Feature svstem & pump curves: 'We're all just a bunch of pumps and hose'

摘要

In this article, Larry Bachus (aka The Pump Guy) explains the different elements that constitute typical system and pump curves, and emphasizes the importance of correctly marrying the two in order to obtain optimized performance and long life from the pump. I went to the hardware store the other day to buy a half-inch drill bit. I paid USD8.00 cash and left the store. As I was driving home I realized that I really didn't want the drill bit. I didn't want to own or pay for that drill bit. I really needed a half-inch hole. Why wouldn't they sell me the half-inch hole? This is the problem with pump curves and system curves. All too often, we start with the pump and put it into a pumping system. Maybe it works and maybe it doesn't. We really need to start with the pumping system and select or buy a pump that properly mates to the system. But, for some reason we often do things backwards. I'm just as guilty as others in the industry. When I was in active maintenance, I'd call the local pump supply house and inquire about their pump model that compared to the problematic pump model I had. You see, what I didn't know was that my pump was problematic because it was poorly mated to its system. And buying another brand of pump that compares favourably with my problematic pump meant I was only buying more problems and multiplying my parts inventory. I should have started with the system.