ourpump.com blog

For many people around the world, water is not piped in by the local water company; instead, it is pumped from a well. Wells range in size and depth and the amount of water that is available. Some wells are built for a single family to use, others by an entire village. While the most basic way to retrieve water from a well is to use a bucket that is tied to a rope, a more efficient way to retrieve water is by using a pump.

The most common pump used with wells today is called the submersible pump, specifically pumps that run on electricity. Electrical submersible pumps are usually very reliable and effective for pumping water from a well. It should be noted that if you don’t have a well, you might still be familiar with an electrical submersible pump to remove drainage from a flooded basement or home.

Electrical submersible pump are hermetically sealed. This means that no external water or substances can enter the pump. If water entered the inner working of the pump, it would most likely short it out and ruin the internal parts.

Some of the components found in an electrical submersible pump include the motor, the equalizer, the intake, the pump itself, and the cable to feed electricity to the motor to drive the pump. There are many types of pumps available; however, in practically all electrical submersible pumps you will find a centrifugal pump. In an electrical submersible pump, water flows into the pump (this is called suction) and then flows out of the pump (this is called discharge).

In a centrifugal pump, the direction of the discharge is at a right angle to the flow of the suction. When water flows into the pump, it moves onto an impeller (centrifuge type device). This device spins very quickly around an axis and the water is discharged at a greater rate and pressure than when it enters into the pump. The reason for the extra energy is centrifugal force. This allows water from the bottom of a well to be pumped up to the top of the well with relative ease.

While electrical submersible pumps are extremely popular and perfect for most wells, they have difficulties working properly in areas that have lots of sand or sediment. However, since these pumps are usually hermetically sealed and have only a few moving parts, they are fairly easy to fix and maintain for prolonged use.

Many electronic submersible pumps are built specifically for home use, especially for homes that are not connected to municipal water and sewer resources. Electronic submersible pumps are not very technically complicated and thus are usually affordable.

It should be noted that although they are a great option for use in the United States and other developed countries around the world, since they do require maintenance from time to time, electrical submersible pumps are not the best to use. Also, replacement parts can be difficult to obtain.

Although problem-free pump operation is the primary goal of all pump operators, achieving that goal is not a simple matter. The key components of a pump — mechanical seals, impellers, couplings, roller bearings and housings — are all subject to wear. Keeping a pump in good working condition is essential for cost-effective and reliable operation of plants and systems. Unplanned downtime can ruin production schedules and adversely affect a facility’s bottom line.

“Any system can only be as functional as the lifespan of its weakest component” — this statement applies to many types of products — but is especially true of mechanical seals. While mechanical seals are one of the key components of a pump, they also have one of the shortest average service lives. Mechanical seals are recognized to be responsible for most pump failures and consequently represent the highest cost for pump repairs. Therefore, reducing the MTBF (mean time between failure) or the MTBR (mean time between repair) can significantly improve pump operations and save money.

When working properly, mechanical seals are generally safe and reliable components that operate virtually wear-free. Problems occur when the sliding faces of a mechanical seal are not adequately lubricated, resulting in a dry-running condition that ultimately causes the destruction and breakdown of the seal. Industry surveys have shown that dry running or inadequate lubrication are responsible for more than 50% of all mechanical seal damages; consequently, it is safe to state that approximately 20% of all pump failures are due to poor lubrication or dry running of the mechanical seal faces.

In an analysis of the service life of pump components, it was found that mechanical seals, with an average service life of only 1.2 years, are the weakest link in terms of pump components, compared to the next weakest component, bearings, with an average service life of three years. To minimize pump repairs and downtime, it would be advantageous to pump operators if the average service life of the mechanical seals increased to match the service life of the bearings.

By using mechanical seals coated with DiamondFaces, the average service life of mechanical seals substantially increases. This allows pump operators to schedule preventive inspections of mechanical seals and eliminate or reduce the costs of unplanned process interruptions. By increasing the service life of mechanical seals, approximately every second pump repair, along with associated downtime and production disruption, can be avoided.

