Caustic Soda Pumps for Safe Dosing & Transfer

Across a wide range of industries, pumps are essential for the safe transfer and dosing of chemicals. One of the most widely used is caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide or lye. Because it is highly corrosive, selecting the right caustic soda pump is critical for safe handling, reliable operation, and long-term efficiency. From dosing in water treatment through to bulk chemical transfer in manufacturing, Global Pumps supplies a range of solutions designed to meet demanding industry requirements.

Caustic Soda Dosing Systems

When working with caustic soda, pump construction and materials are key to ensuring safe operation. The right pump material prevents corrosion, protects equipment, and minimises costly downtime.

For applications that require precise chemical control, a caustic dosing pump or metering pump provides accurate flow regulation and reduces chemical waste. In large-scale processes where bulk volumes need to be moved, a centrifugal pump designed for caustic soda is a dependable choice. 

Other popular options include:

• Drum pumps for safely transferring caustic soda from IBCs or drums.
• Magnetic drive pumps, which offer leak-free operation with no mechanical seals.
• Air operated diaphragm pumps (AODD), well-suited for viscous or aggressive fluids.
• Peristaltic pumps, ideal for accurate dosing, especially when handling gases or abrasive liquids.

These caustic dosing and transfer systems are designed to maintain safety, compliance, and consistent performance across a variety of industries.

Pump Materials for Caustic Soda Applications

Because caustic soda is highly corrosive, choosing the correct pump material is essential for safety, reliability, and long service life. Using the wrong material can lead to premature failure, leaks, contamination, or unplanned, costly downtime. At Global Pumps, we recommend different materials depending on the concentration, temperature, and flow rate of sodium hydroxide being handled:

• Polypropylene (PP): A cost-effective choice for low to medium concentrations of caustic soda. It offers good chemical resistance and is commonly used in transfer pumps.
• PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride): Provides excellent resistance to aggressive chemicals and higher temperatures, making it ideal for more demanding applications.
• PTFE (Teflon): Highly resistant to almost all chemicals; PTFE-lined pumps are preferred where maximum protection against corrosion is required.
• Stainless Steel (316): Suitable for lower concentrations of caustic soda or where abrasion resistance and mechanical strength are equally important.
• Hastelloy and specialist alloys: Recommended for extreme conditions, providing superior durability and compliance with strict safety standards.

Selecting the right caustic soda pump material ensures your system operates safely, minimises maintenance, and delivers consistent performance.

Applications and Industries

Caustic soda is an essential chemical used across many sectors, making the right pumping solution vital. Typical applications include:

• Water and wastewater treatment – neutralising acidity, adjusting pH, and supporting coagulation processes.
• Food and beverage manufacturing – clean-in-place (CIP) systems for sanitising tanks, pipelines, and processing equipment.
• Pulp and paper – wood pulping and paper bleaching.
• Mining and resources – mineral extraction, refining, and separation processes.
• Chemical manufacturing – neutralisation, formulation, and processes requiring precise sodium hydroxide dosing.
• Pharmaceuticals – used as a strong alkali in medicine and intermediate production.
• Textiles and detergents – key in textile processing, dyeing, and detergent manufacture.

In all of these industries, the correct chemical pump for caustic soda helps ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency.

Hand Pumps for Caustic Soda

For smaller-scale or manual requirements, Global Pumps offers a complete range of hand pumps suitable for caustic soda. Options include electric, air operated, and manual designs, each built from resistant materials to ensure safe handling of sodium hydroxide.

These pumps allow for easy and effective transfer directly from IBCs or drums and are available from stock at our Adelaide head office for immediate delivery. If you need a reliable hand pump for chemical transfer, this range provides a quick and dependable solution.

Why Choose Global Pumps for Caustic Soda Applications?

With more than forty years’ experience in chemical transfer, Global Pumps has the expertise to recommend the best solution for your process. Whether you require a dosing pump for water treatment, a centrifugal transfer pump for bulk caustic handling, or a durable hand pump for smaller volumes, our team can help you find the most efficient and economical option.