Look around right now. Do you see a painted surface? You’re probably looking at titanium dioxide (TiO₂) at work. This white pigment makes paint vibrant and opaque, but in production, it’s one of the toughest materials to pump.
It’s the reason paint manufacturers count on Wilden® Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm (AODD) Pumps and Chem-Fuse® Integral Piston Diaphragms (IPDs) when handling TiO₂.
Here’s why.
What Makes TiO2 Difficult to Pump?
TiO2 is one of the most important ingredients in paint and coatings manufacturing because it helps paints cover surfaces evenly and appear vibrant. However, in slurry form, TiO₂ becomes highly abrasive and viscous, making it challenging for traditional pump components, especially diaphragms.
To move TiO₂ efficiently without damage or downtime, manufacturers rely on AODD pumps, which can handle abrasive, shear-sensitive and high viscosity fluids.
The Challenge: Abrasion of TiO₂ and Diaphragm Wear
While AODD pumps are ideal for tough fluids, TiO₂ slurry presents a specific challenge: outer-piston abrasion.
In standard diaphragm designs, the outer piston holds the diaphragm in place. As the diaphragm flexes during operation, it rubs against the piston. When combined with an abrasive, such as TiO₂ slurry, that contact acts like sandpaper.
Over time, abrasion from TiO₂ can lead to:
Premature diaphragm failure
Increased maintenance and downtime
Potential product leaks and cleanup costs
These issues can seriously impact productivity and profitability for paint and coatings manufacturers that depend on consistent TiO₂ transfer.
The Solution: Wilden Chem-Fuse Integral Piston Diaphragm (IPD)
To solve this long-standing problem, Wilden, the global leader in AODD pump technology, developed the Chem-Fuse Integral Piston Diaphragm — the longest-lasting diaphragm in the industry.
5 Key Benefits of Chem-Fuse Diaphragms:
Eliminates outer-piston wear: This piston is fully encapsulated within the diaphragm, removing the main cause of abrasion.
Extends diaphragm life: Chem-Fuse diaphragms typically last 2 to 3 times longer, and in some cases, up to 15 times longer than traditional diaphragms.
Improves product containment: The integral design removes a common leak point, enhancing safety and cleanliness.
Handles higher pressure: The stronger design supports higher inlet pressure for greater performance flexibility.
Reduces cost of ownership: Available in Wil-Flex®, Saniflex™ and Bunalast™ materials, Chem-Fuse diaphragms are 50% less expensive than laminated alternatives.
Chem-Fuse diaphragms are compatible with all Wilden Pro-Flo® Series and Pro-Flo® SHIFT Series AODD Pumps from 1" to 3" (metal or plastic models), making it easy to upgrade existing systems for better performance.
Why Wilden AODD Pumps Are Ideal for TiO₂ Applications
When transferring TiO₂, Pro-Flo SHIFT AODD Pumps equipped with Chem-Fuse diaphragms deliver unmatched reliability. Here’s why they’re the preferred solution for paint and coating facilities:
Self-priming and dry-run capabilities reduce downtime and simplify operation
Low shear handling protects delicate product characteristics
Energy-efficient design minimizes air consumption
Bolted and clamped configuration ensures safe, leak-free performance
Together, these features make Wilden AODD pumps a trusted choice for abrasive, viscous and high-solid applications, including TiO₂, inks, resins and coatings.
Conclusion: The Wilden Way to Pump TiO₂
TiO₂ may be essential to creating high-quality paints and coatings, but it’s also one of the toughest materials to move. For paint manufacturers looking to optimize diaphragm performance, reduce costs and improve process safety, the choice is clear.
The Wilden Chem-Fuse diaphragm, paired with a Pro-Flo Shift AODD Pump, solves TiO₂ challenges by eliminating abrasion, reducing maintenance and ensuring reliable, leak-free performance.
For a complete overview of this topic, read our whitepaper:
Optimizing Diaphragm Performance When Pumping TiO₂. You can also contact your local distributor or to
speak with a Wilden product expert.