Any processing system is only as good as each individual part. There is no way to cut corners on buying cheap quality components if the overall performance of the entire system is important.
While all parts and components of a system are important, the pump is really at the heart of the system. Taking the time to consider your options in a sanitary centrifugal pump and buying the best possible pump for your budget will result in net cost savings over time.
To help to choose the right sanitary centrifugal pump for any process, here are some important factors to keep in mind.
Choose a Brand Name
There are a lot of pumps on the market that are sold as centrifugal pumps that can be used in sanitary processes. As this is not a type of production where you can afford to have to continually monitor or work on the pump, it is critical to choose a brand name that has a solid reputation for long life cycles, low maintenance and high percentages of uptime.
Buying an unknown pump puts you at risk of all the issues that need to be avoided. While the pump may be a lot cheaper, a few hours or days of downtime and lost production will quickly dissolve that small initial saving.
Check for Approval
Make sure any sanitary centrifugal pump you are considering has the level of approval required for operation with your process. This will typically include USDA approval or 3F approval, but it may also require FDA approval as well.
Consider System Volume, Pressure and Requirements
Understand the type of liquid or solution that is to be processed through the system as well as the amount of pressure or head the pump will be required to operate effectively.
Buying an oversized pump often results in over consumption of power, which drives up operating costs and also results in a higher initial price than a smaller pump that would be more efficient.
