. These pumps transfer materials directly from barrels and drums to minimize spillage and ensure safety.
LVR: A low-voltage release (LVR) switch is a special safety feature that will automatically shut off an electric pump transfer if the power source has been interrupted. This prevents chemical pumps from powering on unattended after a period of interrupted power flow.
PVDF: Polyvinylidene Fluoride, also known as Kynar, is a common material for pump tubes. It’s made of a special plastic that’s highly resistant to chemical erosion, solvents, acids, and bases, making it ideal for industrial applications.
If the alphabet soup of the pump manufacturing industry has left you feeling overwhelmed, don’t despair. Our guides and brochures at Standard Pump can help you find the proper package you need for your applications, from diesel to detergents and from sodas to sulfuric acid. Contact us today for more information on the variety of pumps and parts available for your next project.
