Fluids in the coatings industry are not kind to pumps, nor are pumps kind to fluids. Pumps suffer rapid wear under the abrasive assault of particulates. The viscosity in products like latex can choke the pump and even break the steel shafts, while the pressure and agitation cause it to set. In turn, the pumps beat, and paddle, and otherwise abuse delicate products. Turbulence and pulsation can even introduce air bubbles, which can reduce the quality of some products.
Shear-sensitive latexes, abrasive Ti02 and other pigment slurries, and delicate emulsions all present pump-related problems that have posed major challenges to the coatings industry. Too often, the industry has settled for excessive pump operating costs and staggering product losses, as much as 50% in some cases. These losses would be considered unacceptable in any other industry.