In the chemical and materials manufacturing industry, air-operated diaphragm pumps are a trusted solution for transferring corrosive and high-viscosity fluids safely and efficiently. These systems are essential in industries where process integrity, worker safety, and production consistency are top priorities.

At a major production facility in Anhui Province, China, these same principles are critical. The site manufactures battery cathode material precursors, an essential component of lithium-ion batteries. The process involves the controlled transfer of chemical slurries and reactive liquids that require equipment built for both chemical resistance and explosion-proof performance.

The client was looking for a reliable pumping solution capable of maintaining continuous operation while ensuring safety and durability. After reviewing several industrial diaphragm pump manufacturers, the facility decided to adopt Ovell Pump’s polypropylene air-operated diaphragm pumps, which are now integrated across their production lines.

Operational Challenges

Battery material production presents several challenges for fluid transfer systems. Each step, from slurry preparation to filtration, requires stable flow and precise chemical handling. The main issues faced in this type of industrial setup include:

• Chemical resistance: Process fluids often contain corrosive acids, alkalis, or solvents that can damage metal components and compromise quality.
• Explosion-proof safety: The presence of volatile vapors and particulate matter creates a risk of ignition, making air-operated and non-electric pumps a safer alternative.
• Continuous operation: Large-scale facilities operate 24 hours a day, and any unplanned downtime can cause disruptions to batch consistency and overall output.

With these challenges in mind, the facility needed a chemical transfer pump system that could offer both reliability and safety under high-demand conditions.

Solution: Ovell Polypropylene Diaphragm Pumps

To meet the operational requirements, the facility selected Ovell’s A20PPGGG (2-inch polypropylene air-operated diaphragm pump) and A30PPGGG (3-inch polypropylene air-operated diaphragm pump). Both are engineered for chemical process applications where corrosion resistance, durability, and safe operation are crucial.

Key performance factors included:

• Material compatibility: The polypropylene housing provides excellent resistance against acids, alkalis, and solvents, reducing wear and preventing contamination.
• Explosion-proof operation: Air-powered pumps eliminate electrical components, ensuring safe performance in environments where chemical vapors or dust may be present.
• Ease of maintenance: The modular design allows quick diaphragm replacement and inspection, supporting a fleet of over 100 pumps operating simultaneously.
• Stable flow control: The double diaphragm pump configuration delivers a consistent, low-pulsation flow that supports both batch and continuous production cycles.

The combination of chemical resistance, non-electric operation, and scalable design made Ovell’s polypropylene diaphragm pumps the most practical and dependable choice for this production site.

Results and Performance

Since implementation, the facility has deployed more than 100 Ovell air-operated diaphragm pumps, each supporting various stages of the cathode precursor production process. These pumps have delivered stable performance, durability, and safety throughout continuous operation cycles.

Key results observed include:

• Improved reliability: Pumps maintained consistent flow rates and pressure levels, ensuring even material transfer across production stages.
• Enhanced safety: Air-driven systems eliminated electrical ignition risks, ensuring safe operation in volatile processing areas.
• Reduced downtime: Maintenance intervals were predictable, with minimal parts replacement and efficient on-site servicing.
• Long service life: The polypropylene construction proved resistant to wear and corrosion, even in prolonged contact with abrasive and reactive materials.

The facility reported significant improvements in system reliability and maintenance efficiency, reinforcing confidence in Ovell Pump’s industrial diaphragm pump systems for long-term production support.

Conclusion

This case in Anhui Province demonstrates how Ovell Pump’s air-operated diaphragm pumps provide dependable solutions for the battery materials manufacturing industry. By combining chemical compatibility, explosion-proof performance, and long-term reliability, Ovell continues to set a standard for chemical-resistant pump technology in demanding industrial environments.