These diamond crystals grow together to form a closed layer. The separation process is stimulated with tungsten filaments stretched horizontally or vertically across the reactor and heated to approximately 2,000 C. This arrangement of the tungsten filaments is one of the key factors for ensuring that the coated seal faces are perfectly flat and uniformly coated. DiamondFaces guarantees the evenness of the sealing faces, which is essential for the functional reliability of mechanical seals.

Mechanical seals coated with DiamondFaces offer many advantages for users such as:

·        Virtually no wearing of the diamond coating

·        Reduced sliding-face friction

·        Extension of MTBF and MTBR values

·        Significant energy savings

·        Increased application range

·        Shortened ROI (return-on-investment

These advantages can make the pump have long life and can serve people for a long time.

The fuel pump in your 2001 Chevy Malibu is located in the fuel tank. To replace the pump, remove the fuel tank to gain access to the fuel pump assembly located on the top of the tank. The pump is inside the assembly along with the fuel level sending unit. While this repair is well within the abilities of the average home mechanic and requires only basic hand tools to complete, it is a very strenuous job if the fuel tank is full.

Raise the rear of the vehicle and place jack stands under the pinch welds on the lower body rocker panel. There are reinforced areas here that are designed to support the weight of the vehicle. Lower the car onto the jack stands and remove the floor jack. Unscrew the fuel filler cap to help relieve pressure that builds up in the tank due to fuel evaporation.

Disconnect the plastic fuel lines leading from the tank to the front of the vehicle by pushing in on the line while depressing the quick disconnect fittings. Unplug the vapor return line and the fuel pump’s electrical connector. Remove the fuel filler neck hose by loosening the hose clamps with a screwdriver and prying the hose loose with a large pry bar.

Remove the two rubber exhaust system hangers located near the rear of the exhaust. This will allow the exhaust to move when removing the fuel tank. Remove the metal heat shield from the bottom of the car.

Place the floor jack under the fuel tank, with a large flat piece of wood between the jack and the tank, and lift the tank slightly. This will take the weight of the tank off the straps attaching the tank to the undercarriage of the car. Remove the straps holding the tank to the body of the car, and lower the fuel tank. Slide the fuel tank past the exhaust system, and out from underneath the car.

Remove the fuel pump assembly by turning the spring-loaded retaining ring with the hammer and chisel. Lift the whole assembly out of the fuel tank by lifting the assembly up and then rotating it over to clear the level sensor arm. Unsnap the top, and separate the plastic housing to gain access to the fuel pump. Remove the fuel pump electrical connector, and remove the pump from the assembly by pushing the pump up and over until it clears the assembly.

Install the new pump into the assembly using the new rubber coupler and the new vibration cushion supplied with the pump. Plug the electrical connector into the new pump, and snap the two halves of the plastic housing back together. Install the assembly back into the tank, and rotate the spring-loaded retainer using the hammer and chisel.

Reposition the tank under the car, and lift the tank into place with the floor jack. Install and tighten the retaining straps, heat shield and filler neck hose clamps. Reinstall the exhaust system hangers. Plug the electrical connector back into the assembly. Reconnect the fuel lines and vapor line.

Lower the vehicle off the jack stands and prime the fuel system by cycling the ignition key from off to run a few times. Start the engine and check for leaks.

When dealing with a reputable provider, renting can provide all the advantages of having a premium piece of equipment, without the costs or responsibilities of ownership. When a pump needs service or repairs, the rental provider does them. Businesses no longer have to worry about how to dispose of a unit at the end of its usable life. A wide assortment of reliable rental equipment can be delivered to a jobsite quickly, giving convenient access to the right equipment for almost any task.

State of the Industry-2010 Outlook

With the economic challenges the United States faced in 2009, 2010 will continue to be the time for companies to consider renting versus owning.

Businesses continue to look for ways to cut back and minimize their expenses. Fewer companies are willing to spend the necessary amount of money to expand their fleet or purchase new equipment, especially when older, less reliable machines are still part of their overhead. With credit more difficult to obtain, companies want to avoid having any asset not used on a regular basis on their books.

