Grease, silicone, RTV, potting compound, anti-splatter fluid, rust inhibitors, marking fluids, hot glue what do all of these materials have in common? They must be dispensed with precision across countless industries in the US, often under conditions where efficiency and accuracy directly impact profitability.
Over the last six years, our team has worked with these fluids across a wide range of clients and applications. We’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference the right dispensing system can make and how quickly the wrong one can create waste, downtime, or even equipment damage.
Below, we’ll break down the three key elements every engineer, operator, or business should evaluate before investing in their next dispensing application.
High Pressure or Low?
The viscosity of the material typically measured in centipoise (cP) determines the pressure needed to move it. For example:
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Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) may only require 5–10 PSI to dispense precise dots.
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Flange sealant (RTV), on the other hand, could demand pressures upward of 2,000 PSI.
In practice, there’s equipment available to handle virtually any pressure requirement. The real danger lies in mixing and matching high-pressure and low-pressure components. It sounds obvious, but it’s one of the most common mistakes we see in the field. Using the wrong components not only results in poor dispensing accuracy but can also damage equipment and compromise safety.
Time-Pressure vs. Positive Displacement
The second decision comes down to accuracy and consistency requirements.
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Time-Pressure Systems
This method relies on opening a valve for a set amount of time under a given pressure. It’s simple, cost-effective, and surprisingly accurate for many applications. Large-volume tasks such as running beads of sealant, filling cavities, or spraying grease often benefit from this setup. The core components include a valve, pressure pot or pump, and a timer or PLC. -
Positive Displacement (PD) Systems
For applications where every drop matters such as dispensing dots of grease, precise volumes of adhesive, or costly specialty compounds positive displacement systems are the gold standard. These systems use a chamber and check valves to isolate fluid, then push it downstream in carefully measured “packets.” Mechanical adjustments allow for fine-tuning, ensuring each part receives exactly the right amount of material.
In short: time-pressure is about speed and simplicity; positive displacement is about control and precision.
Closing the Loop with Flow Meters
For critical processes, or when a client demands airtight accuracy, even positive displacement may not be enough. That’s where flow meters come in.
Flow meters convert actual fluid movement into an electrical signal (pulsed or analog), allowing for real-time monitoring and verification of dispensed volumes. Common types include:
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Coriolis – best for high-accuracy mass flow measurement
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Positive Displacement Meters – ideal for viscous fluids
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Turbine – suited for lower-viscosity fluids with steady flow
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Ultrasonic & Doppler – non-invasive options for continuous monitoring
Choosing the right meter depends on volume requirements, flow type (continuous vs. intermittent), and fluid viscosity. For industries where compliance, cost control, or product quality is non-negotiable, flow meters provide the ultimate assurance.
Final Thoughts
Dispensing may sound straightforward, but in practice it’s a balancing act between cost, accuracy, and reliability. Using the wrong system can mean wasted materials, downtime, or even failed products. By understanding whether your application requires high or low pressure, time-pressure or positive displacement, and whether you need to close the loop with a flow meter, you can dramatically improve both efficiency and profitability.
In dispensing, precision is profit.
