There’s a lot to think about when shopping for a new pump, and we don’t blame you if you feel a bit overwhelmed by the range of options and industry terminology that gets thrown around. To help make your decision a little easier, we’ve prepared a blog post outlining our top 6 questions to ask yourself prior to choosing a pump. As always, our team are standing by ready to assist with any questions you may have about our range.
Fluid Type
Truflo supply pumps for agriculture, construction, emergency, industrial, mining, municipal, quarrying and tunnelling. Each industry requires pumps for different reasons, and our systems can be used for water through to oil and slurry.
Before selecting a pump, you should determine the specific gravity and viscosity of the fluid you are planning to pump. It is even more helpful if you are able to provide us with the names and concentrations of any chemicals, as well as solid particle sizes and average temperature. The more detail you give us, the better equipped we are to supply you with a pump that will serve your needs long-term.
Flow Rate
Every pump has a specified flow rate measured in gallons per minute (GPM), and this will be mentioned on the product page. If you have a high flow rate, you will need a large diameter pump. You should also consider what you plan to do with the liquid, whether it be decanting, dosing or transferring.
GPM?
Viscosity
High viscosity liquids and liquids containing chemicals require heavy-duty pumps with high resistance to corrosion and proven durability. No one wants to experience premature failure due to specifying the wrong pump, and nor do you want to blow the budget by over specifying. You should try to establish the viscosity of your liquid before selecting a pump.
Discharge
If you will be pumping across a long distance with the help of vertical and horizontal pipes, you will need to consider friction loss. This can be caused by everything from pipe type through to the viscosity of the liquid. Any decrease in pumping pressure will adversely affect your operation and efficiency. Think about the distance to your discharge point and whether you will be able to get by with open free flow pipes. In some cases, it may be necessary to use pressured pipes instead.
Whether you are pumping a short run or a long distance there are some specific considerations that need to be taken into account. These being, Static height, this being the vertical height between water level (or where the pump will sit) to the highest point on the discharge pipe run. This may or may not be at your discharge point. Pipeline length, what is the length of pipe required to get to your discharge point. Do I have a pipeline profile? Pipe Size, Type etc, what type of pipe will be used? Concrete, poly, steel and what size will be required to achieve the flowrate required, is the pipe rated for the pressure of the system? From this information we can assist you to work out the Total Dynamic Head (TDH) of your system
Suction Pipe
Selecting an under or oversized suction pipe can cause inefficient transport of fluid from source to pump. Whilst calculating power is important, you’ll also need to consider the resistance caused by friction. Using an oversized suction line will result in higher energy costs and increased wear and tear. You may also experience cavitation, whereby pockets of air/vapour occur within the fluid as a result of pressure changes. This can cause extensive damage to your pump system and impeller. If you expect reliable performance, you should take resistance calculations into account. Don’t be tempted to go for a longer suction line than necessary, as a shorter line will not only be cheaper but also much more reliable and efficient.
Power
Buyers can choose from diesel, electric and petrol pumps. Think about what type of power source would best suit your needs. Technology has come a long way, and variable speed motors have made pumps more efficient than ever before.
Need Further Assistance? Contact Tru-Flo Today
When selecting a pump, it is important to take the above factors into account. By asking yourself these questions prior to purchase, you will be able to select the right pump the first time round and enjoy many years of reliable service.
If you would like further advice on our product range or assistance in choosing the right product for your application, please contact our team on +61 2 6333 4500 today, or submit an enquiry via our website.