Choosing the right pump can be a very important decision in some settings. In an industrial setting, the right pump for the right job is a service for years. The wrong pump, or even the right pump that is not replaced or that is poorly maintained, usually means a disaster sooner or later.
One only has to look at the market for industrial pumps, to see that there are literally dozens of designs and applications from which to choose. With so many options, how can buyers be sure of purchasing the right industrial pump for the job? Making the right purchasing decision in the matter of industrial pumps requires a little bit of research and investigation on the part of the buyer, as well as some dedication to shopping and searching for the right pump that gets the job done in an optimal fashion. Getting to know the different options on the market can be a good place to start. Buyers need to know the project that the pump is needed for well enough to supply the four primary points of pump data for choosing the right pump for the job. Consider whether the project might require two or more pumps to be maximally effective.
A savvy and determined shopper can visit dozens of brick and mortar establishments and purveyors of industrial equipment before finding the right pump (or pumps) for them.
- Know the types of pump on the market
Making an informed investment in the right industrial pump means having a good idea of all of the different pumps and products on the market. There is a variety of pumps on the market, each one designed to meet specific and even specialized needs. The table below outlines the advantages of a few of the primary pump technologies:
If none of these quite fits the bill for a given project, buyers should not be discouraged. There are multitudes of specialty and custom pumps on the marketplace that are designed to suit virtually any project’s demands. There are special application pumps that are available to suit virtually any set of needs and considerations, so buyers should keep looking.
- Remember the four prime points of pump data
In order to select the best industrial pump for any given job, there are four questions that need to be answered. When buyers have the answers to these four questions, determining the proper pump for the project is a breeze. The questions are as follows:
What is the total head, or pressure, against which the pump has to operate? What is the desired flow rate? What is the suction lift? What are the characteristics of the fluid?
When buyers piece together the answers to all four of these questions, it becomes much easier to dramatically pare down the list of pumps that suit the task at hand. This may mean a bit of extra research on the part of the shopper, but it is well worth it to ensure that the proper industrial pump is in place, doing the optimal job and saving hundreds to thousands of dollars in the long term.
- Some projects need more than one pump
Sometimes it takes more than one pump to do the job. There are many applications wherein more than one industrial pump is appropriate, some where it is optimal, and then there are even those applications where more than one pump in necessary. If the project one is selecting a pump for is particularly large or heavy duty, it is not uncommon for multiple pumps to be the ideal approach and resolution. This may also be the case in the event of certain piping arrangements and pressures.
Those individuals who suspect that their project may require two or more pumps should take the time and make the financial investment in consulting with a professional before moving ahead with the shopping for and purchasing of pumps. Consulting with a professional in these matters is, in fact, never discouraged. The insight of a professional is more than capable of paying for itself, as their guidance can mean the difference of hundreds to thousands of dollars annually in efficiency.
- Build rapport with trusted and reputable sellers
Chances are, if a project requires an industrial pump, there are many other industrial supplies, equipment, and machinery that are also being sought. At the very least, it is reasonable to plan ahead for the day when a replacement pump is needed, and buyers should be assured that day will come.
Savvy industrial supplies and equipment shoppers make it a point to seek out and build strong customer-to-client relationships with respected and trusted merchants and sellers. Developing these kinds of connections can open doors to a variety of opportunities, including special offers, bargains, and even first opportunities at new and choice items and selection.
Taking the time and care to build customer loyalty with a few well-regarded and well-connected merchants and names in the industry may take an investment of months and even years, but the payoff is the insider advice of an expert when choosing all variety of industrial supplies and equipment, including pumps.
- Know how the pump should be powered
One of the mandatory considerations to make before purchasing an industrial pump or pumps is how the pump should be powered. Specifically, project managers and pump purchasers need to know from where the power operating the pump is coming.
Factored into the question of the pump’s power source are such considerations as whether the pump is to be placed indoors or outdoors as well as from what variety of materials the pump should be made. If it is positioned outdoors, there is the chance the pump and its contents may freeze, so investing in a pump that is made from materials that can withstand any potential temperature or exposure is advised.
Conclusion
When it comes time to shop for industrial supplies, equipment, and machinery, do not cut corners when picking the right pump for the job. There are a number of easy steps and research that buyers can do before entering the industrial pump marketplace, and taking the time to follow this and other traditional investment purchase advice ensures that the right pump or pumps is purchased and installed the first time. Purchasing and installing the right pump the first time means time and energy is saved, along with hundreds and even thousands of dollars.
Before entering the industrial pump marketplace, buyers should take the time to glean some general knowledge about the variety of pumps that are available on the market, as well as their specific benefits and specializations. Buyers should make a note of the head, the desired flow rate, the suction list, and the characteristics of the fluid, as these are all important items of data in determining the ideal industrial pump. Consider also if perhaps the project might require more than one pump. Purchase industrial equipment and pumps from brands and sellers that are trusted, and take the time to develop good relationships with reputable merchants.
Finding the right industrial pump at a brick and mortar establishment can mean days and even weeks of visiting different places and following leads. Savvy shoppers of industrial equipment have begun taking their business to online shopping sites such as eBay for a maximum variety quality pumps and industrial equipment and supplies to fit any budget.
