At Cannon Water Technology, we offer solenoid dosing pumps for water treatment and alike applications. We source them from reputed manufacturers such as Walchem and SEKO among others. They are designed for precision and efficiency, and can handle the dosing of fluids with varied consistencies.
Working and Operating Principle of Solenoid-Driven Metering Pumps
Solenoid metering pumps work on the principle of electromagnetism. Solenoid or the electromagnetic component produces an electromagnetic field when current is passed through it. Once the coil is energized, it displaces the fluid in the required volume by moving the diaphragm or the plunger. The liquid here enters from an inlet and pushed from the outlet once the solenoid actuates. They are digitally controlled in terms of the flow rate and dosing volumes among other functional aspects.
Construction of Solenoid-driven Dosing Pumps
A solenoid-driven dosing pump is a compact, high-performance pump system designed for accurate and consistent fluid metering. Its electromechanical design ensures reliable operation in demanding environments, such as water treatment plants, chemical dosing stations, and industrial processing units. Each elements contributes to its precision, durability, and efficiency.
- Solenoid Coil: The solenoid coil acts as the central actuator of the pump. When an electric current energizes the coil, it creates a magnetic field that drives the plunger or diaphragm forward, displacing a specific volume of liquid. This rapid and controlled motion ensures consistent dosing accuracy and repeatable flow regulation.
- Plunger or Diaphragm Assembly: Depending on the model, the pump may feature a plunger or diaphragm mechanism. The plunger type is ideal for high-pressure, low-flow applications, where the liquid is directly displaced in each stroke. The diaphragm type, on the other hand, is preferred for corrosive or viscous fluids as it isolates the liquid from mechanical components to prevent leaks and contamination.
- Pump Head and Valves: The pump head, a critical part of the solenoid-driven dosing pump, houses the diaphragm or plunger and regulates suction and discharge cycles. It incorporates one-way check valves that ensure smooth, unidirectional fluid flow, drawing in during suction and expelling during discharge. Constructed from PVDF, PTFE, or 316 stainless steel, the pump head and valves provide excellent durability and chemical compatibility.
- Wet-End Materials: All wetted components of these pumps, such as the diaphragm, seals, and valves, are made from corrosion-resistant materials to handle aggressive chemicals. Standard material combinations include 316 SS, PTFE, PVDF, FKM, and EPDM, ensuring reliable performance with acids, alkalis, and abrasive fluids.
- Control Module and Electronics: Modern solenoid-driven dosing pumps feature intelligent electronic controllers that allow precise adjustment of stroke length, frequency, and dosing volume. User-friendly options such as manual or automatic control modes, 4–20 mA or pulse signal inputs, and LED/LCD interfaces enable real-time monitoring and easy integration into automated process systems.
- Housing and Mounting Frame: The outer housing of the pump is built from chemical-resistant plastic or coated metal, providing robust protection against corrosion, moisture, and mechanical stress. Its compact, rugged design allows easy installation in industrial setups and ensures long-term reliability under continuous operation.
Selection Tips for Solenoid-Driven Dosing Pumps
Choosing the right solenoid-driven dosing pump ensures accuracy, reliability, and efficiency, regardless of the dosing applications. Here are some key factors to be considered.
- Flow Rate and Pressure Requirements: Determine the desired flow range and discharge pressure. Select pump with a rated capacity suitable for your process, typically up to 75 psig for standard models.
- Chemical Compatibility: Match the pump’s wetted materials to the fluid being handled. Standard options, such as PTFE, PVDF, FKM, and 316 SS, ensure resistance to corrosive or abrasive chemicals.
- Fluid Properties: Evaluate viscosity, temperature, and particulate content. A diaphragm-based solenoid-driven dosing pump is ideal for handling viscous or corrosive media, while plunger types are better suited for low-viscosity fluids at higher pressures.
- Control and Automation: Select pumps equipped with digital control features, such as adjustable stroke frequency, external 4–20 mA or pulse signal inputs, and compatibility with PLC or SCADA systems for seamless automated operation.
- Duty Cycle and Environment: For continuous or outdoor use, select models with chemical-resistant housings, thermal protection, and IP-rated enclosures. Compact designs suit confined or lab-based setups.
- Ease of Maintenance: Prefer models with quick-access pump heads, replaceable diaphragms, and self-priming capability for simplified servicing.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips
Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that the solenoid-driven metering pump continues to deliver reliable and precise dosing performance throughout its operational life. Follow these best practices to maintain efficiency and prevent downtime.
- Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect the pump for any visible leaks, cracks, or loose fittings along the suction and discharge lines. Examine the diaphragms, seals, and gaskets for signs of wear, swelling, or chemical degradation, and replace them if necessary.
