Why correct dimensioning of centrifugal pumps is crucial for cleaning applications
- Thursday 20 February 2025
- By: BOONS FIS
- Category: Foaming and disinfection installations
In cleaning applications in various sectors, choosing the right equipment is essential to ensure efficiency, durability and reliability. Centrifugal pumps play a key role in this, but often the crucial step of correct dimensioning is underestimated. Unjustified, because an incorrectly dimensionied pump can lead to increased costs, inefficiency and even damage to systems. In this blog, we discuss why correct dimensioning of centrifugal pumps is indispensable and how it directly affects the performance of cleaning systems.
What is dimensioning and why is it important?
Dimensioning a centrifugal pump means that the pump is selected and set based on specific parameters, such as:
- Flow rate (flow): The amount of liquid pumped per unit time.
- Head (head): The total pressure required to move the fluid.
- Fluid characteristics: Such as viscosity, temperature and chemical composition.
- Distance: The total distance the pumped liquid has to travel throughout the entire cleaning system. It must be possible to work with the same (pre-set) pressure at each location.
In cleaning applications, these parameters are crucial. A pump that is not adjusted to the actual needs can result in:
- Inefficient use of energy: A pump that is too large will consume excessive energy.
- Insufficient pressure or flow: A pump that is too small cannot deliver the desired cleaning results.
- Reduced equipment life: Incorrect dimensioning increases component wear.
Why is this so important in cleaning applications?
In the food industry and other hygiene-sensitive sectors, cleaning is a crucial process. Cleaning tanks, pipes and equipment requires a constant flow rate and the right pressure to effectively remove dirt and residues. A correctly dimensioned pump ensures that:
- Cleaning agents are used effectively: The right pressure and flow ensure optimal dosing of water and chemicals.
- Process interruptions are minimised: By preventing wear or failures due to an incorrectly selected pump.
- Costs are saved: Energy-efficient operation and reduced maintenance reduce operating costs.
What are the consequences of wrong dimensioning?
The impact of a wrongly dimensioned pump can be far-reaching. Some practical examples:
- Over-dimensioning: A pump with to high a power leads to a waste of energy and a higher total cost of ownership (TCO). Moreover, the high pressure can damage pipes, nozzles and other components.
- Sub-dimensioning: A pump that does not meet the requirements does not provide sufficient pressure or flow rate, causing cleaning tasks to take longer or fail to meet hygiene standards.
Finding the balance between sub- and over-dimensioning is therefore crucial.
How BOONS FIS can help with this
At BOONS FIS, we understand that every cleaning application is unique. Our approach starts with a thorough analysis of your specific situation. Therefor, we look at parameters such as cleaning time, nature of the dirt, fluid characteristics and the available installation environment.
What sets us apart is our independence. We offer both low- and high-pressure systems and can provide objective advice on the most suitable solution for your application. Our aim is to provide not just any pump, but a complete cleaning solution that does exactly what you need - no more, no less.
Do you want to know more about our offering? Check out our solutions catalogue with solutions or contact us for a personal analysis.
Correct sizing of centrifugal pumps is indispensable for efficient and cost-effective cleaning applications. Not only does it ensure better results, it also reduces operational costs and increases the lifetime of your equipment. At BOONS FIS, we specialise in providing solutions that exactly suit your needs, so you don't have to worry about the performance of your cleaning systems.
Do you have any questions or do you need advice on your current setup? We will be happy to help. Together, we will make sure your systems work as they should: efficiently, reliably and sustainably.
