Achieving Proper Flow Rates and Pressure with Pressurisation Pumps
When operating high-pressure washers or relying on pumps for misting and cooling systems and earth-moving equipment, and heavy-duty wash bays, to name a few, it is often perceived that it is the role of the pressurisation pump to deliver the required pressure. The basic function of a pressure pump is to transfer liquid at a constant flow rate over some time.
Purchasing a pressurisation pump based purely on the amount of pressure it can produce will result in a pumping system that is not up to the task at hand. To get the best performance from your pressurisation pump, we at Bestline Manufacturing would like to outline how important it is to achieve the proper pressure and flow rates.
How Pressure Affects Flow Rates
There appears to be a common misconception that in order to get broader spray patterns, horizontally and vertically, a pressurisation pump should operate at a much higher pressure. On the contrary, quite often it is a higher flow rate that will affect the spray pattern. When pressurisation pumps have an increase in pressure, the flow rates decrease. An example of how pressure affects flow rates is through an ordinary hosepipe. If you put your thumb over a portion of the hosepipe outlet whilst the tap is on, the water flow coming through the hose will be quite strong. As soon as you remove your thumb, the flow decreases. The right combination of pressure and flow rates provides optimal pump performance.
Performance Rating
Flow rates are measured in GPM (gallons per minute) or L/M (litres per minute). A pump’s PSI (pounds per square inch) ratings are important as this indicates the manufacture and design of the pump and its ability to handle a certain amount of pressure. To better understand the relationship between flow rates and pressure, a pressurisation pump that operates from 100 to 1500 PSI might generate a flow rate of 2.3 GPM or 8.7 L/M. The flow rates may seem minimal in comparison with the amount of pressure supplied by the pump. However, this indicates that the pump’s performance ratings are ideal. Using pump performance charts assists in identifying flow rates, pressure, and the amount of horsepower a specific model pump will produce and use.
Applications that Require a Low Consistent Flow
When operating pressurisation pumps for certain applications, the right type of nozzle used will affect the strength of the flow rates. For example, with micro misting and cooling systems, as well as dust-suppression systems, higher pressure used with the correct nozzle will produce a fine mist with little flow over a small area. The resultant flow rates produce high-pressure misting systems that effectively control dust, provide a cooling system, and are essential in the agricultural sector, to name a few.
Reliable Pumping Solutions
For over 40 years, Bestline Manufacturing has been the sole distributor of Cat Pumps in South Africa, supplying durable high-pressure pumping systems of the highest quality. Each pump is made from the finest materials and designed for optimised product life and reliable performance, delivering a specified amount of flow determined by a bore, stroke, and RPM of the pump. Our triplex piston and plunger Cat Pumps can be used for a variety of applications and we will assist you in selecting the right one for your requirements.