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Ovell Pump News
April 2, 2025

Case Study 2-Inch Polypropylene Diaphragm Pump for Battery Slurry Transfer

In the battery manufacturing industry, the safe and reliable movement of slurry materials is essential. The ternary precursor mixtures when producing battery are chemically aggressive and can be physically abrasive. For factories handling these substances daily, choosing a pump that can withstand these conditions is key to maintaining performance and minimising downtime.

Among the various solutions available, the 2-inch pneumatic diaphragm pump with polypropylene housing and Santoprene diaphragms stands out as a highly effective option. Designed to handle harsh fluids and solids with ease, it offers a balance of chemical resistance, dry-run capability, and solid particle handling—making it a reliable and practical choice for manufacturers seeking to boost both safety and efficiency on their production lines.

Why Diaphragm Pumps Work Well in Industrial Slurry Environments

Before diving into the specifics, it’s helpful to understand what a diaphragm pump is. Simply put, a diaphragm pump uses two flexible diaphragms that move back and forth to create a suction effect. This draws fluid into the pump and pushes it out the other side—an efficient design that doesn’t rely on rotating parts or seals exposed to the fluid.

This design makes it an excellent fit for abrasive or corrosive materials, such as those found in battery manufacturing or chemical processing. Since there’s no direct contact between moving parts and the liquid, the risk of mechanical failure drops significantly.

Air operated diaphragm pumps, in particular, are powered by compressed air rather than electricity. This makes them safer in environments where sparks or electric motors might pose a hazard. It also adds versatility, as these pumps can operate in remote areas where power supply might be limited.

So when it comes to handling slurries that are thick, particle-heavy, or chemically aggressive, a pneumatic diaphragm pump is often the preferred solution.

Key Features That Make This Pump Industry-Ready

Polypropylene Construction for Harsh Chemical Resistance

The pump housing is made from polypropylene, a rugged material known for its chemical resistance. This is essential in battery production, where slurry components can include reactive elements like nickel, cobalt, and manganese compounds. Polypropylene helps prevent corrosion, prolonging the lifespan of the pump and reducing the need for replacements.

Santoprene Diaphragms for Abrasion Handling

Slurries are rough on equipment. Over time, abrasive particles can wear down sensitive components. Santoprene is a thermoplastic elastomer that offers excellent abrasion resistance while maintaining flexibility. This allows the pump diaphragm to perform consistently, even with highly abrasive fluids, helping maintain uninterrupted operations.

Solids Handling Capability

This chemical diaphragm pump is capable of moving fluids that contain solid particles up to 6.5 mm in diameter. That means fewer clogs and a smoother pumping experience, especially in slurry-heavy industries where fine particulates are common.

Self-Priming and Dry-Run Friendly

One of the stand-out features of an air operated double diaphragm pump is its ability to self-prime. It can start pumping even when the fluid isn't already in the lines. Even more helpful, it can run with no fluid without damaging the pump, a safety feature that protects operations during pauses or batch transitions.

Application Example: Used in Battery Slurry Transfer Operations

Ovell 2-Inch Polypropylene Diaphragm Pump in a battery manufacturing facility

In a real-world battery manufacturing facility, the handling of ternary precursor slurry is one of the most crucial stages. These slurries form the basis of active battery materials and must be transported between mixing tanks, storage vessels, and reaction chambers. Any disruption during this process can compromise both quality and output.

The 2-inch Polypropylene diaphragm pump is used here to ensure smooth movement of this material. Installed inline between tanks and processing equipment, it draws slurry out of one container and pushes it into another using air pressure. It doesn’t rely on electricity, which reduces risks and expands installation options.

During production, slurry consistency can vary. Sometimes it's thicker, sometimes more fluid, but thanks to its abrasion-resistant diaphragm, the pump adapts easily. The Santoprene material doesn’t degrade quickly, even with harsh use. The pump’s design also allows small solid particles contained in slurry through without clogging.

Moreover, since slurry batches don’t always flow continuously, the pump’s ability to run dry becomes valuable. Operators don’t need to shut it down every time flow stops—they can resume pumping without restarting or worrying about mechanical damage.

In short, this pump provides a safe, adaptable, and low-maintenance option for moving slurry within battery manufacturing plants—making it a trusted tool for operators.

Benefits in Industrial Slurry Operations

1. Increased Safety: Uses air instead of electricity, lowering spark risk in flammable environments and removing shock hazards from wet areas.

2. Longer Pump Life: The chemical and abrasion resistance of polypropylene and Santoprene results in fewer breakdowns and longer intervals between replacements.

3. Reduced Clogs: Able to pass particles up to 6.5 mm, this double diaphragm pump minimises the risk of line blockages.

4. Lower Maintenance: With fewer moving parts and flexible operation, it demands less intervention and simplifies upkeep routines.

5. Operational Flexibility: It can operate dry or wet, handle varying flow conditions, and be used in different parts of the production line without complex setup.

6. Energy Efficiency: Powered by air rather than motors, it can run in areas without direct power access and often uses less energy in stop-start scenarios.

Conclusion

For facilities focused on efficient, safe handling of slurry and chemicals, this 2-inch pneumatic diaphragm pump is an excellent fit. Its construction using polypropylene housing and Santoprene diaphragms ensures it stands up to both chemical attack and physical wear.

Whether you're in battery manufacturing, chemical processing, or wastewater management, the advantages are clear—less downtime, fewer repairs, and safer working conditions.

For anyone looking to streamline slurry transfer with a product backed by durability and simplicity, this diaphragm pump is a well-rounded, cost-effective solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chemicals can this handle?

Thanks to its polypropylene housing, this pump can handle many corrosive and abrasive chemicals found in battery slurry, acids, and solvents.

How does a diaphragm pump work?

It uses air pressure to move two diaphragms back and forth, creating suction and discharge that draws fluid in and pushes it out.

Can it run dry without damage?

Yes, this pump can operate dry without harming internal components, making it safe for batch or intermittent processes.

What’s the benefit of Santoprene diaphragms?

Santoprene is highly resistant to wear, so it lasts longer when used with abrasive fluids like slurry or sludge.

Question: Are diaphragm pumps hard to maintain?

Answer: Not at all. With fewer moving parts and no complex seals, they’re among the easiest industrial pumps to service.