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Hypro Pumps - Centrifugal Pump Guide

Hypro Pumps - Centrifugal Pump Guide

Welcome to the Ag Superstore guide to Hypro Pumps Centrifugal pumps. In this guide, we will be looking at what makes the centrifugal pump the most popular pump in the Agriculture industry. Along with this, we’ll point out the key things you need to know, along with some tips on how to maintain your centrifugal pump

What is a Centrifugal Pump?

Centrifugal pumps are designed to move fluid by means of the transfer of rotational energy from one or more driven rotors, called impellers. The impeller typically is driven by a hydraulic or electric or motor. The speed of the motor or in the case of the Hydraulic motor is governed by the oil flow available determines the speed of the impeller and hence the flow and the pressure out of the pump.

Image credit: Michael Smith Engineers

 

 

 What are the limitations of a centrifugal pump?

Centrifugal pumps rely on constant, high speed rotation of the impellers. If the pumping fluid is of a high viscosity centrifugal pumps become increasingly inefficient as there is greater resistance and higher pressure is needed to maintain the flow rate.  In general, centrifugal pumps are therefore suited to low pressure, high capacity, pumping applications of liquids with viscosities between 0.1 and 200 cP.

High Viscosity fluids such as mud and oils can cause excessive wear and overheating leading to damage or even premature failure. Diaphragm pumps often operate at considerably lower speeds and are less prone to these problems.

Why are centrifugal pumps used in Agriculture?

Most of the pumps that are used in Agriculture and farming are centrifugal pumps as they offer a simple and relatively low-cost solution to low pressure and high-capacity pumping situations.

Centrifugal pumps are typically the go-to choice for transferring lower viscosity fluids. Since less viscous liquids are much easier to accelerate with kinetic energy, centrifugal pumps can transfer them much more efficiently than other designs. This is what makes them perfect for boom spraying applications as you’re going to be pumping a low viscosity liquid in a consistent and even manner. 

How to maintain your Centrifugal Pump

Keeping your Centrifugal pump running is easy so long as you follow some rules. Ignoring these rules will result in increased downtime and increased cost to repair.

Rule 1: Never Run The Pump Dry.

Mistreatment of the seal by way of running the pump without water or too little water may damage the seal leading to water leaking from the pump.

The mechanical seal enables the fluid from the hydraulic motor to power the impeller without the oil from the motor contaminating the fluid you’re pumping. It’s important that this seal remains lubricated from the product you are pumping.

Changing the mechanical seal is easy and we have included a video here 

 

Rule 2: Avoid Cavitation

Cavitation is a problem for all pumps however it is specifically an issue for centrifugal pumps. The eye is the inlet area of the pump where the fluid impacts the spinning impeller. When the pressure is too low, bubbles form. As the product spins faster through the impeller the pressure increases and the bubbles collapse and turns to vapour.

In the case of Centrifugal pumps, this cavitation is destructive and rigorous.

How to avoid cavitation

  •   Select the right Hydraulic motor for the tractor flow.
  •   Select the right pump for the job. Ensure that the specs for the pump meet your needs.
  •   Avoid unnecessary bends, elbows and fittings. If these fittings cannot be avoided, then upsize the hose fittings to a larger size. E.g., if the inlet is a1 ½’’ then upsize the inlet to 2’’.
  •   Reduce the suction lift, the vertical distance from the source to the pump inlet.
  •   Reduce the friction loss by increasing the diameter of the delivery hose.

If you need any help with your pumps do not hesitate to reach out to the team at Ag Superstore.


Ag Superstore Recommends Hypro Centrifugal Pumps

Hypro is a brand with over 50 years of experience in developing centrifugal pumps and motors for fluid transfer. We recommend Hypro Pumps as a cheap and effective sprayer pump solution for all of your low viscosity spraying needs. Hypro pumps specifically develop centrifugal pumps, and whilst they are a cheaper alternative to a diaphragm pump we hope you can apply all the information you’ve learnt in the above blog to keep your Hypro Pump running for years to come.

Key Benefits of Hypro Pumps


✔️  High flow and pressures at good value

✔️  Cheaper to purchase than diaphragm pumps.

✔️  Low-cost maintenance

✔️  Safe operation


If you have any questions about our pumps or anything Ag don’t hesitate to give the team at Ag Superstore a call. Check out our range of Hypro Agriculture and Spraying Pumps.

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