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Pumps Solutions Australasia Reveals Factors Involved in the Selection of Centrifugal Pumps

Announcement posted by Pump Solutions Australasia 06 Mar 2014

Buyer and seller of pumps in Australia provides insight into what to consider when buying or maintaining this kind of pump.
Perth, WA, 6 March 2014 - Pumps are used all over the country and the world to transport liquids that would otherwise be very difficult to move around. These fluids include water, slurry, oil, sewage and industrial chemicals. The uses of the pumps are as diverse as the types, such as gear, vane, piston, peristaltic, diaphragm or vacuum pumps, which use different methods to get the job done.
 
Now, with today’s industrial development, there is one type of pump that has become a common choice for several processes—the centrifugal pump. Most commonly used in the movement of water, sewage and numerous industrial chemicals, this type of pump uses a motor driven impeller rotating to transport different materials. It does so by converting the electrical energy of the motor into the kinetic power necessary to move large amounts of matter. Centrifugal pumps are used in a variety of settings, ranging from residential, such as pool water pumps, to industrial plants, waste treatment facilities, mining, agriculture, etc.
 
Even within the category of centrifugal pumps, there are slight differences between the makes and models, making a specific pump ideal for a specific application. Centrifugal pumps are most commonly used in dry installation, where as a submersible pump is designed to be installed submerged in the product being pumped. A submersible pump is, simply put, a centrifugal pump which is driven by a motor which is waterproof and can operate under water.
 
Regardless of individual differences, some things are important to take into consideration when purchasing a new pump or when trying to maintain one. Mike Hurlbatt, owner of Pump Solutions Australasia, can shed some light into exactly what these factors are:
 
“When trying to find the best centrifugal pump for you or your company, there are a multitude of factors to take into consideration, with a few key ones that stand out.”
 
He goes on to explain more in-depth factors to look out for when owning a centrifugal pump, including how to make sure a pump runs smoothly.
 
“A few tips are important for maintaining your pump and preventing damage to it. You never want to dry-run this kind of pump, meaning that you don’t want to run the system while there is no liquid inside. This could damage the pumps shaft seal, be it a mechanical seal or gland packing. Also, check the correlation between pressure and flow, as one should increase while the other decreases, both at a steady rate.”
 
He then gives advice as to what extra add-ons would be beneficial to the functioning and control of a pump system.
 
“While some centrifugal pump systems already come with everything you need, some don’t and it’s a good idea to make sure that you have all the essential valves and gauges. Pressure gauges and similar instruments are important for troubleshooting and establishing whether everything is working the way it should. Most pumping systems require valves on both the suction and discharge and in some cases also require check valves.”
 
Mr Hurlbatt concludes with parting advice about how to take care of a quality pump.
 
“Just like any machine, pumps need to be taken care of, so perform regular maintenance on them. As always, my company is here to help, too.”
 
Pump Solutions Australasia is experienced in the supply, maintenance and repair of most types and makes of pumps. They pride themselves on their services and are always happy to assist with advice on selecting or operating your pumps and pumping systems. To learn more about their centrifugal, submersible and other kinds of pumps, please call them on 1300 922 973 or visit their website: http://www.psa-pumps.com.au/