Even with hundreds of different reciprocating pumps and thousands of pump components available, it doesn’t have to be difficult to find the perfect part. To minimize your order processing time and get the correct parts for your pump the first time around, arm yourself with the appropriate information before reaching out to the expendables manufacturer.
There are many reciprocating pump manufacturers and within them there are several different pump models. To make the ordering process more efficient, use this simple checklist to ensure that you get the exact parts you need from the component manufacturer.
The minimum information needed when ordering reciprocating pump expendables includes:
- Make and model of pump
- Fluid end, if applicable
- Plunger size and material (ceramic, hardco, tungsten, cobalt)
- Style of valve (AR, Durabla®, plate w/Delrin® or titanium disc, or spherical)
- Packing type and material
Once you have all the above, it’s possible you may need more specific information – particularly if your pump is not pumping efficiently or has other issues.
For those cases, the following information will be even more helpful:
- RPM of pump
- Fluid being pumped
- Temperature of fluid
- Suction and discharge pressure
When the end user has this checklist ready before reaching out to the expendables manufacturer, it helps both parties relay pertinent info in a timely manner.
Especially in remote areas, it’s not uncommon to drive hundreds of miles to deliver components for a pump. If the expendables manufacturer is forced to guess about the specifics of those parts, it can waste valuable time and money. Not only is time lost with the delivery of wrong parts, but production downtime is even more costly.
The top five pieces of information listed are the minimum required to ensure the right components are ordered. If there is a specific issue or if troubleshooting is required, the second four items can make all the difference in selecting the correct part.
For instance, if an operator is having a problem with ceramic plungers pulling apart, it could be a temperature issue. Standard epoxy is rated at 180 degrees so if the fluid is running hotter than that, a high-temperature epoxy or metal plunger should be used.
A similar scenario could happen if the fluid being pumped is at a temperature higher than a valve’s standard polyurethane insert can handle. The correct valve would then be one that has an insert made for a higher temperature or forego the insert and use a metal-to-metal valve. In addition, some valves have different pressure ratings. Knowing this information upfront will reduce costly errors.
Regarding the correct RPM, it’s important to remember that the faster the pump is running, the more fluid is pumping through it. That means you may need a different style of valve to help with the deficiencies and improve the performance of the pump.
For easy reference, download our checklist infographic showing all the required information needed for ordering expendables or you can use our “Request a Quote” form online. Keep in mind that the “Request a Quote” form will help identify the correct part you need, but it will not place the order for you. Contact a TPCI sales professional to help you get the right part to get the job done.