There are many types of pumps in the market, and choosing the right one for your application can be overwhelming. They all differ in technology and application, and your choice largely depends on the media you wish to pump or transmit. You need to consider the characteristics of the fluid, including viscosity, flow rate, pressure, discharge head, and others. Here is your guide for choosing the right pump for your application.

Characteristics of the fluid

Before you head to PumpBiz to browse the wide selection of pumps, you should consider the characteristics of the fluid you want to pump. This is important for avoiding the corrosion aspect and ensuring premature wear of the pump. Ideally, you should understand the chemical composition of the fluid and consider features such as viscosity and the solid elements in it.

Knowing all the fluid’s features helps you select superior pump technology and the right construction materials to connect it. Here is a breakdown of the fluid characteristics.

Chemical characteristics

The chemical characteristics of the fluid you want to transmit determine your choice of a pump. What are its chemical features? Is it clean? What is its consistency? That ensures you won’t select a pump that the fluid can corrode or damage.

The flow rate

The flow rate is determined in gallons per minute which translates to the pump’s diameter measurement. If you want a more flow rate, you should opt for a pump with a larger diameter size and vice versa.

Temperature

You also need to evaluate the temperature of the fluid you want to transmit and how it impacts other aspects of the transmission. How hot will the liquid be? Will it affect the pump’s material?

Viscosity

Viscosity is a critical aspect to consider when choosing a pump. This refers to the fluid’s resistance to uniform flow. Note that the more viscous the fluid is, the more challenging the flow through the pump will be. Liquids are divided into four groups when it comes to viscosity:

• Water, alcohol, and oil- these move in the same direction no matter the speed and agitation level.
• Food products- these include butter and cream whose viscosity increased according to agitation levels. Here standard centrifugal pumps come in handy.
• Fluids with a threshold to be met before flowing make the third group. Here the viscosity decreases with agitation.
• Greases, adhesives, and paints make the fourth group. They are thick at rest, but the viscosity decreases with constant agitation.

Generally, centrifugal pumps are suited for low viscosity fluids, while positive displacement pumps are suitable for viscous liquids.

Pressure

You also need to consider the pressure conditions of the inlet and outlet points on the pump.

The suction head

This refers to the height between the entry point of the suction pipe and the pump. Experts suggest that the suction head should not surpass 10meters; otherwise, it is necessary to opt for a submersible pump.

The bottom line

The fluid you want to pump is the primary determinant of the right pump. You should consider all the aspects of the liquid, including the flow rate, viscosity, pressure, and chemical elements.