The pump industry offers many specialised pump types, so it’s important to choose a commercial pump that is just right for your application, so that it works efficiently and lasts as long as it should.
When the pump is not well suited to the purpose, we find that users experience difficulties that ultimately lead to more breakdowns and a product lifespan that’s too short.
First, we’ll look at what happens when you get the wrong pump.
Then, we’ll consider what ground work you need to do to understand your application, pump types to consider, and what’s most important for pump longevity.
What pitfalls should you avoid when choosing a pump?
1. A pump can overperform
A pump can deliver a greater volume of water than needed, or deliver a higher head pressure if it’s oversized for the application.
While overperformance may sound positive, in the pump industry it leads to:
- Energy Waste: if the pump is oversized, it runs at lower efficiency and uses more energy than necessary
- Mechanical Stress: excessive wear and tear on components
- System Imbalance: overperformance can disrupt the balance of a system, leading to other issues
2. A pump can underperform
When a pump fails to deliver, the flow rate will be reduced and the pump won’t be able to lift or push the fluid to the required height or distance. The pump will also use more energy than expected.
Consequences of Pump Underperformance:
- Reduced Productivity: Decreased flow rate or head pressure can limit production capacity or quality
- Increased Costs: Higher energy consumption and maintenance expenses can significantly impact operating costs
- System Downtime: Severe underperformance can lead to equipment failure or system downtime, resulting in potential safety hazards and lost revenue
These are some of the reasons why it’s so important to get the right sized water pump for your application.
Consulting a pump expert and getting their recommendations for your application is usually best. A good pump company will ask about your application, so that they can ensure that you are getting the right pump.
Understand Your Application
Accurately determining your exact requirements is important prep work.
What you need to know before getting a pump:
- Flow Rate: How much water needs to be pumped per unit of time? In South Africa, litres per minute (L/min) is commonly used.
- Head Pressure: What is the vertical or horizontal distance the water needs to be lifted or pushed, in cm or m?
- Fluid Properties: Is the fluid being pumped clean water, or does it contain solids, chemicals, or other substances?
- Operating Conditions: What is the ambient temperature, pressure, and any other environmental factors?
How do you calculate the size of an industrial water pump?
Ebara has Engineers that will calculate the right size pump for your application.
Ask an Engineer
Industrial Pump Types to Consider
Based on your application, you may consider the following pump types:
1. Vertical Inline Pumps:
Ideal for applications requiring high flow rates and low head pressures.
Compact, efficient, and often used in water supply systems, HVAC systems, and industrial processes.
2. Centrifugal Pumps:
The most common type of pump, centrifugal pumps are efficient for handling large volumes of water at moderate pressures.
They are widely used in various industries, including water supply, wastewater treatment, and power generation.
Available in various designs, including single-stage, multi-stage, horizontal, and vertical.
3. Boiler Feed Pumps
High-pressure pumps used to feed water into boilers.
Require high efficiency and reliability to ensure safe and efficient boiler operation.
4. Vertical Multistage Pumps
A specialized type of centrifugal pump designed to handle high pressures with a small physical size.
They consist of multiple impeller stages stacked vertically. They are often used for water supply, boiler feed, chemical processing, and power generation.
5. Chemical Pumps
Designed to handle corrosive or hazardous fluids.
Constructed with materials resistant to chemical attack, such as stainless steel or specialty alloys.
6. Gear Pumps:
Known for their positive displacement capabilities, gear pumps are well-suited for handling viscous fluids, slurries, and abrasive materials.
They are commonly used in chemical processing, food and beverage production, and oil and gas industries.
7. Heavy Duty Pumps
In many cases, we will make specialized pumps for a heavy duty or specialised application.
These pumps are typically constructed with robust materials, capable of withstanding harsh environments and demanding workloads.
5 Key Factors for Durability and Performance
When selecting an industrial water pump, consider the following factors:
- Materials of Construction: The pump’s materials should be compatible with the fluid being pumped and resistant to corrosion, erosion, and abrasion.
- Sealing System: A reliable sealing system is essential to prevent leaks and maintain pump efficiency. Options include mechanical seals, packing seals, and lip seals.
- Motor Efficiency: Opt for pumps with energy-efficient motors to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
- Maintenance Requirements: Consider the pump’s maintenance needs, including spare parts availability and service intervals.
- Compliance with specifications: Does the pump supplier have a good reputation for delivering a product that is fully compliant with specifications?
In Summary:
Choosing the right pump will bring these benefits:
- Reduced energy consumption can lead to significant savings on electricity bills
- Optimal system performance and flow
- Minimal downtime and uninterrupted production
Next Steps:
Pump Manufacturers: Ebara Pumps
As an international supplier of industrial pumps, Ebara has been making pumps since 1912.
See our Industrial Pump Solutions here
Ask an Experienced Engineer
With our experience, we can help you select the ideal pump for your application.
To ask our Engineer’s advice on the best pump for our application, go here.