Which type of pump is best suited for running a chemigation system?

In a chemigation system, which involves the application of fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals into irrigation water, the type of pump used is crucial for effective performance and reliability. Displacement pumps, also known as positive displacement pumps, are particularly well-suited for this application for several reasons.

Displacement pumps operate by trapping a fixed amount of liquid and then forcing that liquid out into the discharge pipe. This mechanism ensures a consistent flow even against varying pressure conditions, which is important in chemigation. Chemicals often need to be dosed accurately to prevent crop damage or inefficient uptake, and displacement pumps can provide this consistent and precise flow rate.

Moreover, these pumps can handle viscous fluids and accommodate solid particles better than other pump types, which is often necessary given that fertilizers and pesticides can have various formulations. This ability to maintain a steady, accurate flow helps in maintaining the effectiveness of the chemigation system.

While submersible, gear, and centrifugal pumps each have their own advantages, they may not consistently offer the same level of precision and reliability needed for efficiently delivering chemicals in an irrigation system. For instance, centrifugal pumps are usually the most common type used in irrigation for moving water but can struggle with fluctuations in pressure and may not handle viscous liquids