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How to Select the Right Jet Pump Motors for Your Commercial Pump Application

By Matt Beckerdite
Oct 10, 2024

jet pump motor

If you want your manufacturing operation to continue running smoothly, you need to be able to select the right electric motors for your applications. Jet pump motors come in all shapes and sizes, and the wrong motor might not only cost you money, but bring your operation to a halt. Unfortunately, many manufacturing leaders aren't sure exactly how to select electric motors, and they aren't even sure what they need for their organization.

So how exactly are you supposed to select the right jet pump motors for your commercial application?

Top Priorities for AC Electric Jet Pump Motors

There are many types of electric motors available, from a wide range of manufacturers. Before you can choose the “right” fit for your needs, you should nail down your priorities.

Typical priorities for buying jet pump motors include:

Specialization/application. Are you going to use this pump motor for a [MB3] water pump? Or a commercial dishwasher pump? Or something else entirely? If you use a motor in the wrong application, it could cause devastating results[MB4] . Even in a best-case scenario, it's going to compromise your productivity and temporarily interfere with your ability to keep things running. In a worst-case scenario, you could be a major safety hazard, threatening your entire workforce.
Reliability/quality. Obviously, you'll also need to think about reliability and quality. Even within the same category, some motors are strictly better than others. They can withstand harsher conditions, they don't need as much maintenance, and they could last for years longer than their counterparts. All other factors being equal, it's important to choose the most reliable, highest quality motor you can afford.
Price. Speaking of affordability, you'll need to think about prices as well. This is especially true if you're buying multiple jet pump motors for your systems. Choosing the cheapest pump motor on the market usually isn't ideal, since it will force you to compromise on other factors. But at the same time, it's a good idea to compare cost so you can get the best deal on a pump motor for your specific application.

Key Motor Elements to Consider

Centrifugal pumps, fire sprinkler pumps, chiller pumps, and commercial dishwasher pumps are just a few of the types of pumps that could need a motor to function properly. Your application is going to dictate what type of motor you need.

These are some of the most important considerations:

Specific application needs.

One of the first things you'll need to think about is your specific application and its motor needs. For example, do your motor need to be compatible with a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)? Does your motor need to be able to withstand a certain ambient temperature? Does your motor need to fit into a specific physical envelope? What size do you need and how much horsepower is required to meet your overall system’s needs?

Environment.

Some motor enclosures are more resistant to humid and/or hot environments than others. In general, the more protection against the elements your motor offers, the more expensive it will be. A totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) motor or Washdown Duty motor will often prevent your motor from failing prematurely due to water damage, but you’ll need to consider the specific application and how vulnerable your motor is. Consider consulting with one of our experts for more information.

Pump efficiency.

Some motors are more energy efficient than others. Though not always the case, higher efficiency motors can be more expensive, so this is a tradeoff you'll need to consider. In many cases, higher efficiency components end up paying for themselves, but the math depends on your specific application, the duty cycle of the motor, and how long you plan on using them. Consider consulting with one of our experts for more information.

Construction materials.

Jet pump motors can be made from a wide range of materials, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Some motor materials are more resilient, some are more cost effective, and some are particularly suited to specific applications. Consider your options carefully and choose the best fit for your needs.

Manufacturer.

Next, consider the manufacturer of the motor. Two motors that are otherwise identical may have very different levels of reliability due to how they were manufactured and quality checked. It's important to work with a manufacturer that you trust, and one with a reputation for quality work. American Stainless Pumps, Inc has decades of experience with several manufacturers, across multiple factories. We can help you select the best motor for your application.

Maintenance requirements.

Research the maintenance requirements of the jet pump motors you're considering. More complex jet pump motors and jet pump motors in more demanding applications are typically going to require more maintenance, which is something that needs to factor into your equations.

Availability.

You may also need to think about availability. If there are supply chain issues or other economic variables that interfere with the availability of jet pump motors, your first choice may not be immediately available. If you have urgent needs, you may be forced to make a compromise.

Cost.

Finally, you'll need to think about cost. This is the last item on the list because you may not have much wiggle room in what type of pump motor you buy. It's important to prioritize application specificity, quality, and type above price. Only then can you start conducting price comparison analyses in pursuit of the best deal.

There are a lot of factors to consider here, some of which may be beyond the scope of your current understanding. That's why it pays to work with a pump motor expert, who can help you evaluate your needs and choose the right pump motor for your manufacturing company.

