Sanitary pumps move fluids from one point to another.
Indeed, a properly sized pump is key to ensuring a pump functions as intended and delivers the appropriate flow rate and pressure.
Pump size is an important factor in many industries, from food and beverage processing to pharmaceuticals. To maintain operational efficiency and quality, it’s crucial to select the right pump size for the specific application.
When it comes to pump size errors, the most common issue is that it’s oversized. You can tell that this is the case if:
Oversizing or undersizing a pump can lead to issues such as:
Therefore, it’s imperative that you consider several critical factors involved in pump selection to ensure proper sizing. Some of these factors include:
After taking into account these and other factors, you’ll be able to select the pump size that best meets your needs.
Flow rate refers to the volume of fluid being moved by a pump in a particular frame of time. It’s usually denoted in gallons per minute (GPM) or liters per second (LPS). If your pump moves 250 gallons of fluid per minute, its flow rate is 250 GPM.
Some pumps come with a flow rate meter (flowmeter). But even if your pump doesn’t have a flowmeter, you can determine its flow rate by following these steps:
The formula for calculating flow rate, as seen in Step 3, is Volume of fluid moved / Duration of flow. In the example given, the pump’s flow rate is 10 gallons per minute because it moves 5 gallons of fluid in 30 seconds (0.5 minutes).
As you consider flow rate when determining the correct pump size for your operation, remember to factor for friction loss.
Friction loss, which is part of the total head loss, refers to the resistance caused by fluid as it flows through pumps, tubes, fittings, valves and other equipment such as heat exchangers. This resistance contributes to decreased fluid velocity and reduced pumping pressure.
Operations that pump fluids with higher viscosities, such as corn and maple syrup, experience higher friction losses. Fortunately, friction loss can be addressed by:
The difference in pressure at the pump inlet and outlet is what’s known as differential pressure.
Differential pressure is important because various pumps require differing pressure requirements at the inlet in order to work properly.
The Net Positive Suction Head available (NPSHa), which refers to the amount of pressure available at your pump’s inlet, is determined by several factors in your system, including:
When present before the pump, these system components affect NPSHa. Once the fluid gets into the pump, the pump’s mechanical action must create enough pressure to overcome gravity plus NPSHa.
A pump’s NPSHa must always be greater than its Net Positive Suction Head required (NPSHr) to work properly.
For instance, if using a centrifugal pump, you need to meet its recommended minimum pressure at the inlet (NPSHr) for it to:
When it comes to centrifugal pumps, certain system changes to the pump’s discharge side can cause flow to decrease. For example, closing a discharge valve. By reducing the discharge flow, pressure increases at the pump’s outlet.
This happens because the pump’s constant impeller speed generates excess velocity energy which is then transformed into pressure energy. The result is inefficient system operation and a reduced lifespan of your pump seals.
Changes in temperature can affect the flow properties of fluids.
Keeping processing temperatures in mind can help you select the right pump, especially since fluids are temperature-sensitive; their flow properties typically change as temperatures do.
Temperature affects product viscosity which, in turn, affects pump performance. For example, when some food sauces are hot, they have low viscosity. But when they cool down, they thicken to high viscosity. As viscosity increases, the pump will require more power to move the same volume.
Higher viscosity also increases a pump’s internal friction. The pump must work harder to overcome this increased friction, which further reduces pump performance and efficiency.
Higher viscosity translates to a higher resistance to flow, while lower viscosity translates to a lower resistance. Consequently, high viscosity fluids are usually pumped with a positive displacement pump. In sum, viscosity can also inform pump selection.
If you’re unsure what your fluid viscosity is at its processing temperature, you can commission rheology testing before investing in a pump.
Rheology is the study of how materials flow and deform in response to applied forces. When you send a product sample for rheology testing, it’s tested in a lab, and you’re given a viscosity measurement.
Rheology testing will also let you know if pressure will affect your product’s viscosity. It’s important to know if the fluid you’re intending to pump will get thinner or thicker when under pressure or stress.
When matching a pump to a system, consider the system’s configuration. The pump must physically fit in the space available and be able to connect to existing piping.
In addition, the pump must be able to pump against the back-pressure that the system will present. For example, a common pump installation tactic is to pump against a closed discharge valve.
If the pump is not properly sized for the system, it’ll be forced to operate outside of its design limits. This can cause pump damage and premature pump failure.
It’s also important to consider future system changes when sizing a pump. For example, will the system’s flow rate increase or decrease in the future?
