Boiler Feed Pumps Key Terms

Learn about common terms related to boiler feed pumps

By Howard Robertson

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.

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: Visit MP Pumps for more information.