Photographic Chemicals Pumps (Developer, Fixer, Wash, Silver Recovery)
Photographic processing uses oxidizers, thiosulfates, acids and solvents that demand chemical-compatible, leak-free transfer and accurate dosing. We pair mag-drive for transfer, peristaltic/digital metering for replenishment, AODD for rugged/portable duty, and inline/multistage for wash-water systems. Brands: Iwaki, Finish Thompson, LMI, Neptune, Emec, Walchem, Wilden, Yamada, ARO, Grundfos, Flux, J.L. Wingert, BJM, Gorman-Rupp.
Best-Fit Pumps for Photographic Processing
| Service | Best Pump Type | Recommended Brands | Why It’s Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer/fixer/bleach transfer | Mag-drive sealless centrifugal (PP/PVDF/ETFE) | Iwaki MX/MD; Finish Thompson DB/UC | No mechanical seal leak path; excellent chemical compatibility |
| Replenishment dosing (developer, bleach, fix) | Peristaltic / Digital diaphragm metering | LMI KML/KBL; LMI PD/TD; Neptune; Emec; Walchem | Accurate low-flow ppm; peristaltic handles off-gassing and crystals |
| Wash/rinse loops & DI systems | Inline / multistage centrifugal (VFD) | Grundfos TPE; Grundfos CR | Quiet, efficient circulation and stable pressure for washers |
| Portable transfer / silver-recovery carts | AODD (bolted, plastics) | Wilden; Yamada; ARO | Air-powered safety; run-dry/dead-head capable for carts |
| Drum/IBC unloading (concentrates) | Drum/IBC pump + injection hardware | Flux; J.L. Wingert (columns, quills) | Fast changeovers; validated injection and sampling |
| Sumps/spill containment | Submersible / self-priming | BJM; Gorman-Rupp | Reliable cleanup and containment options |
Note: We confirm elastomers against thiosulfate, sulfites, and oxidizers; provide venting/relief guidance; and can include conductivity/level I/O via Walchem controls.
Recommended Photographic Packages (Placeholders)
Tip Share chemistry list (SDS), flow/pressure setpoints, temperature, and space/power limits. We’ll return curves and a compliant BOM.
How We Engineer Photographic Duty
- Containment: mag-drive for oxidizers and solvents; correct venting/relief practices.
- Dosing: back-pressure, anti-siphon, calibration columns and injection quills.
- Compatibility: elastomers matched to fixer/developer chemistry and pH.
- Water systems: BEP-biased selection for washers and DI loops with VFD control.
- Serviceability: isolation, drains/vents, and standard wear kits and hoses.
Common Photographic Uses
- Developer/fixer transfer
- Replenishment dosing
- Wash/rinse circulation
- Silver-recovery loops
- pH/ORP control
- Drum/IBC chemical make-up
- Portable AODD transfer
- DI/RO pressure sets
- Spill containment sumps
- Filter feed/polish
Leak-Free Transfer. Accurate Replenishment.
Send chemistry list, target GPM/TDH, temperature and available power. We’ll quote a safe, serviceable package with curves and a complete BOM.
Photographic Pump FAQs
Why use mag-drive for developer/fixer transfer?
Sealless designs remove a mechanical seal leak path and improve containment with oxidizers/solvents—ideal for darkroom and minilab environments.
Peristaltic or diaphragm for replenishment?
Peristaltic tolerates off-gassing and crystals; digital diaphragm offers crisp stroke control and higher discharge pressure—pick based on chemistry and backpressure.
How do I protect equipment from fumes?
Use compatible plastics/elastomers, provide venting on tanks, and add back-pressure/anti-siphon hardware to metering lines. We’ll specify the full kit.