The buyer must take into account multiple parameters while selecting a hydro test pump that best fulfills their need. In this blog, we have listed some of the primary factors that are extremely critical while choosing a hydro test pump.
These factors include flow rate of the pump, volume of equipment that is to be subjected to the testing, initial pressure at which we begin feeding the water, pressure required for testing, target duration of conduction of the test, frequency of test and selection of driver.
Let’s discuss each of these components individually.
1. Flow Rate or Volume of Equipment
If the buyer is aware of the exact requirement with precise specification regarding the flow rate, then they can directly provide that piece of information to the seller. This could make the buying process quicker and efficient.
Due to a lack of information, we have found that several times when customers provide the flow rate of the pump, they even include the filling volume, which should not be included. The flow rate option is proven to be incorrect while testing big volume size equipment.
As a result, we recommend that you inform the seller of the volume or size of the equipment that will be tested in order for the seller to select the appropriate type of high pressure reciprocating plunger pump. Additionally, buyers may provide information about their present pump (if any) to aid in the choosing process.
2. Initial pressure of testing
Typically, filling pumps are utilized to fill the water in all big volume hydro test procedures. There is always a certain degree of pressure exerted on pipes as they are filled. This info is also necessary to determine the amount of pressure that needs to be increased. So, the buyer must know how much pressure they want to exert on the pipes while filling the equipment.
3. Target Duration
It is critical to communicate the amount of time available to produce the necessary pressure. If additional time is available, a low-flow, compact pump can be chosen, which will be more cost effective.
4. Pressure
Typically, the buyer should select 10% to 20% greater pressure than necessary. Often, the customer believes that a greater pressure pump will be required in the future for a specific application. They look to buy high pressure pumps based on this mindset.
In such cases, you can extensively browse our website and choose an appropriate model. There are numerous versions where the price may be nearly identical for different pressures; the only difference will be in the motor and other minor attachments, and the overall cost impact may be insignificant.
For instance if you choose the T2-15-10 model for 2 lpm / 125 kg/cm2/ 1 hp or 1.6 lpm / 375 kg/cm2/ 2 hp ; or choose between 125 kg/cm2 and 375 kg/cm2 then the price difference is just about 10% to 15%, as the models are identical.
5. Usage Frequency
To determine the duty of the pump, it is necessary to know the frequency of hydro tests that will be conducted in the form of daily/ weekly/ monthly figures. This information enables the selection of the appropriate model.
6. Driver
There are 3 options for drivers that customers can choose from- electric motor, engine and PTO.
Whether the customer wishes to use an electric motor, an engine, or a PTO is critical to determine before selecting the model.
The buyer may prefer an electric motor if they have sufficient availability of electricity and/or the power requirement is relatively low.
An engine is preferred in areas where the supply of electricity is limited and/or the power requirement is high (usually > 100 hp). Petrol engines are used in pumps having around 20 hp whereas diesel engines are used if the power requirement is higher.
A power take-off or power takeoff (PTO) is the method for transferring power from a power source, like a running engine, and transmitting it to the hydro testing pump. PTO is generally less preferable among the buyers.
As far as costing is concerned, electric motors cost more than the engines (assuming both offer the same hp) whereas the price of PTO is the least among the three as it only comprises the pump because the main source of power supply is an external engine.