When it comes to selecting a pump to fit your needs the possibilities are numerous however, it is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Ensuring you have the right pump for the job will prove invaluable in the long run through maximizing efficiency and minimizing operating and maintenance costs. It is especially important given that poor pump selection will almost certainly result in lost time and heavy costs to repair or replace a damaged pump.

Selecting the right pump can be tough and a full list of considerations would be exhaustive but here are a few key things to think about when making the decision:

Type of Media:

The first and most obvious consideration is around the type of media your pump will be handling. A pump system must be designed around the specific attributes of the media that it will be expected to handle. Knowing the viscosity, corrosiveness and whether the fluid contains any solid elements is crucial as harsh fluids like chemicals and fuels can destroy pumps while the consistency of other media can clog or degrade the pump. Having a thorough knowledge of the physical properties of the media being pumped is crucial in determining the most compatible construction materials for your pump while also maximizing efficiency.

Flow Rate:

Next, it’s important to understand the flow rate of your system, that being, how much fluid you can transport within a given amount of time. This allows you to firstly, determine the pump set-up you will need to transport media at the volume you require, including the required size and dimensions of the pump, but also evaluate whether the pump is operating efficiently. Every pump has a specified flow rate and ignoring this can result in an inefficient or failing pump. In general, the higher the required flow rate, the larger the pump.

Suction:

The suction pipe, that being the piping which transfers media from its source to the pump itself, is yet another facet to consider. While modifying the length and design of the suction line can improve efficiency and longevity, it is important to consider the power required to move the material from one place to the other. Part of this includes calculating the resistance caused by friction which has a direct effect on getting fluids where they need to go.

Temperature:

Giving thought to operating temperature is also a key element with pump selection. While it is true that most pumps are accustomed to operating at a wide range of temperatures, choosing a pump with the right materials that are suitable for the maximum temperature of the liquid being pumped is crucial as some fluids are too hot and can only be handled by certain pumps. Media can also change or react differently during the pumping process and this needs to be considered also. Temperature directly impacts not only the stability and efficiency of components during operation, but it also has a direct effect on the pressure within the pump.

Environment:

Finally, giving thought to the environmental conditions the pump will be subject to is also beneficial. It is important to think about whether the pump will be indoors or outdoors, submerged underwater, or exposed to extreme temperatures. Again, these factors all give bearing to selecting a suitable pump that is in the right size and made from suitable materials.

Kelair Pumps Australia:

Every application is different, so it is critical to ensure that you have all the necessary details before selecting a pump. The pump size, material and seal selection used all depend on the media being pumped, required flow rate, pressure, suction, and temperatures that the pump will need to operate in.

Since 1975, Kelair Pumps have specialised in providing pumps and pump packages to the mining operations across Australia.

As specialist pump supplier, Kelair Pumps Australia are experts at answering these questions and knowing exactly what is required.

You can rely on Kelair Pumps to provide the pump knowledge and expertise required.