If you anticipate an increase in flow rate, you may be able to size the pump for the future flow rate. This can save you time and money in the long run.
Pumps are often thought of as simple devices, but proper selection and sizing are crucial for many applications.
After all, you want a pump that’s efficient and won’t incur unnecessary costs. The pump must also handle the conditions of your system, including its flow rate (fluid type, temperature, and viscosity) and its differential pressure.
For these reasons, it’s crucial that you get in touch with proven pump experts for correct sizing before purchasing and installing a pump.
The table below highlights some of the differences you can expect to find when considering pump size configurations.
TF-C114 Centrifugal Pump TF-C216 Centrifugal Pump TF-C328 Centrifugal Pump Capacity 10gpm to 125gpm 10gpm to 250gpm* Pressure 31 PSIG / 71.5 foot of head 71 PSIG / 164 foot of head 130 PSIG / 300 foot of head Suction by discharge ports 1 ½” by 1 ½” 2” by 1 ½” 3” by 2” Viscosity 200 cP 200 cP 200 cP Weight 31.25 lbs 31.25 lbs 31.25 lbsAlready know what you need? Browse our centrifugal sanitary pump collection and take your pick.
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As the season rolls along and outdoor decorations piling up in storage, you might be thinking about getting your favorite outdoor water fountain dusted off and inspected.
If you still love the water feature, but have found that the pump is no longer working, replacing the pump is an easy solution! You simply need to find out which type of pump you need as well as the size to bring your outdoor water fountain back to life.
Types of Fountain Pumps
The first thing to consider when replacing the pump in your fountain is whether you want an electric pump, or a solar pump.
Electric Pumps
Electric pumps with a 3-prong or 3-pin plug can be used in indoor or outdoor fountains. Pumps with a 2-prong or 2-pin plug are intended for use in indoor fountains.
Some electric pumps come with an on/off rocker switch and some are operated by simply plugging and unplugging the pump.
Solar Pumps
Solar pump/panel kits with battery packs: These kits often include a fountain pump that goes in the fountain and a cord connects the pump and plugs into the solar panel.
The solar panel has a battery pack attached or built into it. Place the panel in direct sunlight to charge the battery pack.
This type of pump will operate the fountain via solar energy during the day.
Then, if you want to run your fountain at night, the battery mode will operate the fountain when the sun goes down.
Solar pump/panel kits without battery packs: These kits include the pump, necessary cords, and solar panel.
To use, you place the pump in your fountain basin, connect the cord to the solar panel, and place the solar panel in direct sunlight.
The panel will not store solar energy so the fountain will only operate when the panel is in direct sun.
What Size Pump Do I Need for My Fountain
There’s more to selecting a fountain pump than just choosing the type of pump you’ll need. Water fountain pumps are sized by their flow rate and pressure requirements.
What’s GPH and How Many Do I Need For My Fountain?
GPH measures the number of gallons of water per hour a pump will circulate.
According to hunker, you can measure this by taking the diameter of the fountain spout and multiplying that by 100. For example, a smaller outdoor fountain with a 1-inch diameter spout will need a pump that has at least 100 GPH capabilities.
Determine the Maximum Lift or “Max Head” For Your Fountain
The maximum lift or “max head rating” is the height of the fountain from the pump to the fountain head or spout. This indicates the measurement at which the pump will need to push the water to reach the spout or head. Once you have the measurement, choose a pump that is at least 1.5 times the head height.
So, if a fountain has a head height of 40 inches, you will want to choose a pump that has a maximum lift of at least 60 inches or more to ensure strong water flow in and out of the fountain. If you are afraid that the pump may be too strong, you can also get a flow reducer to slow the flow down or purchase a pump with flow control to put on a lower setting.
Alternately, if you know you want a slower trickle-type flow for your fountain, you could purchase a pump for a shorter head height (like a 50-inch head height for a 40-inch head height).
Ensure that the Water Pump Tubing is the Correct Size
The size of the outlet on the pump, where the fountain hose attaches to, is called the “discharge size”.
You’ll want to double check the size of the outlet will fit with the fountain’s tube, or if the pump comes with tubing, that the tubing will fit with the fountain’s spout.
Please note, sometimes pumps will include adapters that will make them more universal with fountain hoses and those make it easier to ensure a proper fit.
The perfect size water pump will help increase the lifespan of your favorite indoor or outdoor water fountain.
By simply taking a few measurements to calculate the needed GPH, maximum lift and discharge size, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your water feature.
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