Will your dosing system be up to the job?

May 30, 2018

Even the simplest chemical dosing system consists of many components. When specifying, you need to be certain that each one is fully fit for purpose – with no weak links.

From the storage tank and metering pump to the pipework, valves and other accessories, every item has an important part to play. Along with the capabilities required to fulfil its role, it must have tolerance for the conditions it will face.

The following questions offer a starting point for specification.

What chemicals and what concentration?

All components in contact with the chemical should be made from compatible materials. In some cases, a material will be fine for dilute solutions of the chemical but not high concentrations.

A detailed assessment of each component’s compatibilities is vital. Even something as small as a valve’s internal parts, or the diaphragm in a pressure gauge, may become a point of failure if badly chosen.

If the system handles chemicals which release heat or vapours, its design and specification should be adapted accordingly. Physical challenges may include dealing with lumpy or viscous fluids, for which some pumps and fittings are better suited than others. Hot and cold ambient temperatures also require consideration.

What output volumes and system pressures?

The system and all its components – not least the pumps – will have to function efficiently across the output volume and system pressure range, and up to the maximum levels. This is a matter of choosing items of the right size, capacity and turn down ratio. 

Where will components be operating?

If a metering pump is to be located above the storage tank, you will need a pump with higher suction capability – and the propensity of the chemical to form gas bubbles under suction needs checking. Materials in components exposed to sun, wind, rain or extreme temperatures should be specified for resistance to degradation.

Another factor related to location is whether skilled operators and engineers are close at hand. If not, simplicity and low maintenance are important considerations.

For many chemicals, safety is paramount – requiring appropriate spill protection, leak containment and sensing/alarm hardware.

Can your process tolerate interruption?

If the answer is no, you may have to build in back-up measures such as parallel chemical metering streams. Your process criticality is also a factor in selecting whether alarms or automatic pump changeover may be necessary.

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Les Bunce

Hire Business Manager

Les Bunce is Hire Business Manager. He leads the WES Hire Business responsible for managing the supply of our Temporary Chemical Dosing hire fleet on both a planned and emergency basis. Les has over 25 years’ experience in the hire industry and fully understands our customers’ hire requirements.

Patrick Fisher

Projects Director

Patrick Fisher is Projects Director. He leads the business stream responsible for project management, design, engineering, manufacture and delivery of “Capital project” chemical dosing systems. A degree qualified engineer with over 10 years’ experience working in fluid delivery solutions to the water, general industrial, petrochemical, and food & beverage industries.

Bob Cook

Senior Proposals Manager

Bob Cook is Senior Proposals Manager. After completing a traditional engineering apprenticeship at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Bob was one of the original partners who started the business in 1986. Bob now applies his considerable experience to developing proposals & solutions to meet customer requirements, as well as providing technical support & passing on knowledge & expertise to colleagues across the wider WES business.

Ian Price

Dosing Products Business Manager

Ian Price is WES Dosing Products Business Manager, leading the business stream responsible for delivering a wide range of standardised chemical dosing packages, ad-hoc dosing needs and ‘off the shelf’ dosing products & solutions. A mechanical engineer with over 20 years’ experience in fluid handling solutions into the water, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food & beverage markets.

Jamie Cole

Operations Director

Jamie Cole is Operations Director. Jamie joined the business in 2018 bringing career long experience in a variety of operational roles – including service delivery to the property and utilities sectors. Jamie is responsible for the management of all operational activities of the business including the repair, maintenance & refurbishment business stream, and our site installation and workshop manufacturing teams. Jamie also forms part of the senior management team of WES.

Graham Ward

Business Development Director

Graham Ward is Sales and Marketing Director. His extensive experience includes a number of senior roles working for various SMEs and large organisations in the water, power generation, petrochemical, marine and food & beverage industries. As a qualified marine engineer, Graham has established his career in Sales and Business Development and is responsible for the business development, marketing and sales of systems, products and services across WES.

Carl Millington

Non-Exec Director

Carl joined WES as Non-Exec chairman following an appointment via the Business Growth Service to assist the business with growth strategy. A highly experienced Business Mentor, Coach, Managing Director & Non-Exec Chairman, having led product, manufacturing, contracting and service provider businesses for nearly 30 years. A strong track record of market, sales and profit growth within a diverse range of sectors.

Core competencies include business growth strategies, board & business leadership, strategic planning, sales & marketing management, P&L & balance sheet management, acquisitions, divestments, outsourcing, TUPE transfer, mentoring & coaching.

Kevin Wheeler

Managing Director

Kevin Wheeler is Managing Director. Kevin trained as an Engineer at the Royal Aircraft Establishment and joined the business in 1989. Kevin now leads the Board of Directors setting strategy and defining priorities to meet the business objectives & growth aspirations whilst adding experience to technical issues where required.