“Renting is a great option for those who need a specific pump for one phase of a project but do not foresee getting that much use out of the equipment in the long run,” said Robert Dotson, western regional manager, RSC Equipment Rental Pump and Power Division. “Even in cases where they think they may use it frequently, it is worth comparing the cost of renting versus owning the equipment.”

The Importance of Green Accountability

As we enter an age of greater transparent accountability for climate change, rental companies are providing innovative solutions for pump users to meet new equipment emission standards.

Newer equipment units such as Tier 3 options are generally cleaner-burning and more fuel efficient, so when renting pumping solutions, it helps to deal with rental providers who have a younger fleet and are knowledgeable about environmentally friendly options. It also makes a big difference if their units have been properly maintained and serviced.

When Renting Makes Sense

For users, renting offers independence to accomplish things that were out of reach before the right equipment was available and affordable.

Renting makes sense when a business would rather accomplish something than add to its possessions, when a tool or pump solution will be used once (or just once in a while), when storage space is tight, when the purchase price is high and when money has to stretch. Rental equipment has another intrinsic advantage-it is generally more powerful, better built and more thoroughly tested than equivalent products offered for sale to consumers. “Rental tough” equipment is contractor quality or professional-vendor quality. It is designed to do an outstanding job.

Furthermore, because industrial equipment is such a large investment, many companies are forced to keep an asset that becomes devalued quickly and pay for the storage and maintenance of infrequently used equipment. In contrast, rental fleets have an average lifespan of just five years, making them younger, less prone to problems and more environmentally sound, letting out fewer emissions than older diesel engines.

Rental companies have taken the rental equipment industry beyond just machinery, adding benefits that are beyond cost. Portable trailers custom-stocked with specialized tools and small equipment are available for short-term projects. Onsite maintenance prevents costly downtime and increases productivity. Software allows users to manage their fleet, costs, time and rental spend more efficiently-all issues that are particularly important to long-term projects with large job sites.

How Renting Affects the Bottom Line

Renting equipment provides a tremendous economic benefit to users. Renting a pump solution means spending money only when and where the equipment is needed. If equipment sits idle, it can be expensive. Renting equipment also means getting the best equipment for the job, because the type of pump needed and when it is needed can be specified.
Working with rented equipment can even simplify bidding and billing processes. The rental invoice is the only accountable cost figure.

A historic pump house in Victoria’s Riverside Park could be sold to investors interested in making it into a public business.

Parties from both sides declined to disclose the type of business because the deal isn’t complete, they said.

“It started out as a way to find somebody to lease it and maybe turn it into a concession stand where people can turn in canoes,” said Lewis Neitsch, a city parks commissioner. “An individual has gotten a hold of it and wants to spend a substantial amount of money down there.”

The city council authorized the staff to begin the process that could lead to sale of the property, which is in the 1200 block of Stayton Street. City Attorney Thomas Gwosdz said because it is public property, the city will take bids on it.

People have expressed interest in the property, but it’s premature to discuss details now, he said. “At this point, we don’t even know who would be bidding on something like this.”

The city council considered demolishing the building about three years ago at a price of $250,000 to $300,000. But Neitsch, who was on the council at the time, and Council Member Tom Halepaska asked the council to wait.

“I begged the council to let it sit,” Halepaska said. “They said OK and in the meantime we tried to find some uses for it.”

Neitsch said the potential investors are a local businessmen and out-of-town backers.

Halepaska said if the deal works, it will save the city the cost of demolishing the building and put an improvement on the tax roll. It also costs the city $20,000 a year to maintain the property and building.

John Johnston, the city floodplain administrator, said it appears the land is in the 100-year floodplain, but not the building. More exact measurements would be needed to confirm that, he said.

“But even with it being in this portion of the floodplain, development is allowed, especially commercial development,” he said. “Commercial developers have the opportunity to use materials that are flood resistant and make sure that if water does get in there, they can just wash it out and go right back.”

