Faster speeds and lower costs are potential advantages of high-pressure processes for the continuous production of biodiesel, as compared with batch processes. But the mixes used (for example rapeseed oil, with KOH and methanol additives) are chemically aggressive non-lubricants and very difficult to pump at the required temperatures and pressures – 60 to 80 bar at temperatures up to 70ºC.

In these harsh conditions Hydra-Cell seal-less pumps have been found to give a service life 5 times or more longer than alternative types, such as screw pumps, gear pumps and piston pumps.

In transfer and pressure injection applications, absence of dynamic seals has several advantages. Corrosives, abrasive liquids and non-lubricating liquids and liquids with suspended solids can all be handled reliably. The pump can run dry indefinitely if the supply tank should run out. Seal maintenance is eliminated.

The design of the Hydra-Cell pump is exceptionally compact when compared with traditional metering pumps – with consequent savings in the costs of acquisition, energy consumption and maintenance. Life Cycle Costs are ‘best in class’. Less space is needed for installation. The integration of multiple diaphragms in a single head also produces virtually pulse-free flow, reducing or often eliminating any need for pulsation dampers.

See below for application examples from information supplied by customers