Comparison Euroaqua LPA 40-14-550 14 m

180 mm

vs Nasosy plus BPS 32-8S-180 8.6 m

2"

180 mm

The maximum flow of a pump is the amount of liquid it can pump in a certain amount of time.

Features of choosing the optimal performance option depend primarily on the purpose of the pump (see above). For example, for DHW recirculation models, the pump performance should not exceed the performance of the water heater. If the water heater is capable of delivering 10 litres per minute to the DHW circuit, then the maximum pump performance will be 10*60=600 L/h. The basic formula for calculating the performance of a heating system takes into account the power of the heater and the temperature difference at the inlet and outlet, and for the cold water system — the number of points of water intake. More detailed information about the calculations for each application can be found in special sources, and it is better to entrust the calculations themselves to professionals.

The head can be described as the maximum height to which a pump can lift liquid through a vertical pipe without bending or branching. This parameter is directly related to the pressure that the pump produces: 10 m of head approximately corresponds to a pressure of 1 bar (do not confuse this parameter with operating pressure — see more about it below).

The head is one of the key specs for most circulation pumps. Traditionally, it is calculated based on the difference in height between the location of the pump and the highest point of the system; however, this principle is relevant only for units that boost the pressure of cold water(see "Suitable for"). Circulation pumps for heating and DHW work with closed circuits, and the optimal pressure depends on the total hydraulic resistance of the system. Detailed calculation formulas for the first and second cases can be found in special sources.

The lowest fluid temperature at which the pump is capable of operating normally.

Almost all pumps can normally transfer cool water, regardless of the purpose (see above); therefore, for normal household use, this parameter is not critical and for some models, it may not be indicated at all. But if you need the ability to work with liquids with temperatures below 15 °C, you should pay close attention to the minimum temperature. Some models that can be used with antifreeze normally tolerate even temperatures below zero.

— Number of speeds. The number of speeds provided in the design of the pump. Each speed corresponds to its performance value (see above). The options could be:

• 1 speed. There are no adjustments in such models; when turned on, the pump can operate only at one speed. This is the simplest and most inexpensive option, due to the absence of additional elements (regulators) in the design. Of course, it is convenient only in cases where the unit must operate at full capacity every time it is turned on.
• 2 speeds. 2 speeds give the user some degree of choice: the pump does not have to be turned on at full power — when it is not required, the unit can be run at reduced power to save electricity and not wear out the mechanisms beyond what is necessary.
• 3 speeds. The largest number of adjustments found in modern pumps — it makes no sense to provide a larger number for many reasons. It gives even more options for setting operation parameters than 2 speeds.
• Stepless adjustment. This option implies the ability to set the regulator to any position from minimum to maximum (in some models, fixed settings may also be provided, but only as an additional option). It provides maximum freedom and precision in the choice of operating mode. However, it significantly affects the price; and the real need for smooth adjustment occurs quite rarely.

— Automatic operating mode.... The essence of this function differs depending on the purpose of the device (see above). So, in models for increasing the pressure of cold water, the automation turns on the pump when the tap is opened and turns it off when it is closed — a special sensor reacts to the movement of water. In models for heating and domestic hot water, automation is responsible for adjusting the operating parameters — for example, when screwing the valves and reducing the flow rate, the pump can reduce the pressure, as well as, for additional functions, such as an on-off timer. Anyway, this feature makes life easier for the user, eliminating the need to perform certain operations manually and adding new features to the pump; but the specific set of these features depends on the model.

— Display. Various additional information can be displayed on the display: operating mode, performance settings, water temperature, set timers, error messages and much more. It makes management more convenient and intuitive. Pumps usually use the simplest form of black and white LCD screens, but this is quite sufficient for the purposes mentioned.

— Control panel. In this case, the control panel means a panel that has a switch with a choice of operating modes between automatic (see above) and manual. Accordingly, the presence of several modes almost necessarily means the presence of a control panel. But the speed switches themselves are not considered for this function.

The electrical power consumed by the pump during normal operation and maximum performance.

This indicator directly depends on performance — after all, for pumping large volumes of water, an appropriate amount of energy is needed. And the power depends on two main parameters — electricity consumption and the load on the power grid, which determines the connection rules. For example, pumps with a power of more than 5 kW cannot be connected to ordinary household sockets; more detailed rules can be found in special sources.

The type of electric motor provided in the design of the pump.

— Asynchronous. Engines of this type have the simplicity of design and low price, combined with reliability. Their main disadvantage is the dependence of the rotational speed on the load, which leads to the fact that it is difficult to adjust this frequency accurately for such an engine. At the same time, for domestic use, it is not critical and in the professional sphere, it rarely creates difficulties. Therefore, induction motors are very popular in modern pumps.

— Synchronous. Synchronous motors are distinguished by high accuracy in speed control — it practically does not depend on the load on the rotor; this is their main advantage over asynchronous ones. On the other hand, this type is more complex and expensive, and the need for fine adjustment is quite rare. Therefore, synchronous electric motors are mainly installed in high-end pumps designed for use in specific conditions.

Arrangement of the motor shaft in the normal operating position of the pump.

First of all, the general layout of the unit and its suitability for certain conditions depend on this parameter. So, with the most popular coaxial arrangement of holes (see below), the motor shaft, usually, is located perpendicular to the direction of water movement. This means that only a pump with a horizontal shaft is suitable for tapping into a vertical pipe. But for a horizontal line, the choice is related to which direction it is more convenient to turn the pump housing — up (when installed in a narrow, elongated niche) or sideways (when other objects above the pipe interfere with the vertical installation of the unit).

Note that there are universal models that allow both placement options.

The type of connection used to connect the pump to the pipeline.

- Thread. Traditional thread is used in plumbing. This option is typical for thin-walled pipelines that do not require high performance and, therefore, are found mainly in household pumps of relatively low power.

- Flange. The flange looks like an extension, usually in the form of a disk, located at the connection point. When connected, the pump flange and the pipe flange are tightly pressed against each other and tightened with bolts, providing a reliable and tight connection. This design is used in thick-walled pipelines, and therefore flanged pumps are usually of the middle and upper class and have high performance.

For a normal connection, the type of connection provided in the pump must match that provided in the pipes. At the same time, there are adapters from one type to another, which can be used in extreme cases.

The size of the inlet provided in the design of the pump. For plumbing threads (see Connection), the size is traditionally indicated in inches and fractions of an inch (for example, 1" or 3/4"), for flanges, the nominal diameter (DN) of the bore in millimetres is used — for example, DN65.

This parameter must match the dimensions of the mount on the pipe to which the pump is planned to be connected — otherwise, you will have to use adapters, which is not very convenient, and sometimes not recommended at all.