Lesson 1Selection criteria by fluid properties: viscosity, solids content/size, abrasiveness, corrosivity, temperatureExplains how viscosity, solids size and loading, abrasiveness, corrosivity, and temperature govern pump type, speed limits, clearances, and sealing. Emphasises screening data sheets and lab results to avoid chronic failures.
Viscosity impact on pump type and efficiencyHandling dissolved, fibrous, and granular solidsAssessing abrasiveness and erosion mechanismsCorrosivity, pH, and chemical compatibilityTemperature limits, vapor pressure, and coolingLesson 2Overview of centrifugal pump families: end-suction, vertical inline, split-case, multistageIntroduces main centrifugal pump families and their hydraulic envelopes. Compares end-suction, vertical inline, split-case, and multistage designs for pressure range, efficiency, footprint, and typical industrial services.
End-suction overhung pumps and standardsVertical inline pumps for space-constrained plantsAxially split-case pumps for high flowsMultistage pumps for high-pressure servicesHydraulic envelopes and selection guidelinesLesson 3Wear-resistant materials and coatings for abrasive slurries: rubber linings, hardfacing, ceramic overlaysReviews wear-resistant materials and coatings for abrasive slurries. Compares rubber linings, high-chrome irons, hardfacing, and ceramic overlays, with guidance on velocity limits, particle shape, and maintenance.
Rubber-lined casings and impellersHigh-chrome white iron and alloysHardfacing of wear rings and volutesCeramic tiles, sleeves, and overlaysVelocity control to limit erosion ratesLesson 4Typical pump driver and coupling choices: electric motors, VFDs, direct-coupled, gearboxes, flexible couplingsDescribes common pump drivers and couplings, including electric motors, VFDs, gearboxes, and flexible couplings. Links driver choice to speed, starting torque, control needs, and mechanical reliability in industrial duty.
Electric motor selection and enclosure typesUsing VFDs for control and energy savingsGearboxes and belt drives for speed matchingDirect versus flexible coupling arrangementsAlignment, vibration, and torsional issuesLesson 5Sizing basics: matching flow and head to pump curves and system curve conceptsIntroduces sizing basics using pump and system curves. Shows how to match required flow and head, account for friction and static lift, and position the duty point for efficiency, reliability, and future flexibility.
Defining required flow, head, and duty rangeBuilding system curves from piping lossesLocating the duty point on pump curvesEvaluating efficiency and power at dutyAllowing for future capacity and foulingLesson 6Material selection and corrosion compatibility: cast iron, 304/316 stainless, duplex, Hastelloy, PTFE-lined and engineered plasticsExplains material selection for corrosion and compatibility. Compares cast iron, 304/316 stainless, duplex, Hastelloy, PTFE-lined, and engineered plastics, using fluid composition, temperature, and chloride level.
Using corrosion charts and lab dataCast iron limits and common failures304 versus 316 stainless in chloridesDuplex and nickel alloys for severe dutyPTFE-lined and plastic pumps for chemicalsLesson 7NPSH considerations and cavitation avoidance for each service typeDetails NPSH concepts and cavitation risks for different services. Teaches how to read NPSHr curves, estimate NPSHa, and adjust layout, temperature, and speed to avoid cavitation damage and performance loss.
NPSH definitions, NPSHr versus NPSHaReading NPSH curves on pump datasheetsEstimating NPSHa from system geometryCavitation symptoms and damage patternsDesign changes to improve NPSH marginLesson 8Sealing options by fluid risk: mechanical seals, packing, glandless and magnetic drive seals, seal flush plansExplains sealing strategies based on fluid toxicity, flammability, and leakage tolerance. Compares packing, single and double mechanical seals, glandless and magnetic-drive designs, and API-style seal flush plans.
When packing is acceptable or unsuitableSingle versus double mechanical sealsSeal face materials and elastomer choicesGlandless and magnetic-drive containmentSeal flush plans and support systems basicsLesson 9Slurry and solids-handling pump types: heavy-duty slurry pumps, recessed-impeller, vortexFocuses on slurry and solids-handling pump designs. Compares heavy-duty slurry pumps, recessed-impeller, and vortex pumps, highlighting wear resistance, solids passage, efficiency tradeoffs, and dewatering uses.
Slurry classification and particle size effectsHeavy-duty slurry pump hydraulics and linersRecessed-impeller and vortex pump featuresSolids-handling limits and derating rulesTypical mining and wastewater applicationsLesson 10Positive-displacement and specialty pumps: progressive cavity, diaphragm, peristaltic, magnetic-driveCovers positive-displacement and specialty pumps used when centrifugal units are unsuitable. Explains progressive cavity, diaphragm, peristaltic, and magnetic-drive pumps, focusing on flow control, shear, and containment.
When to choose positive-displacement pumpsProgressive cavity pumps for viscous slurriesDiaphragm pumps for chemicals and sludgesPeristaltic pumps for dosing and slurriesMagnetic-drive and canned-motor pump uses
