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 head
The maximum head generated by the pump. This parameter is most often indicated in meters, by the height of the water column that the unit can create — in other words, by the height to which it can supply water. You can estimate the pressure created by the pump using a simple formula: every 10 m of head corresponds to a pressure of 1 bar.
It is worth choosing a pump according to this parameter, taking into account the height to which it should supply water, as well as adjusting for losses and the need for pressure in the water supply. To do this, it is necessary to determine the difference in height between the water level and the highest point of water intake, add another 10 to 30 m to this figure (depending on the pressure that needs to be obtained in the water supply), and multiply the result by 1.1 — this will be the minimum pressure required.
Suction type
The main division in this parameter is related to whether the pump can remove air from the suction line. This, in turn, determines the features of starting the unit.
— Self-priming. Self-priming pumps include all pumps that do not require the complete absence of air in the suction line at startup — it is enough that the pump itself is filled with water. Accordingly, such models are less demanding and normally tolerate air entering the line. However, this requires a reliable design that can normally withstand water hammer, which accordingly affects the cost of the unit.
— Priming. Pumps with this device can only work normally when both the unit body and the suction line are filled with water. If air enters the line, it must be removed or the pump will not be able to start normally. Such models are not as convenient as self-priming ones; at the same time, they are noticeably cheaper, and with the normal quality of the water supply system, there is practically no significant difference between the two varieties.
Maximum immersion depth
The maximum depth at which a submersible pump can be placed without the risk of failure or breakdown. It is usually indicated for fresh water, so in fact it is advisable not to lower the pump to the maximum depth level — after all, the density of the pumped liquid may be greater, which will create off-design loads on the structure.
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.
Float switch
The presence of a float switch in the design of the unit.
The operation of such a switch is based on a sensor in the form of a float, which determines the level of the pumped liquid. At the same time, such a sensor can perform several functions at once. The main one is the protection of the pump from dry running: when the liquid level drops critically, the sensor turns off the pump, preventing air from entering the line and helping to save energy. In addition, the float can be used as an overflow sensor (warning of a critical increase in the liquid level), and in some models also as a general-level sensor (reporting the actual amount of liquid).
