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Pumps play a critical role in the chemical industry, where reliability, safety, and resistance to aggressive substances are essential. From transferring hazardous liquids to handling corrosive slurries, pump technology is central to maintaining efficient and safe operations across chemical manufacturing processes.

Key Applications

1. Chemical Transfer
Chemical plants require the safe and precise transfer of raw materials and finished products. Pumps are used to move a wide range of liquids—many of which are volatile, corrosive, or abrasive—between storage tanks, reactors, and process vessels. Magnetic drive pumps and diaphragm pumps are commonly chosen for their leak-free performance.

2. Dosing and Metering
Accurate dosing of chemicals is essential in reactions and formulations. Metering pumps deliver precise volumes of chemicals, even in very small quantities, ensuring optimal reaction outcomes and minimising waste.

3. Circulation and Recirculation
Many chemical processes require continuous circulation to maintain consistency or temperature control. Centrifugal pumps are often used to keep liquids moving through heat exchangers, reactors, or filtration systems.

4. High-Viscosity Fluid Handling
Some chemical compounds, such as resins, polymers, or adhesives, are highly viscous. Positive displacement pumps, including gear or progressive cavity types, are ideal for moving these thick fluids without compromising flow.

5. Handling Corrosive and Abrasive Fluids
The chemical industry deals with some of the harshest fluids. Pumps made from specialised materials—such as PTFE, stainless steel, or Hastelloy—are required to withstand chemical attack and maintain longevity. Seal-less designs are often favoured to prevent leakage of toxic or hazardous substances.

6. Waste and Effluent Management
Proper disposal and treatment of chemical waste is a legal and environmental obligation. Pumps are used in effluent treatment systems to manage wastewater, sludges, and chemical by-products.

Industry Demands

  • Safety: Pumps must meet stringent safety standards, particularly for flammable or toxic materials.

  • Chemical Compatibility: Material selection is vital to avoid corrosion or breakdown.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Systems often need to conform to ATEX, ISO, and other regulatory standards.

  • Reliability: Downtime in chemical processing can be costly and dangerous, so pump durability is a top priority.

How Tomlinson Hall Can Help?

With over a century of experience in pump distribution and engineering solutions, Tomlinson Hall & Co Ltd is uniquely positioned to support the chemical industry’s complex pumping needs. As a trusted distributor for leading global pump manufacturers, we offer access to a wide range of pump technologies—from magnetic drive and diaphragm pumps to specialised chemical handling systems.

Our in-house team of technical experts can assist with:

  • Pump selection and specification for corrosive or hazardous fluids

  • ATEX-compliant solutions

  • On-site consultations and troubleshooting

  • Bespoke pump builds and modifications

  • Full after-sales support, including servicing and repairs

Whether you’re upgrading existing systems or planning new installations, Tomlinson Hall delivers dependable solutions tailored to your process requirements.

Need help finding the right pump for your chemical process?
Get in touch with our team today—we’re here to help.