Controlling Air Operated Pumps

[RJB32482]

Here is what I am trying to accomplish:

Adding an antifoam agent into a reactor with 5 psi of pressure in it. I want the pump to start on an operator's command on a DCS and stop when a flow totalizer reads the amount of antifoam needed. Would a control valve on the air line to the pump be the way to control this (opens when start pumping, closes when pumping stops)? Any other way to control it?

Thanks.

 

[checman]

RJB32482
You can purchase a solenoid operated diaphragm pump. You can program the number of strokes to control the amount of flow or just turn the pump on and off with a remote signal. But it sounds like you are set up for a simple solenoid operated air valve closed by your system based on a signal from your flow meter. I would suggest a pulsation dampener if your pump discharge pulses. Most flow meters lose accuracy on pulsing flows. You may also control many air operated pumps by just closing the discharge and stopping or stalling the pump. There are some safety and operational issues you may want to look into when controlling by dead heading.

Regards checman