Walchem IX Series Digital Diaphragm Metering Pump

A direct-drive diaphragm pump with a 1000:1 turndown ratio

The IX series are digitally controlled direct-drive diaphragm metering pumps that Iwaki America presents as a new class of advanced metering pump. A brushless DC motor sets the speed, and high-resolution motor control adjusts the discharge and suction speeds to give a turndown ratio up to 1000:1 across flow rates from 80 GPH (300 L/h) down to 0.002 GPH (7.5 mL/h). The stated repeatability is plus or minus 1 percent.

Helical gears and a return spring cut power consumption by up to 70 percent compared with conventional mechanical diaphragm metering pumps, according to the brochure. A fixed stroke length and a proprietary liquid-end design keep compression high on each stroke, which supports fast priming and avoids gas-lock at flow rates up to full rated pressure.

Technical specifications

Diagnostics, controller and installation

Standard features include a diaphragm leak sensor that monitors behind the diaphragm for rupture or leakage, abnormal-operation detection that protects the pump and piping during discharge pressure spikes, and a suction speed that can be lowered manually for viscous liquids or to prevent cavitation. Walchem notes that software may not detect a sudden pressure rise from a closed discharge, so a pressure relief or safety valve is always recommended.

The controller logs total power-on time, operation time, number of strokes and number of power cycles. Degassing assist runs the pump at full speed from the keypad or an auxiliary contact signal to help with air elimination and priming. IX-B pumps include a built-in wall bracket that lets the pump base be rotated into four positions, and IX-C and IX-D controllers can be ordered in six orientations. Valve cartridges on most sizes carry an orientation guide to prevent incorrect installation.

Selecting the size, wet end and options

The ordering code, for example IX-C150 TC N-TB-U, combines the drive unit and pump size, the wet-end material, an option letter, the controller position and the voltage. TC is the PVDF, FKM and ceramic wet end, TE uses EPDM seals, and S6 is the stainless steel version for higher temperatures. Maximum viscosity is 100 or 500 cps for IX-B, 1000 cps for IX-C and 300 cps for IX-D on standard pumps.

Confirm the flow range at the working pressure, the chemical and its viscosity, whether tubing is rated for the pump pressure (the brochure cautions that some pumps can exceed tubing ratings), the connection type (MNPT, FNPT, tube or flange), and the control signal. Accuracy is not guaranteed at very low flows on the stainless steel versions, as printed in the notes.

Related Walchem products: Walchem EWN-Y Series Electromagnetic Metering Pump and Walchem EHE Series Electronic Metering Pump.

Documents and quotation

The IX brochure is attached. For other dosing pumps, see Pumps, or compare the ProMinent gamma/ XL solenoid-driven metering pump. Send the full model code, chemical and quantity through the RFQ form.