The city used the pump house as a water plant until 2001, when the city switched from well water to river water, said Lynn Short, Victoria’s public works director.

“When we were on groundwater, it was a water supply plant,” he said. “We had two water wells that pumped into it and water was treated there.”

Heat pumps are becoming a more common alternative to central air conditioners because they also can heat your house. The cost of electricity for heating and cooling a house, although it gradually increases as do most prices over time, is much less volatile than natural gas, oil or propane. You also may get up to a $1,500 tax credit for installing a heat pump.

A geothermal heat pump is one of the most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems for any climate. Even though it provides a good payback on the investment, particularly in very hot or cold climates, the initial installation costs are considerably higher than for air-source models.

An air-source heat pump is basically a central air conditioner with a few extra parts. During the summer, it draws heat from the indoor air and, through a refrigeration cycle identical to an air conditioner, expels the heat outdoors. The cooling efficiency is rated by its SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio).

During the winter, a reversing valve inside the outdoor condenser unit switches position. This reverses the flow of the refrigerant, so it begins to draw heat from the outdoor air and transfers it to an indoor coil. Heating efficiency is rated by HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor).

There have been many recent developments in air-source heat pumps. The modulating, multistage-output rotary compressor design is now available. This produces extremely high efficiencies for both heating and cooling (HSPF, 10; SEER, 22). You can get $2 to $3 worth of heat for each $1 on your utility bills.

This heat pump uses a rotary compressor with inverter technology to allow it to vary its heating or cooling output from about one-third to full capacity output. This not only saves electricity, but it also produces extremely good comfort, quiet operation and even room temperatures. Two-stage heat pumps also improve efficiency and comfort over standard single-stage models.

Another new heat pump design is for cold climates. It uses a second booster compressor to allow it to continue to produce heat efficiently at lower outdoor temperatures. It offers four heating and two cooling stages. Other non-booster heat pumps can be coupled with a high-efficiency gas furnace for a hybrid system in cold climates for efficiency and better comfort.

A sump pump is a drainage-tile system that is placed under the floor of you’re basement that channels water into a pit.

What does a sump pump do?

Some houses depending on location, climate conditions, and building structure. Have a unavoidable problem with flooding from the bottom up due to natural weather and environment conditions.
A sump pump provides somewhere for that water to go other then into your home.

How do I know if a sump pump is right for me?

If you have a serious or just annoyingly minor problem with water getting into your basement there are certain elements of your home you need to check to first identify if you have a flooding issue due to needing a sump pump, or just a overlooked minor issue that can be prevented by locating an fixing the problem.
So before assuming you need a sump pump check all drainage installed on or around your home.
Unclog all clogged gutters, downspouts dispose of runoff water at least 4 feet away from your homes foundation.
And all soil around the foundation of your home downslides at least 3 feet. *The downslide facing away from your home.
If you have a newer home make sure you don’t already have a sump pump installed.
If you still have a problem then a sump pump is right for you.

How is a sump pump Installed?

Usually a large slab of concrete is removed from the base of your home.
A large percentage of soil is also removed from underneath you’re home.
Then drain tiles, gravel, and a pit is installed in place of the concrete.

How much does it cost?

A professional normally charges around $2500 to $5000 to install a sump pump.
This being a reasonable price in comparison to the loss of value, and measure of damage of your home without the placement of a sump pump.

What are some ways to prepare for a sump pump installation?
Does your waterline run under the floor?
If so where does it run?
You might be able to find the answer to this by inquiring with a local buildings codes office. This being that usually these things are recorded upon installation and stored into files.
Think about how you may prefer your concrete to be removed being different tools may do better or worse jobs. Make inquiries about the tools to the installers being some installers will not use certain types of tools.

Will a sump pump be guaranteed to eliminate the flooding problem?

In most cases yes it will, but it depends on how serious your problem is. A sump pump gives water an alternate place to go other then straight up into your basement.
In extreme conditions this may only lessen the issue to something less threatening for your home.