Heating a pump head with hot water

[mwiggins]

I am pumping a solvent solution that needs to stay above 100 F. Everything is fine except at the pump head. It is just not hot enough.

Has anyone seen a bladder that can be placed next to a pump head and have water run through it? I can insulate the bladder to keep it warm. This should work great if I can find a bladder with process connections.

Thanks for any help

 

[trihydrate]

Wouldn't it be easier to use a heat exchanger just prior to the pump suction and then insulate the pump?

 

[mwiggins]

The inlet to the pump is insulated and is heated with hot water via a tube in a tube.

The pump head just does not stay hot enough.

I will try insulating it better, but would also like some heating added.

Thanks

 

[trihydrate]

I understand the reason for your question now.

I'm not aware of any bladder as you asked.

The next thought that comes to mind is using heat trace and the better insulation you talked about. It seems it would be easier to fab.

I also wonder if you are getting some cavitation, hence cooling, at the suction?

Good luck!

 

[IRstuff]

There are heater strips that could be wrapped or draped on the head.

TTFN

 

[mwiggins]

The heater strips would work, but this is an explosion proof application. I believe that explosion proof strips are made. I will look into it.

Thanks

 

[quark]

Why can't you use jacketed pumps? Repetition is the foundation of technology

 

[mwiggins]

That would be the best solution. We already have a pump in place that works very well and we really do not want to spend another $3500 for a new pump and AC drive.

I am going to try some heating with copper tubing and steel rods with hot water first.