Often when preparing for a pumping job contractors can rely on a gut feeling and visual inspection of flows to determine the need for a certain pump size, 6” versus 4” for example.
Normally this 4” or 6” pump selection will be sufficient and the contractor will be successful in keeping their jobsite dry. However, every contractor has worked a job where that selection may not have been adequate and the consequences are a flooded jobsite, delayed construction, MOE citations, and overall cost overruns.
So, how do you know what model and size of pump you need for your jobsite? The short answer is probably to ask a Toromont Pump Systems specialist but if you want to figure it out on your own here are a few useful tips.
For example, Toromont offers over 20 different engine-driven pump models and 12 different electric submersible pump models in the 6” size category alone. Combine that with pumps ranging from 2” to 12” it makes one wonder, when I get a 6” pump, which one am I getting and what is the difference.
Site assessment and pump selection can play a vital role in helping to get the most flow out of their pump and ultimately keep the water or sewage flowing where it was intended. This proper pump selection will ensure that the optimal 6” pump is put into the correct application and helps reduce the risk of potential pump failure.
Some of the keys to proper pump selection and pump system design are:
- Assessing the benefits of a self-priming (or prime-assisted pump) to a submersible pump
- What are you pumping : storm water, ground water, sewage, a pond, a creek, mud, or even an environmental cleanup
- Where are you pumping from and to
- Where will the pumps physically be placed at the jobsite and how will they be accessed, maintained, fueled, powered, etc.
- Are there noise restrictions
- Do the pumps need to operate when the contractor is offsite
- Assessing the risk involved with pump failure and the need for a redundant standby system
For example, a 4” – 50 HP high flow submersible pump will outperform some 6” self-priming trash pumps operating in a high suction lift condition. So maybe a 6” pump is not what you really need…
The next time you find yourself thinking you need a 6” pump, perhaps take a step back and consider if maybe there is a more optimal solution that may save your project from costly delays. You can use our free pump calculator tool to get you started or ask one of our Toromont Pump Systems experts.
1-844-PUMP-365
