A dosing pump accurately delivers chemicals, nutrients, or other substances into water or other fluids for healthier livestock and crops and more productive and sustainable farming operations.
What is a dosing pump?
A chemical dosing pump, or metering pump, is a positive displacement pump. Typically small, but highly accurate, they deliver precise flow rates into a fluid stream, making them virtually indispensable for automated tasks such as administering medications to livestock or adding fertilisers to crops.
MixRite water-powered hydraulic dosing pumps deliver proportional dosing and can operate without electricity because they use water flow and pressure as the driving force. MixRite also supplies electrically powered dosing pumps for installations where powered control, automation, or monitoring is required.
Having been used effectively in over a hundred countries for decades, MixRite pumps are renowned for their simplicity and reliability and recognised as an effective, affordable Dosatron alternative.
How does a dosing pump work?
A dosing pump works by injecting a controlled amount of chemical into a flowing water line or process stream. The pump is set to deliver a specific ratio or volume, ensuring the chemical is mixed consistently as conditions change.
In water-driven hydraulic dosing pumps, the movement of water through the system powers the dosing mechanism, allowing proportional injection without the need for electricity. In electrically powered dosing pumps, a motor and controller drive the dosing action, providing additional control options where powered operation, automation, or monitoring is required.
Here’s a very simple explanation of the components of a chemical dosing pump and a basic rundown of how it all works:
1. Chemical container: This tank or bottle holds the liquid for dosing. It may be medications, nutrients, or disinfectants, for example.
2. Pump: The pump has an inlet, a suction line, and a dosing line. The pumps vary in size depending on their application.
3. Injector: The role of the injector is to deliver the precise amount of additive into the main fluid stream and manage any pressure differences. It ensures that the additive is properly mixed with the main fluid and introduces it via a one-way valve. This prevents any pressure in the pipe from affecting dosage accuracy.
4. Foot valve: This is another one-way valve at the end of the suction line that keeps the pump primed, preventing any backflow of liquid.
5. Dosing line: A tube made of durable materials carries the chemical from the pump to the injector.
A super smart syringe
It works by drawing a measured amount of liquid additive into its chamber and then injecting it into a tank, trough or pipe.
The pump is the heart of the system. The pressure and flow of water activate a piston within its cylinder or chamber. As it moves it draws in and pushes out the liquid.
The injector is responsible for then adding the dose into the fluid stream. Water activates the injector which draws in and then introduces the required amount. As the dose is directly proportional to the volume of fluid entering the injector, accuracy is ensured regardless of any changes in flow or pressure in the main line. This high degree of precision prevents overdosing, which is why MixRite chemical dosing pumps are so reliable and environmentally friendly.
This controlled dosing approach is especially important when working with chemicals, where over- or under-dosing can reduce effectiveness, increase costs, or create safety issues. By responding automatically to changes in water flow, proportional dosing pumps help maintain stable treatment levels without constant manual adjustment. This makes them well suited to farming and water systems where conditions vary throughout the day.
Benefits of using dosing pumps
Accuracy: Dosing pumps provide precise control over the amount of substance added, ensuring consistent and effective treatment.
Efficiency: Automated dosing systems save time and reduce labour costs; they require minimal manual intervention once set up.
Versatility: These pumps can handle a wide range of chemicals and applications, making them suitable for all sorts of diverse farming needs.
Applications in farming
Accurate dosing of vaccines, antibiotics, and nutrients prevents disease outbreaks and ensures optimal livestock growth. Our MixRite chemical dosing pumps are also used to administer fertilisers, pesticides, and other nutrients through irrigation systems in crop farming, a process known as fertigation.
By incorporating MixRite chemical dosing pumps into their operations, New Zealand farmers can ensure the health and productivity of their livestock and crops, leading to more profitable farming practices.
Frequently asked questions about chemical dosing pumps
What is a chemical dosing pump used for?
A chemical dosing pump is used to inject controlled amounts of chemicals into a water or process stream. In farming and water systems, this includes applications such as livestock water treatment, disinfection, nutrient dosing, and pH adjustment. The purpose is to maintain consistent treatment levels without relying on manual mixing.
How does a dosing pump ensure accurate chemical application?
Accuracy is achieved through controlled injection that matches system conditions. Proportional dosing pumps automatically adjust the amount injected as water flow changes, keeping the chemical concentration consistent. This prevents over-dosing during high flow and under-dosing during low flow, which is especially important when treating water continuously.
What is the difference between hydraulic and electric chemical dosing pumps?
Hydraulic dosing pumps are powered by water flow and pressure and operate without electricity. They are commonly used in farming systems where simplicity and reliability are important. Electric dosing pumps use a motor and controller to regulate dosing and are often chosen where automation, sensors, or monitoring systems are required. The choice depends on site conditions and control needs.
Are chemical dosing pumps suitable for variable flow systems?
Yes. Proportional dosing pumps are specifically designed to handle changing flow rates. As water flow increases or decreases, the pump adjusts the injection rate automatically, maintaining a stable chemical ratio. This makes them well suited to irrigation, livestock water lines, and other systems where flow is not constant.
Do chemical dosing pumps require regular maintenance?
All dosing pumps should be inspected periodically to ensure valves, seals, and injection points are functioning correctly. Hydraulic pumps generally require minimal adjustment once set, while electric pumps may require calibration depending on the application. Following manufacturer guidance helps maintain long-term dosing accuracy.
For detailed, model-specific instructions, refer to the . MixRite product manuals
What factors should be considered when selecting a chemical dosing pump?
Key considerations include water flow range, required dosing ratio, chemical compatibility, system pressure, and whether electrical power is available. It is also important to consider how the chemical will be injected and mixed within the system to ensure safe and effective treatment.