Pumps

Caustic soda solution users are responsible for building and maintaining a properly designed storage and handling system which meets applicable safety and regulatory requirements. Each caustic soda solution user is responsible for determining which pumps are suitable for its individual facility.

While steel or cast iron centrifugal pumps may be used for 50% caustic soda solution, such pumps suffer high maintenance and short service life. For longer service life, consider a pump manufactured with Alloy 20, CD4M, Monel, or other nickel alloys. All pumps should have a time-delay high pressure/low pressure switch downstream of the pump to prevent continued operation when the pump is deadheaded or running dry.

Whether a pump is equipped with a mechanical seal or packing gland is a matter of user preference. However, product contamination by water used to purge mechanical seals can be problematic. Packing glands should not be used if "weeping" of caustic soda solution from a packing gland will create a safety hazard.

In addition to centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps and other types of pumps are used for specific conditions. All major pump manufacturers specializing in chemical pumps have technically trained personnel who can assist in the proper pump selection.

For additional information on caustic soda solution pumps, review The Chlorine Institute, Inc. Pamphlet 094 "Sodium Hydroxide Solution and Potassium Hydroxide Solution (Caustic): Storage Equipment and Piping Systems." This pamphlet and additional resource materials can be purchased through the Chlorine Institute web site or send your request via fax to (703) 741-6068.

The information contained above is supplemental to the Internet Disclaimer and is not intended to be all-inclusive as it relates to use, handling, storage, disposal and all other described activities. Recipients must make their own determination of suitability and are responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, provincial, municipal laws and/or other regulations. This information is offered solely for your consideration and verification and in no event will The Dow Chemical Company be responsible for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use or reliance upon this information or the product to which this information pertains.