One of the necessities of a boiler room is a boiler feed pump. If you use a boiler for your business, you will need a boiler feed pump to move boiler feed water, de-aerated water and the chemicals that protect the boiler and boiler systems. Boiler feed pumps are a kind of centrifugal pump that comes in various types, such as multi-stage rapidly split pumps, multi-stage axially split pumps and single-stage dry running feed water pumps. If you want to establish yourself as a boiler feed pump supplier or buy these pumps, you need to understand some common terms associated with boiler feed pumps.

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Centrifugal pump

A centrifugal pump is a pumping device that works on the simple principle of centrifugal force. Centrifugal pumps are very popular in the industry by virtue of their wide range of applications.

I recommend: You can read through basic information on centrifugal pumps at Pump World, an online information resource.

Suction head

Suction head is the measure of the suction a boiler feed pump can produce. You can determine the suction head by adding up static head, friction head and the pressure head of the pump.

I recommend: Read through the definition and the calculation method of a suction head at The Engineering ToolBox, an online source that provides resources, tools and basic information for engineering applications.

Suction guide

It is very important to keep the flow of the fluid straight ahead of the pump. A suction guide channels the flow in a straight direction. Suction guides come in various diameters ranging from 2 inches to 14 inches.

I recommend: You can understand the basics of a suction guide at LIght My Pump.

GPM (gallon per minute)

GPM is the capacity of a boiler feed pump to force water out of the pump.

I recommend: For more information, visit Knowledge Door.

ANSI standards

ANSI (American National Standards Institute) sets standard specifications for services, processes and products, including boiler feed pumps. Industries throughout the United States recognize these standards.

I recommend: You can read about ANSI by visiting the American National Standards Institute.

Close coupled

Close-coupled pumps have a different kind of coupling. They do not have a separate bearing case.

I recommend: Visit MP Pumps for more information.

Boiler feed pump manufacturers design pumps to work with a variety of products including water and chemicals. Pumps are most commonly used in power companies but can be used for a wide range of projects. High pressure boiler feed pumps release the substance within at high speeds for power washes or to generate power. No matter what your boiler pump needs, many distributors have products to fit your company.

Used or refurbished equipment is a good way for a new company to cut down costs. If the company has a need for a boiler pump but does not have to produce large volumes, a small or medium pump can save money and space. Large pumps take up a considerable amount of room and are the most expensive but there are many companies with good financing options.

1. Reduce overheard cost and purchase a used or refurbish boiler feed pump.

2. Review small to medium sized boiler feeding pumps to see if they fit your company's needs.

3. Locate large capacity boiler pumps for large industrial businesses.

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Save money with a used or refurbished boiler feed pump

Used and refurbished equipment is the best choice for companies that want to save money or recycle. Buying a used or refurbished pump can save your company up to 50% of the product's list price.

I recommend: Search the Surplus Record Machinery & Equipment Directory for boiler feeding pumps for sale. Nationwide Boiler is the industry leader in used and refurbished large capacity boilers. Contact RENDEQ, INC. for prices on boilers, boiler feed pumps and centrifuges.

Locate a small to medium capacity boiler feeding pump

These boiler pumps range in size up to 1,550 USGPM. A small to medium boiler pump generally meets all the needs of small companies. These pumps are light weight, easily mobile and require less space than the larger pumps.

I recommend: Search through the list of boiler pumps by manufacturer at the Boiler Feed Pumps Company. Buy boiler feed pumps in a small to medium size from Flowchem Engineering Pvt. Ltd. View the product catalog from King Pumps Inc., to see their wide variety of pumps.

Buy large capacity boiler feed pumps for big jobs

A large capacity pump is 1,550 USGPM or higher. These pumps are used in major operations when large volumes of chemicals or water need to be dispensed quickly and effectively. These high pressure boiler feed pumps can spray clean or degrease liquid over large areas.

I recommend: The P.C. McKenzie Company carries large pumps for all major boiler feed pump manufacturers. Find single stage pumps to industrial size vertical pumps at Sulzer Pumps. Locate a boiler feed pump turbine for medium to large capacity from Clyde Pumps.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check all seals and valves on boiler feed pumps regularly, to maintain excellent performance.

The business of boiler feed pumps (also called boil feed pumps) requires extensive education and training. If you want to establish yourself as a boil feed pump supplier, you will need to educate and train your workforce on the technology, operation and maintenance of boiler pumps.

