What are the Points to Consider When Purchasing a Pump?
With so many options to choose from in this day and age, purchasing the right pump for your application can seem like a daunting task at first. A task that can cost you time and money if not approached correctly. To find the best pump for your application, providing detailed and accurate information is essential. That said, what information to provide and what other factors to consider when shopping for a pump. Let's examine some key factors to determine the most effective pump for your application.

What is Flow Rate?
Flow rate, typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM), is a metric that measures how much fluid is moving through the system and how fast. Calculating the wrong flow rate can be a costly undertaking. If the flow rate is estimated to be too high, this may mean excessive power consumption. If it is too low for the application, the pump can overwork, potentially shortening its life. Flow rate can be measured in several different ways by manually calculating the flow using a flow meter or collecting fluid. A flowmeter is a simple device that measures the amount of fluid passing through the system. To get an accurate flow reading, plug the flow meter into the discharge outlet and the reading on the meter will give you the flow rate of the system.

What is Pumped Liquid?
Provide the seller with detailed information about the pumped media. What is the viscosity of the pumped medium? For example, a dense liquid such as glycerin or corn syrup may require a more powerful pump than less viscous liquids such as water or gasoline. What is the chemical being pumped and can an MSDS sheet be provided on the chemical makeup? MSDS (Material Safety and Data Sheet) is a document containing chemical structure information and critical safety information of the chemical such as health, fire, reactivity and environmental hazards. An MSDS also contains detailed instructions on how the chemical can be used and handled safely. The pumped chemical, especially if hazardous, may affect the material of the pump body and internal parts (diaphragms, gaskets, etc.) which should be recommended for safe use. Other factors, such as the temperature of the environment and whether it contains solids, are also important information that should be included. Providing as much detail as possible about the pumped medium will help significantly reduce the chance of incorrect pump recommendations.

What are the Environmental Factors?
In what environment will the pump be used? If the pump is to be used, for example, in a sanitary environment, a sanitary pump will likely be required for safe use in that environment. In this case, a sanitary pump will limit the possibility of environmental contamination. Whether the pump needs to be operated in cold weather, in a hazardous or explosion-proof area, fully submerged, etc. Providing the pump supplier with environmental information relevant to your application is crucial to an accurate pump recommendation.