NEWS

Solar Powered Pumping System Feeds Caustic/Acidic Treatment Chemicals

HILLSIDE, NJ, USA — A new weatherable Solar Powered Chemical Dosing System from Vanton Pump and Equipment Corp. features a non-metallic, peristaltic pump for corrosion-free transfer of caustic and acidic treatment chemicals from an integral thermoplastic storage tank to water and wastewater containment facilities in remote locations.

The pump, FLEX-I-LINER® model 12, utilizes a rotor mounted on an eccentric shaft to push fluid trapped between a flexible elastomer liner and a solid plastic body block. The self-priming design has no seals to leak or valves to clog and can run dry without damage.

The rigid body block is molded of solid polypropylene, UHMW polyethylene or PTFE, and the flexible liner of natural rubber, neoprene, Hypalon, Viton or Nordel, eliminating corrosion associated with pumps constructed of stainless steel and high alloys, and wicking and delamination associated with fiberglass and plastic-lined metals, according to the company.

Suitable for flows to 2 gpm (7.6 lpm) and pressures to 25 psig (1.72 bar) at temperatures to 185°F (85°C), the pump is designed to meter a fixed volume of liquid over user-programmed time intervals. A throttling valve on the suction line to the pump allows flow rate adjustment.

A 40 watt (0.04 kw) photo-voltaic solar panel charges a 12 VDC deep cell battery that can power the pump's 1/6 hp (0.12 kw) DC motor on a single charge for three hours continuously, or cumulatively over several days of intermittent operation during which the pump is started and stopped manually, or automatically according to user-programmed dosing schedules.

Also inert to water and wastewater treatment chemicals are the system's base plate and 20 gal (76 l) tank constructed of solid polypropylene, polyethylene or PVC. The controls are housed in a fiberglass NEMA IV weatherproof enclosure.

An optional manifold with nozzles is available to spray treatment chemicals such as alum, ferric chloride, hydrofluosilicic acid, polymer, sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite or sulfuric acid over a desired area for control of odor, insects or algae in water treatment facilities, recreational areas, farms, deserts and other remote sites.

The self-contained system measures 32 in. L x 24 in. D x 15 in. H (813 mm L x 610 mm D x 381 mm H), weighs 225 lbs (102 kg) and is available mounted on casters. Other Solar Powered Feeding Systems equipped with larger FLEX-I-LINER pumps and larger solar panels handle flows to 10 gpm (38 lpm).