Are you ready to buy stainless steel jet pump motors for your stainless steel pumps, chiller pumps, or other commercial applications? The best course of action is to talk to an expert who can help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

If you’re ready to get started or if you’re interested in a free quote, contact us today!

Posted in technical info

Are Stainless Steel Pumps Right for Your Commercial Application?

By Matt Beckerdite
Aug 8, 2024

Commercial pumps play an important role in a variety of industrial settings, so it's important to find the right products, made from the best possible materials. In many ways, stainless steel is advantageous over materials like cast iron, but what is it exactly about stainless steel that makes it such a powerful material for commercial pumps?

Advantages of Stainless Steel Pumps Over Plastic

We can start by comparing stainless steel pumps to their plastic counterparts. What are the advantages of stainless steel over plastic in this application?

Durability. Different pumps and different applications may have different requirements, but most industrialists are always looking for something durable. Stainless steel is one of the most durable materials available, and it's much more durable than plastic. This allows stainless steel pumps to withstand more wear and tear and handle much more intense environments.
Longevity. Partially as a byproduct of this, stainless steel offers superior longevity. Your stainless steel pumps are going to last much longer than plastic ones. If you're trying to get the most out of your investment, and make sure your pumps last for many years, stainless steel is likely the right option.
Chemical and corrosion resistance. People popularly choose stainless steel for kitchen appliances in part because of its corrosion and chemical resistance. Plastics come in many varieties, and there are some designer plastics that are capable of resisting specific chemicals, but even these specially engineered plastics pale in comparison to stainless steel. That's because stainless steel naturally resists a wide range of chemicals and corrosive substances naturally, making it far more versatile and in many cases, more robustly resilient.
Strength and integrity. Engineers love stainless steel because of its strength and structural integrity. You probably understand this intuitively, as plastic is designed to be somewhat flexible and malleable. Comparatively, stainless steel is stronger and more rigid, and it's far less likely to deform or crack when experiencing mechanical stress. This advantage makes stainless steel far superior to plastic in any heavy duty application.
Temperature tolerances. You likely know that plastic has the potential to melt, or at least deform, under high temperatures. It also has a tendency to become brittle when experiencing extreme low temperatures. Comparatively, stainless steel has much higher temperature tolerance, and it's capable of withstanding both extreme highs and extreme lows without melting, warping, or becoming brittle.
Environmental resistance. Generally, stainless steel is better than plastic at resisting environmental conditions. For example, plastic can easily be degraded by UV radiation or saltwater, but stainless steel is resilient to these elements.

Advantages of Stainless Steel Pumps Over Cast Iron

As you can imagine, cast iron has some critical advantages over plastic as well. So what makes stainless steel commercial pumps better than cast iron?

Corrosion resistance. For starters, stainless steel pumps are more corrosion resistant than cast iron. If you're dealing with an application that involves a hostile environment or corrosive fluids, stainless steel is a better option. For example, in open impellers, cast iron has a tendency to bind up after accumulating rust, eventually leading to pump and motor failure.
Lighter weight. Compared to cast iron, stainless steel is much lighter compared to its strength. Generally, this makes stainless steel a more versatile material for pumps, and it simultaneously makes stainless steel pumps easier to handle and install.
Durability. Cast iron is a highly durable material, but stainless steel is arguably even more durable. It can take a more intense beating, and it's significantly less prone to cracking and breaking.
Longevity. Just as in our comparison to plastic, stainless steel has more longevity. Because of its strength, durability, and other qualities, it's likely going to last much longer than a comparable cast iron pump. You'll also have fewer maintenance needs by upgrading to stainless steel.
Hygiene and cleanliness. Stainless steel is also known for its hygiene and easy cleanability. It's one of the best materials for applications in industries where hygiene is crucial, such as food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Comparatively, cast iron pumps are more susceptible to contaminants due to the porous nature of cast iron – and they're much harder to clean as well.
Aesthetics and overall quality. Some people prefer stainless steel for pumps simply because of its aesthetic attributes. Stainless steel is smoother and more visually appealing than cast iron, which makes it the best option in any public-facing or high-end installation. Additionally, the sleek, smooth surface of stainless steel can lead to efficiency improvements.

Are There Downsides for Commercial Stainless Steel Pumps?

So are there any downsides for commercial stainless steel pumps?

The short answer is yes. In some contexts, stainless steel pumps are more expensive to purchase compared to pumps made from other materials such as plastic or cast iron. They’re also heavier than plastic pumps, making them unsuitable for some niche applications. Also, stainless steel is corrosion resistant, not corrosion immune; stainless steel pumps can’t stand up to chlorinated water or sea water in the long term.

