Pump suction
Selecting a pump is always about balancing several factors - for example, the volumes and contents to be pumped, the efficiency required and how frequently the pump will be run. But where space is at a premium, or the cost of changing process the liquid structures or pipework is prohibitive, may be a cocktail of plant engineers may also have to deal chemicals, meaning with an additional factor - namely the vapour pressure poor suction static head. Failure to take may need to be this into account can cause cavitation, determined with catastrophic consequences.
Pumped up and potent
Choosing the right pump can be hit-and-miss, as plant engineers seek to escape issues such as over-sizing and over-engineering. Steed Webzell investigates
Babies and bathwater
Plant, equipment, instrumentation and the regulatory frameworks have all been evolving to meet the challenges of pollution and climate change. Brian Tinham examines the issues