Steam pumps serve a variety of purposes — across a number of different industries. An industrial steam pump can be used to stir liquids as part of large-scale food processing. Steam pumping is also invaluable at the residential and commercial levels to help drain flooded areas, or even to empty septic or sump tanks.

Steam pumps are otherwise known as direct acting steam pumps. They consist of a reciprocating steam engine and a liquid pumping end that is built together as a unit.

Before going on a shopping spree to browse for steam pumps for sale or contacting a steam pump manufacturer, consider furthering your knowledge of how to operate them properly with steam pumps education and training. Below are a few suggestions to learn steam engine pumps basics — and ensure you know the difference between steam condensate pumps and centrifugal steam pumps.

1. Learn steam water pump basics by completing a training course.

2. Pass certification exams to become a pump generalist and a steam pumping expert.

3. Complete steam pump training courses online.

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Attend a training course that covers industrial steam pump basics

Consider attending a training course taught by training professionals to learn about pump systems and steam technology. While more expensive, attending a training course in person allows you the opportunity to focus solely on your learnings without the distractions of your every day life.

I recommend: American Trainco's course on pumps and pump systems is designed for mechanics, operators and maintenance technicians. Spirax-Sarco offers a variety of steam technology training courses at five training centers across the country.

Pass certification exams to become a pump generalist and a steam pumping expert

Become a Pumping System Assessment Tool (PSAT) Specialist by completing classroom and practical training, passing the exam and showing your ability to use the PSAT software tool. The Maintenance Training Association of the Americas (MTAA) Pump & Pump System Certification Test measures the knowledge level of technicians who work on pumps and pump systems.

I recommend: Massachusetts Energy Efficient Partnership (MAEEP)'s site, maintained by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, offers a variety of training courses including the Pumping System Assessment Tool (PSAT)test. Martin Learning offers online and printed versions of Pump & Pump Systems certification tests.

Complete steam pump training online

Online training allows students to study without having to take time off from work. It can also be a more cost-effective form of training, since there are no travel or lodging costs associated with it and many students can take turns learning from the materials once purchased.

I recommend: I.Q. Technology's Facilities-Engineering site offers a CD-Rom about pump and valves training for process operators and maintenance technicians. Coastal Technologies' ClarityNet website offers online industrial skills training on a number of topics including steam products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Those who operate or work with steam pumps should be prepared to deal with emergency situations should they arise, given that steam pump-related accidents can be quite dangerous if handled improperly. Consider completing Hazwoper and OSHA courses to know what to do should an emergency arise.

Steam pumps can handle a variety of uses. They can agitate your liquids, granular solids and slurries. They can help you drain flooded areas. They can help you empty your tanks and sumps. They can be used for food processing. The list goes on and on.

Steam pumps are otherwise known as direct acting steam pumps. They consist of a reciprocating steam engine and a liquid pumping end that is built together as a unit.

To find the right steam pumping mechanism for you:

1. Look at what your exact needs are and determine your applicational use.

2. Determine your quantity needs. Do you need a full steam pump or are you just replacing parts and pieces?

3. Evaluate the cost effectiveness of a new versus used steam pump.

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Look for the right price in your steam pump purchase

Whether you are looking for centrifugal steam pumps, duplex steam pumps, reciprocating steam pumps, steam condensate pumps, or steam engine pumps finding a cost effective steam pump mechanism will aid in the delivery of your business and your overall bottom line.

I recommend: Steam Jet Syphons are a brand of steam pumps that use steam to force the pump, mix liquids and handle solids. The pressurized steam discharges at a high velocity through a nozzle and draws the suction liquid or slurry. It can be used for corrosive or abrasive liquids and solids. Fox Venturi Ejector offers you products ranging from small, machined-from-bar ejectors to skid-mounted, multi-stage vacuum systems. Their products include steam ejectors and steam jet vacuum systems, and they have been in business over 40 years. Applications for their use include pharmaceutical, food processing, pulp & paper, petrochemical, chemical plants and more.

Fill your industry need with steam pumps for sale

As you evaluate your application, find a seller of steam pumps for sale that fits your industry necessity.

I recommend: Reimers Electra Steam has been in business since 1908. They manufacture electric boilers, electric steam generators and other steam products. Their products are great for applications such as sterilization, comfort heating, steam cleaning, humidification, garment care, dry cleaning, steam baths, lab work, food service and bakery ovens. They aim to provide steam products that are convenient and safe. Their boilers are built to meet the requirements of the ASME boiler and pressure vessel code ASMECSD-1, and they bear the national board stamp. The steam products from JRM Process include traps, conductivity controllers, control valves, pressure power pumps and specialty valves.

Look for quality industrial steam pump products

Quality of manufacture is a key factor to purchasing an industrial steam pump product.

