The lower viscosity chemical compounds such as Roundup® (glyphosate) are generally pumped by any of the manufacturer’s equipment with performance ranging from 8 –13 gallons per minute. As the viscosity of the chemical compound increases the performance of the pump in gallons per minute can diminish. Most of the major manufacturer’s equipment will pump corn herbicides containing atrazine ranging from 6-10 gallons per minute. Personal experience shows me that the majority of applications will not be jeopardized unless the volume pumped goes below approximately 5 gallons per minute.
The compatibility of the compound in relation to the seals and manufacturing materials of the equipment are important for the longevity and overall performance of the transfer system. Herbicide mixes containing Callisto® such as Lexar/Lumax® are not compatible with Viton® o-rings and seals. The transfer equipment utilized with these products must be manufactured with EPDM o-rings and seals.
Now it is just a matter of identifying the proper pump and meter configuration for your application. All of the manufacturer’s pumps can be configured for any application. So my simple rule is to purchase a transfer system that is versatile and can be readily utilized in most applications with a wide range of tanks. The actual cost in many cases of purchasing a transfer system with versatility is often less than a system that has initial limitations. Please contact us for more information on purchasing the right IBC/mini-bulk transfer system for you.
