Recommendations from Sisdoz for Pump Selection Steps in Processes
There are many types of pumps with different technologies used for the transfer, dosing and circulation of all kinds of fluids in industrial processes and water treatment applications.
Choosing and using the right pump according to the characteristics of the process and the fluid positively affects the operational costs. Making the right pump investment ensures trouble-free and problem - free production, optimizes energy costs and reduces the time and costs spent for service, maintenance and spare parts.
Sisdoz Inc. For this purpose, with the equipment in its portfolio, after-sales services and operational support, it fulfills the following procedures.
What is the Pump Demanded for?
Since
pumps can be used in all areas of our lives, first of all, it is necessary to decide why there is a need for pumps. Whichever of the options such as transfer, dosage, circulation, pressurization is for our purpose, we narrow the selection criteria from the very beginning and head towards the right.
For example, if there is a chemical dosage, we will start from the right point by turning
to dosing pump alternatives, if there is transfer between tanks, warehouses, etc., various transfer pumps alternatives, if stationary or mobile use is concerned, we look after related pump types accordingly.
Fluid Properties Must Be Determined
In order to make the right pump investment, the properties of the fluid to be transferred must be determined. These parameters are density (gr/cm3), viscosity (cP), pH, percentage concentration of chemical, percentage content if solid particles are present, particle size and temperature value.
According to these determined parameters, the suitability of the pump components that will come into contact with the fluid will be checked from the Chemical Resistance reference tables.
Process Values Must Be Revealed
Suction and discharge conditions at the point where the pump will be used are necessary for our investment to be made correctly. At the point to be used in the facility, the question of whether the fluid comes to the pump by attraction or whether suction is required is important for determining the details of the discharge line and the type of pump.
If suction is required, additional accessories can be planned to prevent the pump from running dry (idle). Relevant conditions must also be set for the pump’s outlet line. If there is a pre-installed piping, the performance values should be calculated according to this installation.
What are Performance Values?
The needs for the fluid in which the pump will be used in the enterprise should be determined. Our capacity should be determined by considering values such as m3/hour, lt/ min and future needs, besides, the pressure at the pump outlet should be determined by values such as bar, mbar, and meters.
If the pressure value cannot be revealed, the calculation should be made by revealing the fluid properties based on the existing or to be installed piping lines or their diameters. If there is no gravity or pressure loading, it will be necessary to review the pressure values in the suction line of the pump.
Working Period of the Pump
This criteria is important for making the right pump investment. If we are looking for a pump that will operate on a 24/7 basis, we are talking about a heavy-duty process pump.
But if we need a product that will work for a short period of time at certain times of the day or week, different and more economical alternatives can be evaluated.
For example, if a peristaltic pump is selected for continuous operation, it can be selected at a speed of 10-15 rpm, if it is to work for 2 hours and for 1 hour by stopping, it is 50-60 rpm, and if it is to be worked for only 1-2 hours a day, it is 90-100 rpm. speeds can be selected.
Power Alternatives
Pumps can be powered by electricity, compressed air, hydraulic pressure, diesel engine or vehicle shaft. If the alternatives in the facility or a mobile pump will be used, the most correct drive alternative should be selected by evaluating the available possibilities.
The determination of the power for this selected alternative motor will be primarily from the pump characteristic curves, and then the fluid and line properties will be taken into account.
Control Alternatives
Whether the pump to be used will operate at fixed performance values or whether there will be a capacity adjustment according to the process values is also a criteria to be decided.
If there will be capacity changes, it should be evaluated whether this process will be done manually or with an external signal from the automation system, and a design should be made to make the pump control mechanism coupled to the drive motor or external sources.
Accessory Selection is Important
There are many accessories and safety equipment options that can be used both on the pump and in the suction and discharge lines, depending on the process conditions and the types of the pumps. It is not always necessary to use all of these options, but some alternatives can be of life-saving importance.
For example, if there is a situation such as the pump running idly, a dry-running prevention system should be used, if there is a risk of high pressure in the discharge line, a high-pressure prevention system or pressure relief system, if a stable flow is desired but the selected pump type is a pulsating model, a pulsation damper should be used.
Indispensable in Piping System
In order to ensure trouble-free maintenance and intervention in our installed pump system, cut-off valves must be installed on the suction and discharge lines. In case of long pipelines, it is important to use anti-vibration compensator or flexible connection in any case.
In addition, the use of pressure gauges or sensors in the suction and discharge lines to monitor the system performance enables observation and intervention in any adverse situation. Where the pump will be mounted, a suitable area for maintenance must be planned.
Needed International Norms
While no certification is required for pumps selected in standard applications, ATEX norms and Ex-Proof features are sought in applications in some sectors due to the characteristics of the medium or fluid.
This requirement is essential for explosive and flammable fluid applications. In the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, 3A Sanitary and FDA certificates, which are
international certificates, are required in accordance with hygienic standards, and the relevant pumps must be produced and certified to meet these norms.
Supplier Company Selection
As with all products in our lives, one of the most important issues in the selection and purchase of the pump to be used for our facility is the supplier company.
It is important to be able to work with a team that can provide engineering services from the determination of the process conditions, to the selection of the pump, to its commissioning after supply, to the spare parts and service needs that will occur during and after use.
In addition to all the criteria mentioned, the selection of the supplier company is also very important in order for the investment to be made correctly and to have a long life, and the issue should be evaluated meticulously.
Kadir Fakioğlu
Industrial Division Sales Manager
Sisdoz A.Ş.