I recommend: Gary Holland Sales Inc. distributes both steam cleaning guns and steam generators from the Sussman brand and steam traps from Nicholson. Dresser-Rand is a combined effort of Dresser-Clark and Ingersoll Rand to design, manufacture and service steam turbines. Their steam turbines fall under such names as COPPUS®, Ingersoll-Rand®, Moore, Nadrowski, Murray, TurbodyneTM, TerryTM and Worthington. Their products are found in more than 140 countries.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask about training or instructional videos, webinars, or online support for any of the steam pumps for sale.

Today, steam pumps (also known as direct acting steam pumps) are useful in various applications such as steam cleaning, garment care, lab work, bakery ovens and sterilization in various industries ranging from pharmaceutical, food processing to petrochemical.

While interacting with steam pump suppliers and manufacturers, you will come across various technical terms that denote types and properties of steam pumps. This guide intends to familiarize you with the key terms of steam pumps, including NPSH, viscosity, pump curve, fluid rate and steam valves.

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NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head)

NPSH is defined as the absolute pressure of a fluid at the pump inlet minus the vapor pressure of the liquid. As the piston speed and capacity increases, the required NPSH of a steam pump also increases.

I recommend: The Engineering ToolBox, an informative Web site, provides detailed information about NPSH.

Viscosity

Viscosity of fluid is an important parameter for the design and performance of a steam pump. Viscosity indicates the resistance of the fluid to flow.

I recommend: To understand the meaning of viscosity, read through information at STLE (Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers). Additionally, Eaton Corporation offers a hydraulics glossary that explains various terms, including viscosity.

Pump curve

Pump curve evaluates the efficiency of all pumps, including steam pumps. In a pump curve, the fluid flow is plotted on the X-axis and the pump head on the Y-axis.

I recommend: You can read through detailed information on various aspects of a pump curve at Cole-Parmer, a leading supplier of pumps.

Steam valves

Steam pumps use steam valves to control the flow and pressure level of steam.

I recommend: GlobalSpec, a knowledge resource, provides detailed information about steam valves and their different types.

Flow rate (fluid flow rate)

Before selecting a steam pump you must define the flow rate for your application. Flow rate is the amount of system fluid that passes through a pump per unit of time.

I recommend: To understand the definition of flow rate, read through the glossary of hydraulic terms at Nova Hydraulics, a reputable company in the field of hydraulic product repairs.

HHP (Hydraulic Horsepower)

Hydraulic horse power is the power of a hydraulic system. It depends upon the flow of system fluid and its pressure.

I recommend: Toolingu.com, a reputable resource, provides detailed information about hydraulic horsepower. Additionally, you can read through information at the Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI).

Duplex steam pumps

Duplex steam pumps are steam pumps with two steam and two liquid cylinders side-by-side.

I recommend: SteamPumps.net provides information about duplex steam pumps and the construction of duplex steam pumps.

Using a steam pump without the proper training can be a dangerous scenario. Industrial steam piston pumps, engine pumps, reciprocating steam pumps and all other types of steam pumps should be operated under proper safety guidelines. When it comes to safety training, there are several avenues to use.

Get steam pumps safety information through manufacturers or find online resources to meet your safety training needs. Any workers you come in contact with an industrial steam pump should have some safety training so they know how to properly operate or fix them. To start your safety training:

1. Contact your steam pump manufacturer for safety information.

2. Get your employees signed up for an online safety course.

3. Use safety training materials to refresh your employees on steam pump safety in-house.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find industrial steam pump safety training from manufacturers and suppliers

Many manufacturers of steam pumps, or pumps in general, offer educational training in-house or workshops to refresh employees on pump safety. Whether you are looking to purchase a new steam pump or trying to find safety materials for an existing pump, scanning various manufacturer websites may be helpful.

I recommend: When you buy a pump from AB Industrial Equipment Company, the purchase isn't the end of your contact with the manufacturer. They provide in-house pump training for your employees so they learn to properly operate all equipment. Grainger, suppliers of industrial equipment and steam pumps for sale, offers many safety service programs that include equipment safety in-house courses.

Look for online steam water pump safety courses

Many industrial training websites offer pump maintenance, operation and safety courses. For a more in depth course, look for steam pump specific classes, but don't discount general pump safety courses that may include good steam pump information. If you would rather have a face-to-face option, find a trainer who sets up in-house training. They do all the work, but you reap all the benefits of a safer working environment.

I recommend: American Trainco provides in-house training and seminars on pump systems. Their unit includes instruction on steam pumps. Find steam pump training and in-house course options at Steam Training.

Look for helpful steam pump safety information to use in-house

If you want to train a large number of employees in the proper handling and operations of the steam pump, it may be beneficial to find safety materials to use in-house. Look for materials specific to the type of pump the employees come in contact with, and put a manager or human resource department in charge of setting up training sessions using the materials you gather.

I recommend: Pumps and Systems Magazine provides an explanation of the steam pump and how to use it safely. The information could make a great basis for a starter safety course. Water and Waste Digest publishes general safety guidelines for industrial pumps. The website also includes many industry links that you could use to find additional resources.