9 Factors to Consider when Buying a New Pump

When buying a new pump, consider the following factors to help you select the right one for your specific application: 

• Application & Fluid Type – think about what the pump will be used for (chemical processing, food and beverage, wastewater, etc.). What type of fluid will it handle? Consider the chemical composition of that fluid / pumped material. Is it viscous? Is it pumped at high temperatures or high pressure? This leads to our next consideration. 

• Flow Rate & Pressure – every application has a required flow rate; either gallons per minute (GPM) or liters per minute (LPM), so make sure you know the accurate pressure (head) needed to move the fluid. 

• Pump Type – centrifugal pumps are best for low-viscosity fluids and high-flow applications, while positive displacement pumps are ideal for high-viscosity and precise dosing applications. Submersible pumps are typically used for wastewater, deep-well, and submerged applications. 

• Material Compatibility – your specific application may dictate which materials are required in your pumping equipment. There are pumps that are manufactured with corrosion and wear-resistant materials, so learn about special alloys and materials that manufacturers offer. Some of these materials can provide energy efficiencies or improve mean-time-between-repair.  

• Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs – pumps are estimated to consume around 10–20% of a plant’s energy usage, so looking for energy-efficient models to reduce power consumption can translate to real cost savings over time. 

• Space Constraints & Electrical Requirements – check your physical space available around the pump and be aware of the piping and electrical connections required. How much space is needed for mounting/installation? How much space is required to pull the pump out for repair? Consider how your space affects maintenance activities and servicing costs. Which leads us to our next factor… 

• Maintenance & Reliability – when we choose pumps with lower maintenance requirements, it means our maintenance team is enabled to spend their time on all the equipment that requires attention. Think about selecting a pump that comes with local service support and easy access to spare parts.  

• Environmental & Safety Regulations – it is critical to stay in compliance, so know the industry standards the pump is required to meet. There are many options to select the best ANSI and API pumps, so you will want to also know emissions limitations as well as noise and containment requirements. 

• Budget for spares – budgets will dictate what you can buy and when, but it makes sense to purchase a spare pump when budget allows. The reality is that a replacement pump can take between 8-12 weeks to arrive, and in some cases, lost production can cost plants up to $10 Millon per day. This is why many people order spare pumps to keep on hand.  

Can’t figure out which pump you should select? Connect with ProFlow Pumping Solutions to get some help with finding the right pump for your specific application. Our specialists have been doing this since 1996. We can make recommendations for your specific application – no matter how unique!