The vast majority of centrifugal pumps are used for pumping water, water-based solutions, and liquids with properties similar to water.
The operating manual for almost any such equipment states that the pump can be used to transfer liquids that do not cause corrosion to the materials the pump is made of and are similar to water in properties.
Unfortunately, the manuals and technical literature do not provide clear viscosity or density comparisons between water and other liquids that would define this “similarity.” Therefore, the applicability of pumping equipment for certain liquids is based not only on documentation but also on practical experience with similar equipment.
Our company has successful experience using such pumps for transferring products such as: milk, sunflower oil, soybean oil, whey, mash, distillery slop, UAN (urea-ammonium nitrate mixtures), 30% ethylene glycol solution, 35% propylene glycol solution, industrial oil I-5A, and others.
The user should note that the pump’s flow-head characteristic (the so-called Q-H curve) is provided for water at a temperature of 20°C. Accordingly, when pumping other liquids (e.g., sunflower oil or transformer oil), these characteristics will differ.
The actual operating parameters of a centrifugal pump are flow rate (i.e. output over a certain time) and working pressure (head). These parameters can be monitored using a flow meter and pressure measuring devices (manometer, electronic pressure switch, etc.).
Another important indicator is the consumed current, which reflects the level of power usage. If the current exceeds the nominal values, it indicates that the pump is operating outside its optimal range. For example, it may work normally with water, but the current may rise significantly with more viscous fluids.
If using a console pump with a coupling connection to an electric motor, the issue can be resolved by installing a more powerful motor. If the pump is monoblock in design, the flow rate can be reduced by partially closing a shut-off valve (such as a ball valve or a butterfly valve) on the discharge line. This will reduce motor load at the expense of reduced capacity.
Before purchasing or using a pump, our clients can find complete technical information on our websites: prom-nasos.com.ua, prom-nasos.pro, sealing.com.ua. You can also request a consultation on any questions requiring clarification.
