BLACKLINE - Mechanical Diaphragm Pumps

Sidebar Sidebar Sidebar

There are no products listed under this category.

OBL Blackline PRO – The Superior Alternative to Neptune, Lutz Jesco, ProMinent & Grundfos Metering Pumps

When industrial customers need a chemical metering pump that’s accurate, rugged, and integrates easily into automated systems, they often start by comparing the well-known names: Neptune Pump Company, Lutz Jesco, ProMinent, and Grundfos.

But the new OBL Blackline PRO Series has changed the game.

Built on OBL’s proven mechanical diaphragm and plunger pump platform—and upgraded with a fully integrated variable-speed drive controller (VFD)—the Blackline PRO delivers the precision of a digital dosing pump with the reliability of mechanical drive technology.

This combination puts OBL in a performance class that directly challenges (and often surpasses) established brands used in water treatment, industrial chemical feed, agriculture, food & beverage, boiler/steam systems, and manufacturing.


Why the OBL Blackline PRO Outperforms Other Leading Metering Pumps

1. Precision Dosing With Integrated VFD Control

Most industrial mechanical metering pumps require an external VFD or pulse generator for advanced control.

The Blackline PRO has the variable-speed drive built in.

This allows:

  • Smooth, accurate chemical feed
  • True 500:1 turndown capability
  • Ultra-stable stroke rate
  • Reduced pulsation
  • Longer diaphragm and valve life

Compared to:

  • Neptune – typically requires external stroke controllers
  • Lutz Jesco – relies more heavily on electronics and pulse signals
  • ProMinent – offers VFD-driven models, but at a higher price tier
  • Grundfos (DDA/DDE) – digital pumps with limited mechanical tolerance

OBL delivers precise control without the complexity or cost.


2. Ten Fully Configurable Operating Modes

The Blackline PRO includes advanced modes not commonly found on other mid-range metering pumps:

  • Constant
  • Batch
  • Pause–Work
  • Proximity
  • Analog mA
  • Analog Volt
  • PPM / Proportional
  • Pause–Percent
  • MLQ
  • Pulse

This makes it ideal for:

  • SCADA integration
  • Remote automation
  • Flow-paced feed
  • Proportional dosing
  • Contact time-based chlorine feed
  • Polymer addition
  • pH/ORP control loops

Competitor comparison:

  • Neptune – strong mechanical durability but limited built-in control logic
  • Jesco – good digital options, weaker on rugged environments
  • ProMinent – excellent controls but pricey
  • Grundfos – highly digital pumps, not ideal for high-viscosity chemistry

OBL lands in the perfect sweet spot: industrial durability + modern control options.


3. Rugged Construction for Harsh Environments

The Blackline PRO features:

  • Aluminum gearbox
  • EPD anti-acid coating
  • IP65 / NEMA 4X enclosure
  • Angled backlit display
  • Industrial jog-dial selector

This makes it one of the toughest metering pumps available—especially in outdoor, high-humidity, corrosive, or mobile installations.

Competitive advantage:

  • Neptune – solid mechanics but basic housings
  • Jesco – many models use lighter PVC bodies
  • ProMinent – excellent housings but higher cost
  • Grundfos – mostly plastic digital pumps; sensitive to environment

If you need a robust pump that survives abuse, OBL leads the pack.


4. Multiple Wet-End Options for Chemical Compatibility

Choose the optimal head material for your application:

  • GFPPL
  • PVDF
  • Acrylic
  • 316SS (varies by model)

Ideal for:

  • Sodium hypochlorite
  • Caustic soda
  • Sulfuric & hydrochloric acid (diluted)
  • Polymers / coagulants
  • Fertigation
  • Glycols
  • Corrosion inhibitors
  • Hâ‚‚S oxidizers
  • Cooling tower treatment

Competitor alignment:

  • Neptune – excellent stainless options but limited polymer compatibility
  • Jesco – strong acid compatibility but lower pressure ranges
  • ProMinent – broad material choices but premium pricing
  • Grundfos – best for low-pressure chemical feed only

OBL provides high chemical compatibility at a balanced price point.


Side-by-Side Comparison: OBL vs. Neptune, Jesco, ProMinent & Grundfos

Feature / Benefit OBL Blackline PRO Neptune Lutz Jesco ProMinent Grundfos
Built-in VFD Yes External needed Limited Some models No (digital stroke)
Turndown Ratio 500:1 10:1–100:1 100:1 Up to 1000:1 100:1
Operating Modes 10 modes Few Good Many Limited
Housing Material EPD-coated Aluminum Cast iron/aluminum Plastic High-grade plastic/metal Plastic
Environmental Rating IP65 / NEMA 4X Varies Varies Good Lower
Pressure Handling Up to 232 PSI depending on model Excellent Moderate Excellent Low
Chemical Compatibility Wide Good Strong Very Strong Moderate
Price Position Mid-range, high value Mid Mid High Mid
Retrofit Capability Yes No No Some No

Applications Where OBL Exceeds the Competition

Water & Wastewater Treatment

  • Chlorine and disinfection dosing
  • Flocculant and coagulant feed
  • pH control
  • Corrosion and scale inhibitor injection

Industrial Process Dosing

  • Boiler treatment
  • Cooling tower chemicals
  • Lubricants
  • Additives and surfactants
  • Oil & gas chemical injection (compatible models)

Agriculture & Fertigation

  • Nutrient feed
  • Acid dosing
  • pH management

Food, Beverage & Pharmaceutical

  • CIP chemical feed
  • Accurate sanitizing injection

The Blackline PRO thrives in environments where both precision and mechanical reliability matter.


Why Choose OBL Blackline PRO From Cannon Water?

Cannon Water provides:

  • Factory-authorized technical support
  • Application sizing assistance
  • Replacement diaphragms, valves, and repair kits
  • Same-day shipping on most models
  • Retrofit upgrade kits for existing OBL Blackline pumps
  • Competitive pricing against Neptune, Jesco, ProMinent & Grundfos

And you know this, David — your customers don’t buy the cheapest pump…
They buy the pump that won’t fail in the field.

The Blackline PRO is exactly that pump.


Request a Quote or Ask for Application Sizing

Ready to replace a Grundfos, ProMinent, Neptune, or Jesco pump?
Need help choosing the right Blackline PRO model?

Cannon Water can size it for you based on:

  • GPH / LPH
  • PSI / bar
  • Chemical type
  • Temperature
  • Viscosity
  • Control method (4–20 mA, pulse, batch, VFD, etc.)

Contact us today for expert help and competitive pricing.