The A-Z of Pump Industry Terminology
The pump industry can be vast and complex, with numerous technical terms that can be overwhelming for new customers, engineers, and even seasoned professionals. Understanding these terms is crucial for effectively selecting, operating, and maintaining pumps. This comprehensive guide provides an A-to-Z glossary of essential pump-related terminology, offering insights into the language of the industry.
A
- Air Lock: A condition where trapped air prevents a pump from functioning properly, often leading to reduced efficiency or failure.
- API-610: A standard for centrifugal pumps used in the petroleum, petrochemical, and gas industries, ensuring reliability and performance.
- Auxiliary Valve: A valve used to regulate secondary functions in a pump system, such as relief or bypass mechanisms.
B
- Bearing: A mechanical component supporting the pump shaft, reducing friction during operation.
- Blow-Off Valve: A valve used to release excess pressure or air to prevent damage or cavitation.
- Bore Size: The internal diameter of the pump casing or pipe through which the fluid flows.
C
- Cavitation: The formation of vapour bubbles in a pump due to low pressure, leading to potential damage when the bubbles collapse.
- Centrifugal Pump: A pump that uses a rotating impeller to move fluid by converting kinetic energy to pressure energy.
- Closed Impeller: An impeller enclosed on both sides to enhance efficiency and reduce leakage.
- Compressor: A device that increases gas pressure, often used alongside pumps in industrial settings.
D
- “Deadhead”: A condition where the pump operates without flow, usually due to a closed discharge valve, risking overheating and damage.
- Discharge Head: The vertical distance or pressure at the discharge port of a pump.
- Diaphragm Pump: A positive displacement pump that moves fluid using a flexible diaphragm, ideal for handling abrasive or viscous materials.
E
- End Suction Pump: A centrifugal pump with the discharge at 90° to the suction, commonly used in water supply systems.
- Energy Recovery: The process of capturing excess energy from a pump system and reusing it to improve overall efficiency.
- Expansion Tank: A vessel in a closed-loop system that absorbs fluid expansion due to temperature changes.
F
- Flow Rate: The volume of fluid a pump moves per unit of time, often measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or litres per second (L/s).
- Foot Valve: A check valve at the pump’s suction inlet that prevents backflow and maintains prime.
- Flexible Coupling: A connection between the pump and motor shafts, allowing for minor misalignments and reducing vibration.
G
- Gear Pump: A positive displacement pump that moves fluid using meshing gears, suitable for viscous liquids like oils.
- Gland: A sealing component preventing leakage around the pump shaft.
H
- Head: A measure of the energy imparted to the fluid, expressed in meters or feet, indicating the pump’s capacity to lift or move liquid.
- Hydraulic Pump: A pump used in hydraulic systems to convert mechanical power into fluid power.
- Horsepower (HP): A unit of power indicating the energy needed to drive the pump.
I
- Impeller: The rotating component in a centrifugal pump that imparts velocity and pressure to the fluid.
- Inline Pump: A pump with suction and discharge ports aligned along the same axis, ideal for space-constrained systems.
- Isolated System: A system not connected to other networks, often designed for specific applications.
J
- Jet Pump: A pump that uses a jet of fluid to create suction and move liquids, commonly used in wells.
K
- Kinetic Energy: The energy of moving fluid, converted into pressure energy in centrifugal pumps to enable flow.
L
- Leakage: Unintended fluid escape, often caused by seal failure or wear, that can affect efficiency.
- Lobe Pump: A positive displacement pump using intermeshing lobes to handle viscous or shear-sensitive fluids.
- LPM (Litres per Minute): A standard unit for measuring pump flow rate.
M
- Mechanical Seal: A component that prevents fluid leakage along the shaft, enhancing pump reliability.
- Motor: The driving mechanism of a pump, often electric, hydraulic, or air-powered.
- Multistage Pump: A pump with multiple impellers for higher-pressure applications, such as boiler feed systems.
N
- NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head): A measure of the pressure available at the pump’s suction to avoid cavitation.
- NPSHa (Available): The suction pressure in the system.
- NPSHr (Required): The minimum suction pressure needed by the pump.
O
- Overload: Operating a pump beyond its capacity, leading to overheating and potential failure.
- Outlet Pressure: The pressure at the pump’s discharge port, determined by system resistance and pump performance.
P
- Priming: The process of filling a pump with fluid to remove air and enable operation.
- Peristaltic Pump: A pump that moves fluid through a flexible tube, minimising contamination and shear, ideal for medical or food applications.
- Pump Curve: A graph showing the relationship between flow rate, head, and efficiency, used for pump selection.
Q
- Quality Control: Ensuring pumps meet performance and safety standards through rigorous testing and inspection.
R
- Recirculation: Redirecting part of the flow back to the pump’s suction to maintain minimum flow and prevent overheating.
- Relief Valve: A safety device that releases excess pressure to protect the pump and system.
S
- Self-Priming Pump: A pump capable of expelling air from the suction line and starting operation without external priming.
- Seal Failure: Leakage caused by a damaged or worn mechanical seal.
- Suction Lift: The vertical distance between the fluid source and the pump’s suction side.
T
- Test Point: A location where pressure or flow is measured for diagnostics.
- Torque: The rotational force required to drive the pump shaft.
- Transfer Pump: A pump used to move fluids between locations, often in industrial or agricultural applications.
U
- Uncoupling: Disconnecting the pump from its motor or drive for maintenance or repairs.
V
- Vacuum Pump: A pump used to create a vacuum, often for air or gas removal.
- Variable Speed Drive (VSD): A device that matches the pump’s motor speed to the system requirements, optimising efficiency and flow rate.
W
- Water Hammer: A pressure surge caused by sudden fluid stoppage, often damaging pipes and pump components.
- Wear Rings: Replaceable components that reduce friction and protect the pump casing and impeller from wear.
Z
- Zero Flow: When a pump operates without moving fluid, typically caused by blockages or a closed discharge valve.
Why This Glossary Matters
Understanding pump terminology is fundamental for professionals and customers in making informed decisions about pump selection, operation, and maintenance. Whether you’re navigating pump specifications, troubleshooting performance issues, or optimising system design, this guide ensures clarity and confidence.
If you need assistance with pump selection or terminology, get in touch here.
