Pump Selection Made Simple: What You Absolutely Need to Know

Steel & O'Brien utilizes several tools which assist us in selecting and sizing the correct pump for a specific need, including pump sizing programs, calculations, and conversion software and well over a hundred years of experience and knowledge in our sales and technical engineering departments. The first task in sizing the proper pump is to obtain as much information about the client’s application as possible. Let’s review some of the data we request and why it’s important.

Fluid Information will assist in selecting which pump is the best suited.

Temperature is critical to selecting the right seals and elastomers.

Viscosity is crucial information to the determination of what type of pump to use. Higher viscosity liquids won’t move with a centrifugal pump and extremely high fluids may even cause suction problems which need to be considered.

Specific Gravity is necessary for determining pump model selection as well as the power required to run it.

Flow Rate is helpful because in certain environments like breweries, for example, there may be a need to run the pump at a lower speed to prevent damage to the product, but require a high speed for CIP (clean in place). This is accomplished with the use of an AC inverter, also known as a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive).

Discharge and Suction Pressures must be calculated to get proper performance. This is why we ask questions like line size, total feet, both vertical and horizontal, number of elbows, presence of spray balls, filters, heat exchangers, etc. All of these factors combined tell us the friction loss in the application and is considered and converted into TDH, or total head-in-feet. The source of the liquid entering the pump inlet, like from an open tank, is important to determine if it will be adequately fed to the pump.

Seal Type is an important decision for the long-term performance and reliability of the pump based on your application. Is the fluid tacky and/or abrasive? Does it crystalize when cooled? Single mechanical or double mechanical, carbon or silicon carbide material. BUNA, EPDM, or FKM? 

Power Requirement accuracy is essential and we will determine the horsepower and speed requirements for you. What is often left unknown or unspecified is what type of motor enclosure is required. We offer Premium Efficient TEFC, wash down, stainless steel washdown, or explosion-proof enclosures as well as special service motors like 575 volt and 50Hz power.

To help you select a pump now, we created a Pump Application Data Worksheet which addresses all the elements listed above. Once complete, our team can evaluate your operating requirements and recommend a pump solution tailored specifically to your process, performance goals, and production environment. Whether you’re upgrading existing equipment or designing a new system, our experts are ready to help you find the right sanitary pump solution with confidence and efficiency.