Adhesives and glues are among the most demanding fluids in pumping technology. They are often viscous, shear-sensitive, dry on contact with air and sometimes contain fillers or solvents. Whether in adhesive manufacturing, corrugated board production or supplying application systems – the pump must be gentle, reliable and easy to clean.
Which adhesives can be pumped?
| Adhesive type |
Properties |
Air-operated diaphragm pump suitable? |
| Dispersion adhesives, white glue |
Water-based, shear-sensitive |
Yes – gentle transfer |
| Starch glue (corrugated board) |
Water-based, partly solids-laden, viscous |
Yes |
| Solvent-based adhesives |
Flammable, explosion protection required |
Yes – ATEX version and resistant materials |
| Casein glue, labelling glue |
Viscous, sticky |
Yes – choose a sufficiently large pump |
| 2K components (resin, hardener) |
Reactive, exact mixing ratio |
Yes for transferring the individual components, no for mixing/dosing |
| Hot melt adhesives |
Processed hot |
No – dedicated heated systems |
Starch glue in corrugated board production
In corrugators, starch glue is prepared in a glue kitchen and continuously pumped to the glue units. The air-operated diaphragm pump is suitable for:
-
transfer from the glue kitchen to storage tanks,
-
supplying the glue units and the return line,
-
transferring and emptying containers during cleaning and recipe changes.
Because the AODD pump stalls against a closed valve and restarts immediately when it opens, it adapts automatically to fluctuating glue demand. More on the industry: Pumps for paper and packaging.
Pumps in adhesive manufacturing
In adhesive production, air-operated diaphragm pumps transfer raw materials such as polymer dispersions, resins, solvents and additives, feed mixers and stirred vessels and fill the finished product into containers. Thanks to the wide choice of housing and diaphragm materials, a resistant version can be found for almost any formulation.
Dosing and dispensing adhesives – where the limit is
For precise dosing of an adhesive bead or dot (dispensing), dedicated dispensing systems are used, such as volumetric piston dispensers, gear metering pumps or cartridge systems. An air-operated diaphragm pump delivers a pulsating flow and is therefore not intended for direct application.
Its strength is supply: it pumps the adhesive from drum or IBC to the dispensing system, keeps day tanks filled and ensures continuous replenishment. Combined with a pulsation dampener, the flow can be smoothed further.
Practical tips for adhesive pumps
-
Size generously and run at a reduced stroke rate – this protects the fluid and the diaphragms. See Pumps for high-viscosity fluids.
-
Avoid drying: Flush the pump after use, or leave it filled with fluid if the adhesive does not cure in closed systems.
-
Choose suitable materials: PTFE diaphragms for solvents, Santoprene® for water-based glues. Check your fluid with our chemical compatibility check.
-
Keep an eye on the valves: Sticky fluids can glue valve balls. Keeping spare parts on site shortens downtime – see repair kits.
Frequently asked questions
What is an adhesive pump?
A pump for transferring or dosing adhesives. The term covers both transfer pumps that supply adhesive and metering pumps used for applying it.
Can I pump glue directly from the drum?
Yes. Air-operated diaphragm pumps are self-priming and can pump directly from a drum or IBC via a suction tube or hose. More in Emptying drums and IBCs.
