When prescribing medicine, a physician indicates the dosage that shows how the patient should take medicine. For instance, if the medication should be taken three times a day, then the dosage will only be effective if these instructions are followed. Failure to do so means that there will be inaccurate levels — low or high — of medication in the patient's bloodstream, and that will work against the healing process. This is the same principle that is used by farm owners when administering pesticides to plants. Too much pesticide kills the plants, while too little offers no sufficient protection from disease and pests. That is why farmers need chemical dosing pumps, and this article highlights key factors to consider when buying one.

Leak Detection — Dosing systems comprise very many joints and valves, and these are potential leakage spots. For example, over time, seals in valves get weak, and when they are not replaced on time, they can lead to leaks. If you do not detect these leaks early on, then your plants will not be receiving enough pesticide even when the dosing pump indicates that you have administered the right dosage. Moreover, leaks increase the urge to alter the dosage when you detect that there is not enough reaching your plants. As such, it is crucial to install a leak detection mechanism to sound an alarm whenever there is a leak. Consequently, you will be able to administer the right amounts of pesticide and eliminate wastage.

Environment — Although this might sound straightforward, it is not — most farmers believe that dosing pumps can be used either indoors or outdoors without significant consequences. Nothing could be further from the truth because the environment in which the dosing pump operates is critical to its proper functioning. For example, if you are going to install the pump outside under the exposure of the elements, such as sunlight and rain, then you have to protect it. This is because some pesticides need to be administered at room temperature. Therefore, ensure that you protect the pump and the various pesticide-containing hoses when it is to operate outside.

Fluid Composition — Different farm pesticides are administered differently. For instance, some pesticides are administered individually, while others must be mixed to achieve the desired chemical composition. Most mixed pesticides can produce more viscous fluids, while others can be slurry. This is important because the pesticide moving in the pump will determine how the device operates. Pesticides that are thin and light work well with peristaltic pumps. However, if a mixture of pesticides produces a thick fluid, then you need piston-diaphragm pumps. The diaphragm allows the dosing pump to push thick pesticides through the hoses with relative ease.