A lot of different machineries and equipment are used in industries and not all of them can be considered durable. Constantly having to replace equipment can be detrimental to a plant as it will certainly cause downtime not to mention the cost of repairs and replacement. When using high pressure pumps, it is essential to maintain proper pressure and durability so that the job will be completed within the allotted time. Pumps play a big role in process industries since no plant can be operated successfully without the reliable high pressure pumps that will handle liquid to and fro various vessels, storage tanks, heights and lengths during the process of operations.

Common types of high pressure pumps

• Internal and external gear pumps – the basic gear pump has two main types, the external gear pump which use two external gears and the internal gear pump that use both internal and external gear. In the external gear pump, the mechanism is usually driven by one of the toothed gears which in turn drive the other. In the internal gear pump, only one drive gear is required for the mechanism to function but it is also possible to use both.
• Lobe pumps – used in a variety of industries because they offer superb sanitary qualities, high efficiency, reliability, corrosion resistance and good clean-in-place (CIP) and steam-in-place (SIP) characteristics. Lobe pumps are similar to the external gear pumps in operation but the lobes do not make contact because it is prevented by external timing gears in the gearbox.
• Vane pumps – is a hydraulic pump that uses a series of flat protrusions that rotate to trap and move liquid through the hydraulic system. Vane pumps are considered efficient for high speed operations. They also produce high pressure discharges and are ideal for thin liquids.

Critical points in the selection of pumps

• Fluid characteristics – this is usually the most important factor in the selection of pumps whether for the dynamic (kinetic) pumps or high pressure pumps (positive-displacement pumps). Fluid characteristics should be considered as to the chemical identity of the fluid pumped, PH, dissolved oxygen, corrosive or abrasive nature, concentration, suspended solids and temperature.
• Absolute viscosity – power requirements increases with liquid viscosity. The higher the viscosity, the greater the head loss due to friction in the pipeline and pump casing as well as the whole system.
• Specific gravity – can impact on pump life along with its performance
• Temperature – the operating temperature of the pump can affect overall performance. Pumps can perform efficiently over an approximate temperature of up to 80^oC.  When considering temperature, it includes the combined ambient temperature and liquid temperature.
  • Space available for the pump – the model and size of the pump can be influenced by ease of operation and maintenance. The pump can be installed either vertically or horizontally whichever is a more cost effective and efficient arrangement. It is also important to consider whether installation is temporary or permanent to help decide the material of construction as well as the space available.