Pump installations - the do's and dont's
Date: 08 Aug 2000 Author: David Williams
One of the irrigator's winter tasks may be organising the installation of a new pump, either for recycling or supply.
Pump installations are costly, and once a pump is installed, you need it to have a long, productive and economic life. Problems from poorly designed installations can be hard to correct, or may even go unnoticed, so thorough planning and design of your installation by a suitably qualified designer makes good economic sense.
Site-specific design
With an installation designed for your specific site, the pump will be able to deliver the best performance for the least cost.
You will need to check that the installation is carried out correctly. Use correct environmental practices for bunding fuel tanks, disposing of oils and filters, and soil retention works. To ensure occupational health and safety practices are carried out, consider safe access for personnel, signage, guards over hot and moving parts, and how to handle confined spaces.
Good planning and design of a pump installation
- Minimises the long-term costs of the installation
- ensures that the pump operates efficiently
- ensures that the right type of pump is installed to achieve required flow rates and pressures ensures that the life of the pump is maximised
- ensures access for repairs and maintenance
- minimises hydraulic (friction) losses
- minimises energy costs
- ensures easy pump operation
- ensures that the foundations and structural requirements are met
- ensures that any associated pipes, channels, gates, valves and culverts are both correctly sized and located