Depending on your application, you may require a pump that can work at high speeds and manage high pressure - and not all pumps function this way. If you require a pump that can manage high speeds and high pressure and select a pump that does not function at that level, you could be facing costly unplanned downtime, lost productivity, and even premature pump failure. Fluid Metering experts can help with selecting a pump that meets your speed and pressure needs.
Why It Is Important to Have a Pump That Can Manage High Speed and High Pressure
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When it comes to pumps, it is important to choose a pump that administers your required speed and flow rate. High speeds are also important when dispensing volumes on the microliter scale. It is common for fluid to adhere to dispense tips when dispensing over air. A pump that can manage high speeds helps to shear the fluid off the tip to release smaller volumes of fluid over air.
However, higher speeds can often cause a buildup of pressure in a system. When both factors are high, it is important that you have a pump motor that can manage each in an adequate manner.
Pump speed and pressure are performance characteristics considered in about any industry – including biomedical, diagnostic, industrial, and agriculture. Any fluid that you are trying to pump at high speeds is going to encounter issues if you do not have the right type of pump.
What Happens if a Pump Can't Manage High Speeds and High Pressure?
If your current pump cannot handle high speeds and pressure, the motor, and thereby the pump, will stall out. If the pump stalls out, it will not be able to dispense any more fluid, which could result in unplanned downtime, lost productivity, and excessive maintenance costs.
Occasionally, too much pressure may also result in the fluid pumping backward within the pump and creating backflow. Too much pressure may also cause incorrect dispensing volumes. This is especially true with viscous fluids.
How to Find a Pump That Can Manage High Speeds and High Pressure (and How to Maintain it)
Finding that speed and pressure sweet spot is important in any industry with any fluid that you are pumping. Here are key considerations for finding the right pump for your application:
- Consider any restrictions and how they could impact pump performance. Things like tubing connectors, elbow bends and more can create extra pressure.
- Motor type selection is crucial. Specifically, look for one with enough torque to be able to overcome any pressure restrictions that may be present in the system makeup.
- Tubing sizes and seals are also a critical factor. There are a variety of different tubing sizes and seals available for pumps that need to manage high pressure and high speeds.
- At Fluid Metering, we offer a plethora of solutions to ensure pump performance meets the end user's expectations. FMI suggested pump series that can manage high speed and high flow include:
- When in doubt, contact the experts at Fluid Metering for a professional consultation to find the right pump to achieve optimum device performance.
What Other Factors Should Users Consider When Selecting the Right Pump Speed and Pressure?
Aside from what we have outlined above, there are other considerations when it comes to selecting the right pump for your application. One is chemical compatibility. If you are considering a high-speed pump head, be aware of construction material. For example, there are various fluids that are not chemically compatible with stainless steel.
Dispensing requirements are another consideration that users should be weighing. As cited earlier, there are users who only need to pump a small amount of fluid and need a high-speed pump to ensure the fluid will disperse appropriately and will not stick to the dispense tip.
Finally, how you are driving the pump is a key consideration. There are diverse types of motors that can drive a pump, such as stepper and DC motors. If one of these is not going to work with your application, then you will need a completely different type of pump assembly. It is critical to understand this before moving forward with a purchase.
Contact Fluid Metering, Inc. Today
To further understand pump speed and pump pressure and to learn more about the type of pump that would be best for your application, contact us today. As the fluidic experts in pumps, we will pair your application with the perfect pump for it.
