It is crucial to evaluate the materials used in a pump’s construction and whether they are suitable for your application when buying one. Even though some materials may initially be less expensive, if they are mishandled, they may cost more in the long run owing to early failure or unanticipated damage and replacement expenses. Various materials offer variable chemical harm and corrosion resistance levels. There are a lot of things to take into account when choosing an appropriate material for a pump.

Type of liquid

Each type of liquid has unique features, including pressure tightness, endurance limit, strength, and galling characteristics. Therefore, the type of liquid being pumped will also affect your chosen pump material. These characteristics will define the temperature range that the material can tolerate and whether it can endure the corrosive, erosive, and abrasive effects of the liquid. A component built with a less suitable material will wear out more quickly and require extensive maintenance and replacement.

Flow and velocity

Flow and velocity are other crucial factors. A pump that is idle for extended periods will develop corrosion at a different pace than a pump that is always in use. Similar to how a substance may resist corrosion well in water that is moving quickly yet become more vulnerable in water that is standing still. So, consider the fluid’s flow and velocity when choosing a pump at Pumpbiz.

The pumps elements

The pump’s components are one of the key elements influencing material choice. A variety of materials can be used to build pumps. Thus, the materials used to make the components should be chosen based on what will work best and last the longest for a given application. For instance, when working with acids, it’s crucial to employ chemical pumps made of corrosion-resistant materials that are very effective and require little upkeep.

Equipment requirements

Consider the expected reliability of the pump. What is the expected minimum lifespan? Is this a piece of machinery that, if necessary, can be economically maintained or repaired? If it’s an essential part of the application, the requirement for the best materials might trump the desire to reduce the purchase cost.

Let’s examine cast iron vs. a stainless steel material. Cast iron is typically the least expensive option when choosing a material for spinning elements and casings. But be careful, though. Cast iron is resistant to abrasion, although it has weak corrosion-resistant qualities. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is a frequently used material for pumps and valves due to its ability to resist corrosion.

It is necessary to be aware of the various forms of corrosion and the variables that affect the corrosion rate to choose suitable materials. Selecting a material that can endure several forces, such as corrosion, erosion, and cavitation, might be challenging. A good rule of thumb is to choose materials that will resist corrosion first and then select the one with the best cavitation or abrasion resistance.

The bottom line

Choosing the appropriate materials for a pump’s application requires knowledge of the fluid’s properties to reduce excessive maintenance expenses and downtime.