- Cleaning and Flushing: Flush the solenoid-driven metering pump periodically with a neutral or compatible cleaning fluid to remove any chemical residue, buildup, or crystallization inside the pump head, valves, and tubing. This helps maintain smooth flow and prevents clogging during operation.
- Electrical and Control Checks: Verify that all electrical connections, solenoid coils, and control circuits are properly secured, clean, and grounded. Ensure that the power supply remains stable, typically within 115–120 VAC at 50/60 Hz, to prevent control malfunctions or coil damage.
- Calibration and Testing: Recalibrate the dosing rate and stroke length at regular intervals to ensure dosing accuracy is maintained. Measure and compare the actual flow rate with the set parameters to confirm that the solenoid-driven dosing pump is performing within the desired specifications.
- Spare Parts and Replacements: Replace worn-out diaphragms, seals, and check valves promptly using genuine manufacturer-approved components. Using original parts helps maintain chemical compatibility, system reliability, and the pump’s long-term performance.
- Preventive Maintenance Schedule: Establish a structured preventive maintenance program to ensure uninterrupted performance. Conduct visual inspections monthly, recalibrate the pump quarterly, and replace critical components such as diaphragms and seals annually or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Features of Our Solenoid Metering Pumps
Here are some features of these pumps.
- Solenoid dosing or metering pumps are designed using robust materials that can withstand exposure to chemicals, abrasive fluids, high temperature and pressure ranges.
- Compatible with various chemicals and fluids. Some of these materials include 316-SS and PTFE, PVDF, FKM, and CE as wet end materials for optimal performance. These vary with each model and brand.
- The pump heads and valves are made of metals, while the diaphragm and gasket are made from rubber or thermoplastic, mostly PTFE or EPDM.
- Most of our models operate in pressure ranges between 50 and 75 psig.
- Comes with safety features such as leak detection, pressure relief mechanisms, and fail-safe controls.
- These pumps are digitally controlled and hence accurate. They are durable, resistant to corrosive metals, abrasive chemicals, and can handle slurries, semi-solids, fluids with particulate matter, and more.
- Low on maintenance and cost effective in the long run. They have a long service life.
- Most of them operate on around 115-120 VAC or volts AC power at 50/60 Hz.
Applications of Solenoid Driven Metering Pumps
Here are some application areas of our solenoid driven pumps.
- Water and wastewater treatment: This is one of the prime application areas of solenoid pumps. They are used to transfer contaminated as well as industrial water from septic tanks to water treatment systems. They are also used for dosing of chlorine and other disinfectants.
- Chemicals: They are used in injecting the required doses of corrosion inhibiting chemicals into wells and pipelines.
- Pharmaceuticals: In this industry, solenoid driven pumps are used for dosing medicine and chemical formulations in the right amounts.
- Food & beverages: In this industry, solenoid metering pumps are used to dose the right amounts of food colors, acidity regulators, flavoring agents, and more in packaged foods.
- Monitoring of environmental parameters: One can integrate these pumps with environmental monitoring systems to collect and analyze water samples to check various parameters.
- Medical: These pumps find application in fluid handling by certain diagnostic equipment and dialysis machines.
- Agriculture: These pumps are used in irrigation systems, and machines to dose the right amounts of fertilizers at controlled rates.
Frequently Asked Questions on Our Solenoid Metering Pumps
Here are some FAQs on our solenoid pumps and their answers.
- Are solenoid metering pumps suited for continuous or intermittent operation?
Solenoid metering pumps are suitable for both continuous and intermittent dosing and fluid transfer operations, depending on application requirements.
- Are there any safety considerations when using solenoid metering pumps with chemicals?
Yes, it's important to follow safety guidelines, while also using pumps made from corrosion and abrasion resistant materials. Their design and construction must be compatible with the chemicals and other fluids being pumped, and must have mechanisms to prevent leaks or spills. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines as well as train the operating personnel.
- Are solenoid metering pumps suitable for high-pressure applications?
Yes, most of the solenoid metering pumps models we offer can function at pressure around 75 psig. They are designed to handle high-pressure applications and can provide precise dosing even at elevated pressures.
- Can solenoid metering pumps be automated?
Yes, these pumps are digitally controlled and can be easily integrated into industrial systems for precise and automated fluid dosing.
- What are the common maintenance requirements for solenoid metering pumps?
Like any equipment or machine, solenoid pumps require basic care and maintenance. This comprises periodic visual inspection for any sign of wear, cracks, leakage, and so on. Also, periodic cleaning of components and replacement of diaphragms or seals must be done as needed. This is especially if these pups are exposed to corrosive fluids daily. The electronic control systems and their functioning must also be inspected once in a while to ensure they are functioning normally. You can get this done from a professional maintenance service provider.
- How to control the flow rate of a solenoid metering pump?
You can control the flow rate of the fluid by adjusting the solenoid's activation or charging frequency or modulating the stroke length of the plunger or diaphragm.