How Dekker’s ChemSeal Series Tackles Aggressive Chemical and Corrosive Gas Applications
Provided by Industrial Air Services – Serving Nashville, Knoxville & Chattanooga. Call (615) 641-3100 for sales, installation, or technical support.
In chemical manufacturing, vacuum pumps are exposed to some of the most punishing environments imaginable. From acids and solvents to high-temperature vapors and explosive atmospheres, these systems must perform reliably while handling corrosive and potentially hazardous gas streams.
Standard vacuum pumps can’t survive these conditions. That’s why Dekker Vacuum Technologies developed the ChemSeal Series—a line of liquid ring vacuum pumps engineered specifically for chemically aggressive applications. These systems offer rugged construction, corrosion-resistant materials, and FM-approved options to meet the safety and performance needs of today’s chemical and pharmaceutical processors.
At Industrial Air Services, we help chemical plants across Tennessee design and install ChemSeal systems that can stand up to real-world demands—safely, efficiently, and with confidence.
What Makes Chemical Vacuum So Demanding?
Chemical applications present unique challenges to vacuum systems:
– Corrosive gases and vapors (such as chlorine, HCl, SO₂, acetone, or ammonia) – High temperatures that degrade seals, gaskets, and bearings – Condensable vapors that turn to liquid inside the pump, causing erosion or slugs – Process fluctuations in pressure and load – Explosion risk in volatile or solvent-heavy environments
Any of these issues can cause premature failure in standard pumps, leading to costly downtime, safety risks, and non-compliance with environmental regulations.
The ChemSeal Advantage
Dekker’s ChemSeal liquid ring vacuum pumps are built for the extreme. Using high-grade materials and specialized components, these systems are designed to resist corrosion, control volatile emissions, and operate continuously under harsh conditions.
Core features include:
– Corrosion-resistant construction: Options include 316 stainless steel, Duplex stainless, or other exotic alloys for all wetted components – FM-approved explosion-proof motors: Ideal for Class I, Division 1 environments – Seal liquid containment: Closed-loop operation prevents contaminated discharge and protects personnel – Heavy-duty bearings and shaft seals: Withstand thermal cycling and pressure surges – Gas scrubber compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with vapor recovery or abatement systems – Custom system design: Skid-mounted, tested, and ready for turnkey integration into existing infrastructure
These features make ChemSeal the go-to choice for aggressive process environments where uptime and safety are non-negotiable.
Common ChemSeal Applications
Chemical manufacturing includes a wide range of processes where ChemSeal pumps excel:
– Vacuum distillation and evaporation – Reactor vessel evacuation – Crystallization and solvent stripping – Degassing of resins and polymers – Drying ovens and rotary dryers – Transfer and filtration under vacuum – Environmental remediation involving VOCs or HAPs
ChemSeal pumps are also used in pilot plants, lab-scale systems, and hazardous material containment setups where reliability is paramount.
Real-World Case: Solvent Recovery Line in Middle Tennessee
A specialty chemical plant in Middle Tennessee needed a vacuum solution for its solvent recovery system, which processed highly acidic and flammable vapors at elevated temperatures.
Previous systems had failed due to seal degradation and corrosion of the wetted surfaces. Industrial Air Services collaborated with Dekker to deliver a ChemSeal system built with 316 stainless steel, explosion-proof motor, and a closed-loop seal liquid circuit compatible with the plant’s solvent.
Results:
– Zero unplanned downtime in 18 months – Improved recovery efficiency by 22% – Eliminated corrosion-related service calls – Full compliance with local and federal emission regulations
Material Selection Matters
Not all stainless steel is created equal. Industrial Air Services works closely with Dekker’s engineers to select materials that match your specific chemical exposure:
– 316 Stainless Steel: Excellent general chemical resistance – Duplex Stainless Steel: Higher strength and better chloride resistance – Hastelloy® or Alloy 20: Used for particularly aggressive acid or oxidizer applications – Ceramic Coatings: Optional for added abrasion and pH protection
By selecting the right material for impellers, pump casings, and sealing elements, we ensure your system operates safely and reliably under the full range of process conditions.
Explosion-Proof Options for Hazardous Environments
Many chemical and pharmaceutical plants are classified as hazardous areas due to the presence of flammable vapors or solvents. ChemSeal systems are available with:
– FM-approved motors – Sealed conduit and electrical fittings – Intrinsically safe sensor circuits – Anti-static coatings and corrosion-resistant housings – Motor insulation and thermal protection systems
Industrial Air Services ensures these components are properly selected, installed, and tested for compliance with Class I, Division 1 requirements and NEC/OSHA standards.
Smart Monitoring and Control
ChemSeal vacuum systems can be outfitted with integrated sensors and control panels that monitor:
– Seal liquid level and temperature – Vacuum pressure – Pump motor current – Fluid flow rate – Safety interlocks for vapor recovery or scrubber operation
These features help maintenance teams anticipate problems, optimize performance, and reduce total cost of ownership.
Custom Skid Packages Available
Industrial Air Services can design ChemSeal systems as modular skid packages that include:
– Vacuum pump and motor – Liquid separator and filtration system – Control panel (with optional PLC/SCADA integration) – Explosion-proof junction boxes and conduit – Piping manifolds and valves – Maintenance access zones and drain ports
These systems arrive ready to install and are fully tested at the factory before shipment.
Why Work with Industrial Air Services?
We’re more than a parts supplier—we’re your vacuum system partner. Our team provides:
– Application-specific design support – Dekker-certified startup and commissioning – Preventive maintenance programs – Emergency field service and repairs – Regional inventory of OEM fluids and parts – Dekker factory training and technical support
With offices in Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, we respond quickly to your needs and understand the specific demands of chemical production facilities across the Southeast.
Conclusion
When your vacuum system faces corrosive, volatile, or chemically reactive gases, you need more than a generic pump—you need a solution that’s engineered for survival. Dekker’s ChemSeal series, combined with the hands-on support of Industrial Air Services, delivers the performance, safety, and longevity that chemical manufacturers require.
Call Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100 to request a system evaluation, material compatibility review, or custom ChemSeal system proposal today.
