Bigger is not always better!
If you had size 9 feet you wouldn’t wear size 15 shoes. The
same applies with pumps; a properly sized pump can last many years. The longer
it lasts, the more money you save!
Rule of
Thumb: If your pump didn’t last 5 years, there is likely a pump better suited
for the job.
A tool that can help you to determine if the pump is
operating efficiently is a pump discharge test gauge. The test gauge can either
be used during installation or can be installed permanently. Installing the
test gauge at the top of your discharge piping allows you to verify pump
operating pressure during startup.
2.31 Feet = 1
PSI
The image below shows an example of how the gauge can work to extend
the life of your pump.
Pump Curve
|
Test Gauge Reading
The numbers below indicate pressure reading on 0-30 PSI Pump Discharge Test Gauge.
1. 6 PSI = 13.86 Head, Ft.
Correctly Sized
2. 10 PSI = 23.1 Head, Ft.
Undersized
3. 2 PSI = 4.62 Head, Ft.
Oversized
|
In
comparing the pumps performance curve(left) with the pressure reading we can
determine that the pump is operating at or near the middle of the curve. The
red areas are known as the No Zone and are commonly referred to as “off the
curve”. Keeping the pump running on or near the middle of the performance curve
is the objective to ensure long pump life.
Shop Pump Discharge Test Gauges
|
PSI
|
1"
|
1.25"
|
1.5"
|
2"
|
|
0-15
|
1", 0-15 PSI
|
1.25", 0-15 PSI
|
1.5", 0-15 PSI
|
2", 0-15 PSI
|
|
0-30
|
1", 0-30 PSI
|
1.25", 0-30 PSI
|
1.5", 0-30 PSI
|
2", 0-30 PSI
|
|
0-60
|
1", 0-60 PSI
|
1.25", 0-60 PSI
|
1.5", 0-60 PSI
|
2", 0-60 PSI
|
|
0-100
|
1", 0-100 PSI
|
1.25", 0-100 PSI
|
1.5", 0-100 PSI
|
2", 0-100 PSI
|
|
0-200
|
1", 0-200 PSI
|
1.25", 0-200 PSI
|
1.5", 0-200 PSI
|
2", 0-200 PSI
|
|
0-300
|
1", 0-300 PSI
|
1.25" 0-300 PSI
|
1.5", 0-300 PSI
|
2", 0-300 PSI
|
*BOLD = Most Versitile/Recommended