Bedaflow™ Pump Calibration & Application

Introduction

In continuous flow processes, precise and accurate flow control of slurry streams is critical for achieving consistent reaction outcomes. This technical note describes the calibration of a recently acquired Bedaflow™ pump capable of handling slurries under pressure, as well as its application in a carboxylation reaction conducted in our SlurryFLO reactor.

Pump Specifications and Operation

The pump is rated for a maximum pressure of 10 bar and requires a constant suction head of approximately 2 bar for optimal operation. The pump’s flow rate is controlled by adjusting the RPM of the motor, which serves as the primary variable during calibration.

Calibration Methodology

Calibration with Water:

• The pump was initially tested using water as the working fluid.
• Flow rates were measured at various RPM settings of the pump motor.
• A calibration curve was generated by plotting the RPM against the measured flow rate.

Calibration with Slurry:

• A slurry comprising 5% activated charcoal in water was used for testing.
• Flow rates were measured at different RPM settings under the following conditions:
  • Atmospheric pressure
  • 5 bar pressure
  • 8 bar pressure
• Separate calibration curves were generated for each pressure condition to account for pressure-induced flow variations.

Calibration Results

The calibration curves indicate a linear relationship between the RPM and flow rate for both water and slurry. The Bedaflow™ pump demonstrated consistent performance across the tested pressure ranges, maintaining accuracy and precision. Below are key observations:

• Water Calibration: Exhibited a predictable flow response with minimal variation.
• Slurry Calibration: Flow rates were slightly reduced compared to water, attributed to the increased viscosity and particle content in the slurry.
• Pressure Effect: Higher pressures resulted in slightly lower flow rates for the same RPM, highlighting the importance of pressure-specific calibration.

Application in Carboxylation Reaction

The calibrated slurry pump was employed in a carboxylation reaction conducted in our SlurryFLO reactor. The substrate was a slurry processed under a pressure of 6 bar. The pump delivered precise and accurate flow rates, ensuring consistent substrate feed into the reactor.

Key Performance Highlights:

• The pump’s ability to handle slurries at high pressures enabled smooth operation.
• The precise flow control contributed to reproducible reaction outcomes, demonstrating the pump’s suitability for flow chemistry applications involving slurries.

Conclusion

The Bedaflow™ pump exhibited excellent performance in both calibration and application. Calibration curves for water and slurry under different pressure conditions provide a reliable reference for setting the desired flow rates. The pump’s successful implementation in the carboxylation reaction underscores its potential for diverse flow chemistry processes involving slurries.

Recommendations

For future operations:

• Always calibrate the pump with the intended process fluid and pressure conditions.
• Maintain a suction head of at least 2 bar to ensure consistent performance.
• Regularly inspect and clean the pump to prevent clogging and wear.

By leveraging the Bedaflow™ pump, we can expand the range of chemistries handled in continuous processes, particularly those requiring precise slurry handling under pressure.