Still, stainless steel pumps are highly advantageous in most situations.

The Bottom Line for Stainless Steel

So what's the bottom line here?

When it comes to commercial pumps, stainless steel is superior to cast iron and plastic in nearly all applications. It offers practically no downsides, and is the best material to choose if you want:

A lightweight, relatively inexpensive, strong material. Stainless steel is incredibly strong, considering its weight, it's relatively inexpensive, and yet, it's also highly versatile.
Corrosion, chemical, and environmental resistance. Stainless steel is also resistant to corrosion, various chemicals, and various environmental hazards, including extreme temperatures. If you need your pumps to be tough, stainless steel is the obvious answer.
A long life. People also choose stainless steel for pumps they need to last. Stainless steel is relatively low maintenance, and it can last for decades with proper care.

Are you looking for commercial pumps? Are you unsure about the “best fit” for your needs? Our engineers can help guide you to find the perfect solution – so reach out for a free consultation today!

Posted in technical info

How to Select a Mechanical Seal for a Centrifugal Pump

May 26, 2020

Every centrifugal pump needs some way to prevent the product liquid from leaking past the spinning drive shaft. The method of sealing can be as simple as packing rope impregnated with graphite into a “packing box” and as complex as enclosing the whole pump in a chamber (mag drive or canned motors). By far the most common way of sealing around the drive shaft is with a mechanical seal.

A mechanical seal is any device that utilizes two ring type seal faces running against each other to create a barrier to the leaking product liquid. These two seal faces are ground and polished so smooth that they can run with a very small clearance between them, and even occasionally touch momentarily without damaging one another. The mechanical seal uses the product liquid to cool and lubricate the seal faces to keep them undamaged, with small amounts of vapor escaping across the faces. For liquids that are abrasive and non-lubricating, a “barrier fluid” may be required to protect the seal faces from the product.

type 16 mechanical seal

The simplest mechanical seal consists of one “stationary face” that attaches to the exterior of the pump and does not rotate, and one “rotating face” that attaches to the spinning shaft. Each of these faces must attach to the pump via flexible “boots”, O-rings or other means to prevent liquid from leaking out around the seal faces. These boots are typically made of an elastomer such as rubber (BUNA), EPR or Viton, but the boots can be flexible metal bellows or even Teflon (although Teflon is difficult to install and keep compressed).

type 16 seal cross section

Metal parts are needed to keep the parts together and to provide springs to keep the faces together. These metal parts are usually 316SS but can be made from other more noble metals if needed.

A vast majority of centrifugal pumps will pump water in some varied condition, possibly in combination with an antifreeze and some antibacterial additives. Since water by itself is not a very good lubricant (especially at high temperatures) the seal faces need to provide some lubricity of their own so that when they touch at startup or shutdown, the faces will not tear themselves up. This is usually accomplished by making one of the seal faces out of carbon or by some material impregnated with carbon. The other seal face is usually a harder material that will resist wear from the carbon face, such as a ceramic, carbide or solid metal.

Note that although water is the most common liquid pumped, the different additives used can make a huge difference in the type of seal required. Relatively clean water, even when combined with glycol, is easy and inexpensive to seal, whereas dirty water or water with lots of additives can be very difficult. The difference is in the abrasiveness and lubricity of the liquid. If when you rub a sample between your fingers you can feel the lack of lubricity, or if your liquid has lots of salts or other dissolved solids, you may need a more complicated and expensive mechanical seal.

Clean Water Mechanical Seal

Water that is not abrasive and may have some glycol can use the least expensive type of seal. The stationary seal face is usually made of ceramic and is sealed to the seal plate with a Buna boot or a Buna O-ring. The rotating seal face is usually made of carbon/graphite in some combination and is sealed to the shaft (or shaft sleeve) with a Buna boot or O-ring. The spring and metal parts needed to hold the seal together are 304SS or 316SS.

Water with Salts, Abrasives or Additives

Water with any salts, abrasives or additives are much harder on mechanical seal faces. When the mechanical seal is operating properly, small amounts of liquid are entering the space between the two faces. As the liquid travels from the high pressure side of the faces to the low pressure side, the liquid heats up and vaporizes. While this vaporization is needed to cool and lubricate the faces, it also leaves any salts or other solids in the space between the seal faces. These deposited solids are very abrasive and will accumulate over time and may quickly erode the faces (particularly the softer carbon face).

