Suitable for
— Pure water. Pure water pumps conventionally include all models for which the maximum particle size (see below) does not exceed 5 mm; in addition, the permissible content of mechanical impurities (also see below) for them is also small. Accordingly, many of these models are capable of pumping water with impurities normally, but they are not suitable for heavily contaminated liquids.
— Dirty water. This category includes pumps capable of working with large mechanical impurities — more than 5 mm. Note that some manufacturers position such models as mixed-use units, “for dirty and clean water”. However, they have a reinforced design, the presence of a grinder capable of grinding the particles mentioned, a reinforced body, an increased diameter of pipes, increased power, etc. .P. The main difference between such pumps and waste water pumps (see above) is the impossibility of working with high-viscosity liquids.
— Waste water. Waste water pumps are in many ways similar to the models for dirty water described above because they also have to deal with large particles. The main difference is the allowable size of these particles — it is 50 mm or more; in addition, the entire design of such pumps is created based on the high viscosity of the pumped liquid.
— Chemical liquids. Pumps designed to work with chemical liquids are distinguished primarily by the use of highly resistant materials in the design — usually polymers. Due to this, they can endur...e working with aggressive substances without consequences — acids, alkalis, oil products, solvents, liquefied gases, etc. In addition, other special solutions are often used in “chemical” pumps, which allow the safe pumping of flammable and explosive materials, very cold, hot, viscous liquids, etc. The main scope of such units is the industry — both chemical and oil, food, etc. Note that different models can be designed for different types of substances.
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 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.
Maximum liquid temperature
The highest temperature of water at which the pump is capable of operating normally. Usually, in most models this parameter is 35-40 °C — at high temperatures it is difficult to ensure effective cooling of the engine and moving parts, and in fact, such conditions are rare.
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.
Dry run protection
A system that protects the unit from running without water.
The dry running mode is abnormal for any pump: at best, the mechanism of the unit in this mode experiences increased loads, and at worst, the device may fail and even a serious accident. This feature allows you to prevent such consequences. The specific method of protection against dry running may be different; one of the most popular options is a float switch (see below). However, in addition, flow sensors, pressure or level switches can be used. These details depend both on the general type of pump and on the specific model; they should be specified separately in each case.
Grinder
A device for grinding large mechanical impurities contained in the pumped liquid.
The grinder is installed at the pump inlet, in front of the main mechanism. Its task is to protect this mechanism from jamming and/or damage: the grinder crushes the impurities contained in the water into small particles, which the pump itself can handle without any problems.
This function is most relevant when working with heavily contaminated liquids; so most units with grinders are designed for dirty water or sewerage (see “Suitable for”). At the same time, a similar function can also be found in models for clean water — it increases overall reliability and provides an additional guarantee in case large particles do end up in the water.
Volume of water pressure tank
The volume of the water pressure tank provided in the design of the pressure tank unit.
A water pressure tank is a reservoir capable of holding a certain volume of water. It performs several functions at once. The main ones are: firstly, maintaining a stable pressure; secondly, protection against water hammer; and thirdly, storage of an “emergency” supply of water in case of a power outage, pump breakdown, etc. The larger the volume of this tank, the better it handles its capabilities; on the other hand, a large capacity significantly affects the dimensions and cost of the tank. Therefore, it does not always make sense to look for a pump with the maximum volume of the water pressure tank. Specific recommendations on choosing the optimal volume for different situations can be found in special sources.
Additional inlets
The number of additional inlet holes provided in the design of the pressure tank units.
Inlet openings are provided in sewage pumping stations designed for pumping out domestic wastewater (see “Suitable for”). This design feature allows you to connect additional sources of wastewater to the unit separately from the main inputs — for example, connect a washing machine and dishwasher directly, without using the main sewer line. In some cases, this connection format turns out to be the most convenient — for example, if the washing machine is located closer to the pumping station than to the main line. The number of additional inlets is, accordingly, the largest number of such additional connections available in this model.
