Technical Resource
How to Pick a Pump for Emulsion Explosives
Sizing, materials, gears, and field rebuilds for stainless gear pumps on bulk emulsion transfer.
Use a stainless steel rotary gear pump sized to your line. For bulk plant transfer that means the 3-inch PA300S, up to 158 GPM at 280 RPM. Smaller lines get the 2-inch PA200S, which tops out at 69 GPM at 190 RPM. Both self-prime, run in either direction, and carry a 100 PSI max operating pressure. Nitrile gears are standard for emulsion, and a PK300S or PK200S kit rebuilds the pump on site.
What makes emulsion explosives hard to pump
Emulsion matrix is thick, and it gets thicker in the cold. It is an ammonium nitrate solution held in an oil phase, so too much shear can break it down. Ammonium nitrate also attacks carbon steel. You want a pump that turns slowly, keeps flow steady as viscosity moves, and has a stainless wetted path.
Which products are pumpable at all: ANFO vs emulsion and pumping ammonium nitrate and ANFO.
Stainless steel for ammonium nitrate emulsion
Every NAPCO pump we recommend for emulsion has a stainless steel housing. That is the S in PA300S and PA200S. Rust from a carbon steel pump ends up in your product. The gears are rubber coated, with nitrile as standard.
PA300S or PA200S: sizing by line and volume
Start with the line you already run. High-volume tank-to-tank or tank-to-truck transfer usually lands on the PA300S. A 2-inch line or a compact skid points to the PA200S. See PA200S stainless steel gear pump for the full 2-inch spec sheet.
| Spec | PA300S | PA200S |
|---|---|---|
| Port | 3″ | 2″ |
| Max flow | 158 GPM | 69 GPM |
| Max speed | 280 RPM | 190 RPM |
| Max operating pressure | 100 PSI | 100 PSI |
| Net weight | 173 lbs | 114 lbs |
| Repair kit | PK300S | PK200S |
Flow tested with water at ambient conditions. Thick matrix may need a lower speed.
Nitrile or Viton gears
Nitrile is the standard gear for emulsion explosives and is rated to 240°F. Viton costs more. Pick it when the fluid carries solvents or aggressive chemicals that would attack nitrile, or runs hotter than nitrile can take. Not sure? Send the fluid data sheet and we will tell you which one. More detail: nitrile vs Viton gears.
Bulk and cartridge plants: where the pump fits
This guide covers surface transfer: moving matrix and emulsion between storage tanks, process lines, and truck loading points. Cartridge plants and bulk plants both move matrix before it is packed or loaded. For how the products differ, see bulk emulsion products and cartridge emulsion explosives. Surface and plant transfer only.
Replacing a Bowie, Mono, NOV, or Roper pump
Already running one of these on emulsion transfer? Match the port size first, then the gear material. Send the current model and line size and we will tell you which NAPCO fits. More on plant replacements on the gear pumps for explosives and mining page.
Field rebuilds with PK300S and PK200S
Each kit has both gear assemblies (drive and idler), four roller bearings, four high-pressure and four low-pressure seals, the centercase gasket set, and 4 × PB43 cover bolt o-rings. The housing, end covers, wear plates, and assembly lubricant are not included. PK300S rebuilds the PA300S in 2 to 5 hours. PK200S rebuilds the PA200S in 2 to 4 hours. A kit on the shelf at a remote site saves shipping the pump back. All kits: repair kits.
Lead time and what to send
Lead times vary. Please contact us for current lead times. To size a pump, send the fluid, line size, flow you need, discharge pressure, and operating temperature.
FAQ
What pump is best for emulsion explosives transfer?
A stainless steel rotary gear pump. The 3-inch PA300S moves up to 158 GPM at 280 RPM for bulk plant transfer. The 2-inch PA200S covers smaller lines at up to 69 GPM at 190 RPM. Both self-prime and carry a 100 PSI max operating pressure.
Why does an emulsion explosives pump need to be stainless?
Ammonium nitrate is corrosive to carbon steel. A stainless housing keeps rust out of the product and holds up in emulsion service.
Which gears should I use for emulsion explosives?
Nitrile is standard and rated to 240°F. Viton is the option for solvents, aggressive chemicals, or heat beyond what nitrile handles.
What comes in a PK300S repair kit?
Drive and idler gear assemblies, four roller bearings, four high-pressure and four low-pressure seals, the centercase gasket set, and 4 × PB43 cover bolt o-rings. The housing, end covers, wear plates, and assembly lubricant are not included. PK200S is the 2-inch kit.
Where do NAPCO pumps fit in an emulsion operation?
NAPCO pumps are for plant and surface transfer only: tank to tank, process lines, and truck loading points.
Related Technical Resources
Explosives & Mining
Stainless gear pumps for plant emulsion and matrix transfer
PK300S Repair Kit
Field rebuild kit for the PA300S
Bulk Emulsion Products
Product family: matrix, Heavy ANFO, SME, and what can be pumped
Cartridge Emulsion Explosives
Packaged product, and where bulk matrix transfer fits
ANFO vs Emulsion
What you can pump, and which stainless pump moves it
Pumping Ammonium Nitrate & ANFO
Pumpable AN products and material requirements
Gear vs. Progressive Cavity Pumps
Technology comparison for viscous fluids
PA300S Stainless Pump
Specifications and ordering
Need a pump for emulsion transfer?
Send your line size and flow and we will quote it.