Lutz Pumps has introduced a new CPVC pump tube designed to improve safety when transferring aggressive chemicals, addressing ongoing risks associated with manual refilling processes across industrial environments.
The handling of corrosive substances such as sodium hypochlorite, acids, and alkalis remains a significant cause of workplace injury. Despite the availability of mechanical transfer solutions, many workers continue to pour hazardous liquids manually from drums and canisters, increasing the risk of chemical burns, eye injuries, respiratory harm, and spills.
Fatal Risks
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, exposure to harmful substances and environments accounted for 820 workplace fatalities in the United States in 2023, representing around 15 percent of all fatal work accidents. A proportion of these incidents occur during the manual handling and transfer of aggressive chemicals.
“Some of these accidents occur when workers are refilling aggressive chemicals without suitable equipment,” said Markus Seitenberg, President and General Manager of Lutz Pumps Inc. “This is why providing appropriate technology for safe handling is essential.”
The newly launched pump tube is manufactured from chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and is designed as a vertical immersion pump for use with drums and canisters. With an immersion depth of 39 inches, the pump tube can be inserted directly into containers, allowing chemicals to be transferred through controlled conveying rather than open pouring.
An electrically or pneumatically driven motor attaches to the top of the unit, driving a radial impeller that moves the medium through centrifugal force into a closed conveying line. This enables transfer rates of up to 25 gallons per minute, reducing the likelihood of splashing or accidental discharge. Optional dispensing nozzles and flow meters allow for more precise dosing where required.
CPVC construction provides resistance to a wide range of aggressive substances, including sodium hypochlorite, caustic soda, potash lye, flocculants, and cleaning chemicals. The pump design also eliminates seals on components in direct contact with the medium, reducing potential leak points and improving operational safety.
Cost Effective Handling
Lutz Pumps says that the CPVC pump tube offers a more cost effective alternative to traditional PVDF pump tubes, with comparable chemical resistance for suitable media but at a lower purchase cost. This is intended to support wider adoption of mechanical transfer solutions, particularly for organisations balancing safety improvements with budget constraints.
The CPVC pump tube is available immediately and is positioned as part of Lutz Pumps’ broader focus on reducing workplace exposure risks through safer chemical handling practices.
