What is paint and how do you pump it? Paints are shear sensitive liquids that can have a variety of solvents and pigment load concentrations, bringing with them abrasive wear and chemical compatibility concerns. So, what's required to pump paint? Internal gear pumps offer consistent, non-pulsating flow. Low shear pump designs protect shear sensitive paints. Cast iron pumps are available and stainless steel construction handles chemical compatibility concerns. Hardened iron bushings and hardened steel shafts extend pump life.

What is black liquor soap and how do you pump it? Black liquor soap is a natural byproduct that separates from black liquor during the kraft wood pulping process used to make paper products. The soap is skimmed off and used to make tall oil. So what's required to pump black liquor soap? Black liquor soap can be abrasive and have varying viscosities making it a challenge to pump and seal. Pumps constructed with hardened materials help withstand the abrasive nature of black liquor soap.

What is polyvinyl acetate? And how do you pump it? Polyvinyl acetate, or PVAc, is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic thermoplastic solid. It is insoluble in water, oils, and fats, but soluble in alcohols, esters, benzene, and ketones. PVAc is shear-sensitive and can set up when not moving in the process. PVAc can be used in many different ways—latex paints, adhesives, inks, and even chewing gum. So what's required to pump PVAc? Internal gear pumps have low shear capabilities and preserve product consistency. Cast iron or stainless steel construction handles chemical compatibility needs.

So we all know what chocolate is...but how do you pump it? The chocolate production process can be simply described with these steps: cacao beans are roasted and ground, then mixed with oils into a semi-liquid. This early stage is known as "bitter" chocolate. From here, sugar can be added to make "sweet" chocolate—milk can be added for "milk" chocolate—and if the chocolate has been thinned down it's called chocolate liquor. There are a few different types of chocolate facilities. Some are bean to bulk, where chocolate is processed. Others are bulk to bar, where confections are made.

Biofuels are a renewable energy source produced from biomass blended with refined fuels. They provide energy for much of the world's transportation. The two most common biofuels are biodiesel and ethanol. Biodiesel is produced by combining alcohol with vegetable oil, animal fat, or recycled cooking grease. Ethanol is made from various plant materials through the fermentation of their starches, sugars, and cellulose components. So what's required to pump biofuels? Biofuels vary in chemical composition—biodiesel, ethanol, and their blends each interact differently with pump components.

What exactly are adhesives? And how do you pump them? Adhesives are substances, like cement or glue, that hold materials together by surface attachment. They are made from materials such as latex, silicones, and starch. Their viscosities range from water thin to extremely viscous. And some are shear sensitive. Adhesives are used in a number of different applications including: cardboard box manufacturing, plywood, paper bags, and industries like automotive and printing. So what's required to pump the various types of adhesives?

What are asphalt emulsions? And how do you pump them?
An asphalt emulsion is asphalt suspended in a mixture of water or other liquids. This makes applying the asphalt easier. Emulsions can be shear-sensitive and must be handled with care.
Asphalt emulsions are typically used in crack filling, coating roadways, or as a waterproofing substance.
So what's required to pump asphalt emulsions?
Shear sensitivity makes internal gear pumps ideal—their smooth, non-pulsating flow maintains the emulsion.

What is filled asphalt? And how do you pump it? Filled asphalts contain particulate and are used in the production of roofing materials. They are typically handled at elevated temperatures to reduce viscosity. So what's required to pump filled asphalt? Filled asphalt will solidify if it cools. Jacketed pumps allow heating with hot oil or steam, and electrically heated options are also available. Filled asphalts can be quite abrasive. Hardened parts and materials help the pump withstand abrasive wear.

What is asphalt cement? And how do you pump it? Asphalt cement, or clean asphalt, contains no fillers and is an oil-based liquid. It is typically handled at higher temperatures to reduce viscosity. Asphalt cement is used in a number of applications, but the most common include paving roads and providing waterproofing for building materials. So what's required to pump asphalt cement? Asphalt cement can solidify if it cools. Jacketed pumps allow the pump to be heated with hot oil or steam prior to startup, preventing product from solidifying inside the pump.