What is a hand-operated bellows pump primarily used for?

A hand-operated bellows pump is primarily designed for gathering test samples, particularly for use with detector tubes, which are employed in various environmental and occupational safety applications. This type of pump works by creating suction through the action of compressing and decompressing the bellows, making it effective for drawing specific gas samples or air from a location. These samples can then be analyzed to monitor air quality or detect the presence of hazardous substances.

Using a bellows pump for this purpose is advantageous because it allows for controlled sample collection without introducing contaminants, ensuring the integrity of the sample taken. This sampling method is often vital in workplace safety scenarios where air quality assessments need to meet stringent regulations for exposure limits.

While mixing chemicals, measuring air pressure, and dispensing liquids could involve different types of pumps or equipment, they do not accurately represent the primary function of a hand-operated bellows pump, which specifically excels in the precise sampling of air or gas for analysis.