EDDY Pumps are very versatile and designed to be applied to a very broad range of pump applications. EDDY Pumps excel in extremely difficult applications, and are specifically suited for pumping slurry, high solids, extremely viscous material, paste, high abrasives (sand & gravel) and material filled with solids. Even though EDDY Pumps are used for a wide range of pump applications, there are specifics to consider when using any industrial pump.
The following are some specifics when installing an industrial pump into an application.
• Leak Prevention – Before installing check all pump fasteners to make sure they are tight. All fittings must be airtight, or the pump’s suction abilities can be reduced or lost. Test the pumping system to ensure no leaks at piping and hose connections. Even the smallest leaks can prevent the pump from doing its job correctly.
• The best location for the pump will be the shortest and straightest hook-up of the inlet and discharge piping or hose. Pump should be placed as close to the source of fluid that is to be pumped so that the pump’s suction capabilities are not hindered. The proper diameter pipe or hose, and connections should be sized properly to keep the pipe friction losses to a minimum. Piping or hose should be the same size or larger than the diameter of the pump inlet and discharge ports.
• For applications where the vacuum requirements to draw the liquid into the pump are greater than the self-priming ability of the pump, relocation of the pump could be required. In this type of situation, move the pump closer to the fluid that is to be pumped.
• If the pump must be located away from the liquid to be pumped that is greater than the self-priming ability of the pump when the pump is dry (no liquid to the pump initially), an inability to draw the fluid to the inlet port will be experienced. If this condition is experienced, an artificial means of forcing fluid to the pump could be required.
• Never use a pump in an application where chemical compatibility and/or temperature limits exceed the pump’s limitations.
Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) is an important consideration when trying to avoid cavitation. Cavitation can cause damage to the internal components of a pump (seals, rotors, bearings, etc.), and also hinder pump performance. Cavitation is a condition where the fluid entering a pump changes to a vapor. NPSHa is the absolute NPSH required at the inlet port of the pump. NPSHr is the required NPSH at the inlet port of the pump. When NPSHa is less than NPSHr cavitation will occur. Oftentimes, this is a result of the vacuum (suction) at the inlet port of the pump being too high. This condition is more common on centrifugal pumps, but can be inherent in the operation of other pumps as well. In extreme situations it can cause a pump to lose its prime, but most often causes areas in the wetted path of the pump to become void of fluid and the pump to run dry.
The following are some suggestions to avoid issues caused by cavitation and NPSH at the suction area of the pump:
• Make sure that there are no obstructions in the inlet piping of the pump which can cause an increase in vacuum.
• Use inlet piping or hoses that is equivalent or larger in diameter to the inlet of the pump.
• Shorten the inlet piping or hoses by relocating the pump closer to the fluid being pumped.
Avoiding issues due to NPSH and cavitation can reduce the cost associated with mechanical failures and hindrances of performance of the pump which can equate to greater production, less product downtime, and reduced cost in pump maintenance.
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