Welding for the Retiree

If your industrial and manufacturing processes require access to a steady stream of water for completion, then access to a centrifugal pump that can circulate water throughout your warehouse is important.

Designing an effective pump system can be challenging, but here are three things you can consider to help ensure you design a pump system that will be equipped to meet your needs.

1. Flow Rate

In order to invest in a centrifugal pump with the ability to properly distribute water through your warehouse, you need to carefully consider the average flow rate required for your manufacturing processes. This information will help you determine the size of pump that is best suited to meet your needs.

A pump should never operate with a zero flow rate, since this could damage the mechanical components that allow the pump to transfer water. If your flow rate is lower, invest in a smaller pump that features a pressure valve that will turn the pump off automatically when the flow rate drops below a safe level.

2. Submersion

When sizing a centrifugal pump for your pump system, you must consider the volume of water that will be kept your storage tanks on a regular basis. If you plan to use a submersible pump to move water from the storage tank throughout the rest of your warehouse, you must ensure that the pump can be fully submerged at all times.

If the pump is allowed to become exposed to the air, it will begin to suck air into the intake valve. This results in the creation of air pockets in discharge pipes and could damage your pump beyond repair. Determine how much water you will be storing, then size your submersible pump accordingly.

3. Speed

Investing in a centrifugal pump that can operate at high speeds allows you to purchase a smaller pump that will save you money in the future. High-speed pumps can move a larger volume of water, reducing the amount of time required to distribute water throughout your warehouse.

This reduced operating time will help cut your energy use, making your pump system more cost efficient. Be sure to compare the costs of running a low-speed and high-speed pump with your system to determine if a high-speed pump is best suited to meet your needs.

Designing a functional pump system is important when it comes to ensuring the success of your manufacturing processes. Keep flow rate, submersion, and speed in mind as you select a centrifugal pump for your system in the future.