Maximum performance
The maximum volume of water that the device can pump in a certain amount of time. It is one of the key specs of any pump because characterizes the volume of water with which the device can work. At the same time, it does not always make sense to pursue maximum performance — after all, it significantly affects the dimensions and weight of the unit.
Some formulas allow you to derive optimal performance values for different situations. So, if the pump is designed to supply water to water intake points, its minimum required performance should not be lower than the highest total flow rate; if desired, a margin of 20-30% can be added to this value. And for sewer models (see "Suitable for"), everything will depend on the volume of wastewater. More detailed recommendations for choosing a pump depending on performance can be found in special sources.
Maximum head
The maximum head generated by the pump. This parameter is most often indicated in meters, by the height of the water column that the unit can create — in other words, by the height to which it can supply water. You can estimate the pressure created by the pump using a simple formula: every 10 m of head corresponds to a pressure of 1 bar.
It is worth choosing a pump according to this parameter, taking into account the height to which it should supply water, as well as adjusting for losses and the need for pressure in the water supply. To do this, it is necessary to determine the difference in height between the water level and the highest point of water intake, add another 10 to 30 m to this figure (depending on the pressure that needs to be obtained in the water supply), and multiply the result by 1.1 — this will be the minimum pressure required.
Pump type
The basic principle by which the suction action of the pump is carried out.
— Centrifugal. As the name suggests, this type of pump uses centrifugal force. Their main element is the impeller installed in a round casing; the inlet is located on the axis of rotation of this wheel. During operation, due to the centrifugal force that occurs during the rotation of the wheel, the liquid is thrown from the centre to its edges and then enters the outlet pipe directed tangentially to the circle of rotation of the wheel. Centrifugal pumps are quite simple in design and inexpensive, while they are reliable and economical (due to high efficiency), have a large suction height (see below), and the fluid flow is continuous. At the same time, the performance of such units can drop dramatically with high resistance in the water supply system. In addition, if the liquid level is below the inlet, the pump will have to be refilled with water before each start.
— Vortex. Peripheral pumps are somewhat similar to centrifugal pumps: they also have a round casing and an impeller with blades. However, in such units, both the inlet and outlet pipes are directed tangentially to the impeller, and the blades differ in design. The method of operation is also fundamentally different — by the name, of it uses the vortices formed on the wheel blades. Vortex units are significantly superior to centrifugal ones in terms of pressure; in addition, they are usually self-priming (see "Suction...type"), and the design in most cases is such that the pump has to be filled with water only when it is first turned on after installation. On the other hand, such models are sensitive to contamination — even small particles entering the impeller can cause damage, significantly reducing efficiency. Yes, and the efficiency of vortex pumps is low — 2-3 times lower than that of centrifugal pumps; they are also inferior in suction height (see below).
— Centrifugal-vortex. Pumps that combine the two principles described above in operation. Such a unit is a pair of centrifugal and vortex pumps mounted on a common shaft and connected in series. During operation, water first enters the centrifugal wheel, which is responsible for suction, and then to the vortex wheel, which provides pressure. Due to this, it was possible to combine the advantages of both types in one unit — a large suction height, a high pressure and a self-priming device. However, these units cost accordingly.
— Vibratory. The term "membrane" is also used. The action of vibration pumps is based on the use of a flexible membrane, equipped with a device that makes it vibrate. This membrane is one of the walls of the working chamber, and the chamber itself has inlet and outlet valves. When the membrane moves "out" and the volume of the working chamber increases, the inlet valve opens (the outlet is closed), allowing fluid to enter; and when the membrane moves “inward” and pushes the liquid out, on the contrary, the outlet opens. The main advantages of this device are simplicity, compactness, versatility, low cost, ease of regulation and almost complete insensitivity to dry operation. At the same time, the service life of such units is relatively short due to the strong wear of the membrane.
— Auger. The main part of such pumps is precisely the auger — a rotor (or several rotors) in the form of a screw. This design makes the pump very reliable, allows it to achieve high outlet pressure and uniform liquid supply, provides self-priming (see "Suction type"), and also has a low noise level. At the same time, auger units are difficult to manufacture and, accordingly, expensive.
Suction type
The main division in this parameter is related to whether the pump can remove air from the suction line. This, in turn, determines the features of starting the unit.
— Self-priming. Self-priming pumps include all pumps that do not require the complete absence of air in the suction line at startup — it is enough that the pump itself is filled with water. Accordingly, such models are less demanding and normally tolerate air entering the line. However, this requires a reliable design that can normally withstand water hammer, which accordingly affects the cost of the unit.
— Priming. Pumps with this device can only work normally when both the unit body and the suction line are filled with water. If air enters the line, it must be removed or the pump will not be able to start normally. Such models are not as convenient as self-priming ones; at the same time, they are noticeably cheaper, and with the normal quality of the water supply system, there is practically no significant difference between the two varieties.
Suction height
The largest difference between the height of the pump and the height of the water level at which the pump can provide normal suction. Without special devices, the maximum value of this parameter is 7-8 m — this is due to the physics of the process. However, when using an ejector (see below), the suction height can be increased several times.
Maximum particle size
The largest particle size that the pump can handle without problems. This size is the main indicator that determines the purpose of the device (see above); and in general, the larger it is, the more reliable the device, the lower the risk of damage if a foreign object enters the suction line. If the risk of the appearance of too large mechanical impurities is still high, additional protection can be provided with filters or grids at the inlet. However, such a measure should be considered only as a last resort, because from constant exposure to solid particles, the grids become clogged and deformed, which can lead to both clogging of the line and filter breakthrough.
Mechanical impurities
The maximum amount of mechanical impurities in the suction water at which the pump can operate normally (of course, if the particles of these impurities do not exceed the maximum size possible for this model; see above for details). Pure water is considered to be water with an impurity content of up to 20 g per cubic meter, but in sewage, the bill can already go to tens of kilograms per cubic meter.
pH value
The pH value of the pumped liquid for which the pump is designed. This indicator describes the level of acidity of the medium, roughly speaking, how reactive it is to the “acidic” or “alkaline” side: low pH values correspond to an acidic environment, and high pH values are alkaline. Acid and alkaline have different effects on the materials used in the construction of various equipment, including pumps. Therefore, when designing parts in direct contact with the liquid, the pH level must be taken into account, and the use of the pump with unsuitable substances is not recommended — this can lead to corrosion, which affects the composition of the pumped liquid and reduces the life of the unit. However, this parameter is critical mainly for specialized models such as pumps for chemical liquids or sewage (see "Suitable for"). In ordinary water (even dirty) the pH range is not so extensive that it cannot be covered entirely.
Maximum power
Rated power of the pump motor. The more powerful the engine, the higher the performance of the unit, usually, the greater the pressure, suction height, etc. Of course, these parameters largely depend on other features (primarily the pump type, see above); but models similar in design can be compared in terms of power.
Note that high power, usually, increases the size, weight and cost of the pump, and also implies high costs of electricity or fuel (see "Power source"). Therefore, it is worth choosing a pump according to this parameter taking into account the specific situation; more detailed recommendations can be found in special sources.
