Pumping Acetone

Pumping Acetone

What is acetone?

Acetone is a colourless and volatile chemical used in a range of industrial processes. It is highly flammable with a low flash point and is produced from propylene and alongside phenol.

Although acetone is not highly toxic, it is irritable in direct contact with human tissue - and if vaporised and inhaled can cause irritation to the respiratory system and eyes.

Common applications of acetone

• Commonly used as a solvent - in production of methyl methacrylate, as well as plastic products such as PVC, cellulose acetate and acrylics.

• Thin resin such as polyester in the manufacturing of paints and varnishes.

• Degreasing metal engineering parts and heavily rusted/seized threads.

Pumping considerations

When pumping acetone, considerations towards its volatile nature and compatible materials are required.

Flammable and volatile

Acetone has a low-flash point at just -20 °C. Therefore, at room temperature, when mixed with air, it may ignite if met with an ignition source. If transferred in an unearthed, non-conductive pump casing, the build-up of static charge can cause the fluid to ignite.

The construction of the pump should be compatible with the acetone.

Compatible materials for acetone pumping

Due to the composition of the acetone, compatible materials must prevent the material being dissolved. Therefore, it must not be combined with similar materials, such as PVC, Kyner^®, Tygon^®, Buna-N and natural rubber, as these elastomers will fail. Compatible materials to acetone include most metals, PTFE and ETFE.

Suitable pumps for pumping acetone

To pump acetone it is advised you use a magnetic drive pump with metallic and non-metallic surfaces are used - where the wet-side is ETFE material lined. As magnetic drive pumps do not have mechanical seals and are 100% leak-free, there is no risk of the fluid meeting the air.

When a smaller flow rate or dosing is required, air operated diaphragm or peristaltic hose pumps are suitable. If container transfer is required, AODD and hose pumps allow for short periods of dry-running.

AODD pumps should have an aluminium or stainless-steel body with stainless steel seats and PTFE ball valves. If you require an aluminium or stainless-steel body with stainless steel seats and PTFE ball valves are compatible.

If transferring from drums, you can use the Techniflo drum pumps made from stainless steel construction. Hand operated, air or electric options are available.

For more information on pumps suitable for acetone, or if you’re not sure which pump you should select, contact Global Pumps. Our team have over 40-years’ experience solving tough pumping challenges and can advise of best practice.