6 - Pump specification and selection

Abstract

A good pump specification is often considered as the foundation or the basis of pump reliability over its years of operation. It is the first document prepared for a pump by the user and is often the most vital. A pump specification is a document that is preceded by system analysis and mechanical requirements. Preparation of a pump specification document is a multidisciplinary team effort, which involves the process engineers, mechanical engineers, contractors, and the pump vendors. Pump specifications should provide as much information as possible about the liquid properties. The pump specification document or a data sheet is an organized format. A data sheet format is organized for providing or demanding the following information: project information, operating (liquid) data, pumping (system) data, site conditions, pump driver information, design operating conditions, and pump design. Thus a clear understanding of the pump operating and system requirements leads to the selection of a pump that would be efficient and reliable. Omissions and ambiguity at this early stage can prove to be a very expensive mistake. To lower pump life cycle costs, it is essential to specify and select the pumps correctly.