Pumping Station

What Is a Pump? A pump is a machine or device for raising, transferring, or compressing fluids. Pumps represent the largest single use of power in the industry (31%) by motor-driven equipment. Process variables, including pressure and flow of gases and liquids, have long been regulated using mechanical clutches, throttles, and adjustable inlet guide vanes. Pumps often operate as a variable torque load, a load that increases as the speed increases. These mechanisms waste energy, require frequent maintenance, and provide inaccurate control.

Purpose of this Guide to pump procurement This Guide provides an introduction to the very complex subject of the selection of pumps. It is aimed at anyone who wishes to purchase or select a pump and, at the same time, wishes to save money on their energy bill. Almost invariably, this saving will be far more than the first cost of the pump. The reader may be the end user, a contractor, or a consultant. This Guide provides the reader with the basic principles of pump procurement, giving pointers to the pump type and performance they should consider. Pumps are divided into their main types, then their basic construction and performance are considered, their principal applications are described, the basic principles of pump selection are explained and, last but not least, target efficiencies are set to help minimize energy usage. The hope is that both pump users and the environment will benefit.