Furthermore, if you are a boil feed pump seller, you will need to keep your knowledge up-to-date in order to stay ahead of the competition. Constant communication with other professionals in the boiler feeding pump industry will also help you to expand your business.

If you want to buy a boiler feed pump, you will need to have some basic knowledge about boiler pumps, such as the advantages, disadvantages and prices of boiler feed pumps available in the market. Choosing the right boiler pump for your application can be challenging, as boiler feed pump manufacturers offer a wide variety of boiler feeding pump models.

To educate yourself and/or your workforce about boiler feed pumps, you can:

1. Browse through various resources that provide basic information about boiler feed pumps
2. Read magazines and periodicals
3. Understand the standards for boiler feed pumps
4. Join associations for professionals in the pump industry

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Subscribe to magazines to stay informed about the developments in the boiler pump industry

Magazines provide important updates about the latest developments in the pump industry. You can subscribe to these magazines to stay ahead of the competition.

I recommend: You can subscribe to The Engineer, a magazine catering to the engineering technology community. Energy-Tech Magazine is a magazine dedicated to the engineering, operations and maintenance of electric power plants. In addition, you can subscribe to Pumps & Systems, a magazine dedicated to the pump industry.

Join associations to communicate with other professionals in the boiler pump industry

Associations provide a platform for communication and interaction among professionals in the industry. If you are a boil feed pump supplier, you can benefit from the membership of these associations.

I recommend: You can join the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME International), a professional organization that promotes the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering. In addition, you can become a member of the Hydraulic Institute, an association for professionals in the pump industry.

Buy updated standards for your boiler pump business

Boiler feed pump manufacturers will need to stay informed about any changes in national and international standards for boiler pumps, in order to manufacture products that are compliant with those standards.

I recommend: You can buy updated standards at ANSI (American National Standards Institute), an organization of the U.S. government that establishes national standards for industrial products. In addition, you can buy standards for boiler feed pumps at ISO (International Organization for Standardization).

Boiler feed pumps are perhaps one of the most critical components in a boiler operation system. They are used for many applications involving a mixture of water and chemicals. High pressure boiler feed pumps are used for industrial applications, including power generation and power washing. Boiler feed pumps control not only how much water is sent to the boiler, but the method for sending it.

Generally speaking, boiler feed pump manufacturers offer just a few boiler feeding pump types from which to choose for your business application. When looking to invest in a boiler pump for your business, consider which boiler feed pumps types and styles best suit your needs.

1. Look at centrifugal industrial boil feed pumps if you need to pump massive amounts of water into your boiler.

2. Shop at a boil feed pump supplier that sells turbine boiler feed pumps if your boiler requires smaller amounts of water to be fed into it.

3. Choose from a horizontal or vertical placement of a boiler feed pump based on your space requirements.

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Purchase a centrifugal boiler feeding pump if you need to push in a huge amount of water

Boilers that require more than 10,000 pounds per hour of water usually require a centrifugal boiler feed pump. A centrifugal system continuously feeds water to the boiler at various rates depending on how much water is inside.

I recommend: Wanner Engineering sells ANSI certified centrifugal pumps made by Stan-cor. BCast Stainless Products sells stainless steel centrifugal pumps for use in boilers.

Consider a boiler pump with a turbine drive if your water volume requirements are smaller

Boilers that require smaller amounts of water to be pumped in use a float type switch to intermittently start and stop the feed pump when the water in the boiler reaches a pre-specified level. This operating system is referred to as a turbine drive.

I recommend: Hitachi Power Systems America turbine drives are shipped fully assembled on a base frame ready to work with your boiler feed pump. Shippensburg Pump offers a variety of turbine drive boiler feed pumps.

Determine your space requirements before committing to a horizontal or vertical boiler feed pump

You can choose between a boiler feed pump that lies vertically or one that lies horizontally depending on the size of your space, as well as the type of boiler you have. Another point to consider is the height of your ceilings. If you have a lot of floor space and ceilings are not a concern, then a horizontal unit is probably your best bet. There is a larger inventory of horizontal boiler feed pumps available on the market.

I recommend: Pacific Pump and Shanghai Pacific Pump Manufacture Co., Ltd. sell boiler feed pumps that are horizontal in placement.