The simplest and cheapest solution for mildly abrasive liquids is to upgrade the seal faces to materials that can resist abrasives better than the inexpensive carbon/ceramic combination used for clean liquids. The least expensive harder material is usually silicon carbide, but other ceramic/metals are used. The downside of silicon carbide or any other hard material occurs when they run dry, even momentarily during startup and shutdown. Any period of dry running can cause wear and heat buildup and may cause the mechanical seal to fail. (In severe cases, the heat will melt the elastomeric parts). This dry running problem is significantly reduced when the silicon carbide faces are impregnated with carbon/graphite, but the problem is not eliminated. Depending on many variables, the seal with impregnated faces can only run dry for a short time before failing, but eventually the seal will fail from heat buildup.

Other solutions for sealing abrasive liquids include flushing the seal faces with a clean liquid, but this option requires special seals (such as a double seal) and special flushing piping. The cost of this option gets expensive fast and may require a much larger, more expensive pump and seal combination.

Water at High or Low Temperatures

As water temperature gets lower than 32 F or higher than 212 F, the seal materials may need to be upgraded. Low temperatures usually need EPR elastomers to handle the cold, and higher temperatures may need Viton. Extreme temperatures may also require that the standard ceramic be replaced with the much tougher silicon carbide or other metal faces. Ceramic faces are very susceptible to thermal shock, and a sudden change in the temperature of the liquid can shatter the seal faces.

Food Grade Seals

Mechanical seals for sanitary pumps or for use in food processing will usually require Viton elastomers and 316SS metal parts plus any other material upgrades needed for the liquid being pumped. These seals usually must be outside the pump where they can be disassembled and cleaned daily, so specialized pumps and seals are needed.

Liquids other than Water

Liquids other than water may require very specialized mechanical seals, and even very specialized pumps. Toxic or flammable liquids will require double seals, special flushing liquids and special flushing plans to isolate the liquids and protect the seal faces. These special seals are often required for protecting workers, the public and the air quality. The size and complexity of these special seals requires large chambers and often large, complicated and expensive pumps. You may need to consult with your pump salesman or an experienced mechanical seal salesman to get the right pump and the right mechanical seal.

Pumps that do not need a Mechanical Seal

If your liquid is very hard to seal or very dangerous, you may want to consider a “sealless” pump. The three most common types of sealless pumps are: Mag Drive Pumps, Canned Rotor Pumps and Vertical Cantilever Pumps.

A Mag Drive Pump uses magnets to drive the pump in a contained shell. One set of Magnets spins on an outside cylinder attached to the motor. Another set of magnets spins on an inside cylinder attached to the pump. The two sets of magnets are separated by a thin non-metallic shell that keeps the pump liquid inside the shell. The problem with this arrangement is that there are lots of bushings and sleeves needed to support the pump shaft and the impeller. These bushings and sleeves are exposed to the pumped liquid, so any abrasives can kill the pump quickly. Repairing or replacing these bushings and sleeves is very difficult and very expensive, and only adds to the cost of an already expensive pump. This pump is very useful for clean but dangerous liquids.

A Canned Rotor Pumps goes one step farther than a Mag Drive Pump by enclosing the whole pump and motor inside a sealed shell. This eliminates the need for magnets to drive the pump and uses fewer bearings/bushings than the Mag Drive Pump. These bushings and sleeves are exposed to the pumped liquid, so any abrasives can kill the pump quickly. The repair and replacement of the bushings and sleeves is very expensive. This pump can be the best option for some hot and dangerous liquids.

A Vertical Cantilever Pump is usually the best option for water with lots of abrasives (such as parts washers). A motor is specially designed and built to have a very long and often very large diameter shaft that extends out (cantilevered) as long as is needed for the pump design. This long motor shaft is supported solely by the motor ball bearings (or by a large bearing housing) and these bearings are not exposed to the pumped liquid. A throttle bushing and sleeve are needed to reduce the amount of water escaping from the pump and these parts are exposed to the liquid, but the bushing and the sleeve should never touch and can be made from hard, erosion resistant materials. The disadvantage of this pump is that it is mounted vertically and must hang into a sump, so a lot of space and additional support structure is required. There are limits to the length these pumps can be made as the diameter of the shaft goes up exponentially as the length of the shaft increases. There is also some lost efficiency as some liquid must leak past the sleeve and bushing.

spv sealless vertical pump

Posted in technical info