The use of pumps in Industry
Pumps are mechanical devices used to move fluids (like liquids or gases) or sometimes slurries by mechanical action. Because they play such a crucial role in the production process the use of anti vibration mounts for pumps can be critical for success.
Pumps are used everywhere as you can see here based on our examples below
- Centrifugal Pumps: These are the most commonly used type of pump, and they function by using a rotating impeller to increase the pressure and flow rate of a fluid. They are often used in the oil and gas industry for tasks like oil transportation, in the water treatment industry for water purification processes, and in the HVAC industry for circulating coolants.
- Positive Displacement Pumps: These pumps operate by trapping a fixed amount of fluid and then forcing (displacing) that trapped volume into the discharge pipe. They can be further divided into rotary types (for example, screw pumps and gear pumps) and reciprocating types (for example, diaphragm pumps and piston pumps). These pumps are used in a variety of industries, including the chemical industry for handling viscous or sensitive fluids, the food and beverage industry for handling food products, and the oil and gas industry for high-pressure oil and gas transfer.
- Submersible Pumps: These are designed to be fully submerged in the fluid that they are pumping. They are commonly used in the mining industry for dewatering applications, in the oil and gas industry for offshore drilling, and in the water treatment industry for sewage treatment.
- Diaphragm Pumps: These pumps use a combination of the reciprocating action of a rubber or thermoplastic diaphragm and suitable valves on either side of the diaphragm to pump a fluid. They are often used in the chemical industry for handling hazardous or toxic fluids, in the food and beverage industry for dosing and dispensing tasks, and in the pharmaceutical industry for transferring sensitive fluids.
- Peristaltic Pumps: These pumps work by compressing and relaxing a flexible tube or hose, much like the action of our esophagus when swallowing. They are often used in the medical industry for tasks like dialysis and intravenous therapy, in the food and beverage industry for handling sensitive fluids, and in the chemical industry for dosing applications.
- Slurry Pumps: These are a type of centrifugal pump designed to transport a fluid containing solid particles. They are commonly used in the mining industry for transporting ores, in the construction industry for handling cement and concrete, and in the wastewater treatment industry for sludge handling.
In all these industries, pumps play a crucial role in the production process, and their efficient operation is essential for productivity and profitability.
Reason for vibration isolation in pumps
Vibrations will cause different issues in different circumstances. Here are some of the ways vibrations can have a negative affect on pumps and their performance depending on the purpose of the pump.
- Centrifugal Pumps: Vibration in these pumps can be caused by imbalances in the rotating parts, cavitation (the formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in the liquid being pumped), or misalignment between the pump and the motor. This vibration can lead to increased wear and tear on the pump components, reduced efficiency due to energy being wasted as vibration, and increased noise levels.
- Positive Displacement Pumps: In these pumps, vibration can be caused by the reciprocating or rotary motion of the pump components. This can lead to similar problems as with centrifugal pumps, including increased wear and tear, reduced efficiency, and increased noise levels. In addition, the pulsating flow produced by some types of positive displacement pumps can cause vibration in the piping system, which can lead to additional problems such as pipe fatigue and failure.
- Submersible Pumps: Vibration in these pumps can be caused by factors such as imbalances in the rotating parts, wear and tear on the pump components, or the presence of solids in the fluid being pumped. This vibration can lead to problems such as damage to the pump and the surrounding structure, reduced efficiency, and increased maintenance costs.
- Diaphragm Pumps: In these pumps, vibration can be caused by the reciprocating motion of the diaphragm. This can lead to increased wear and tear on the diaphragm and other pump components, reduced efficiency, and increased noise levels. In addition, the pulsating flow produced by diaphragm pumps can cause vibration in the piping system.
- Peristaltic Pumps: Vibration in these pumps can be caused by the squeezing and releasing action of the peristaltic mechanism. This can lead to increased wear and tear on the tubing and other pump components, reduced efficiency, and increased noise levels.
- Slurry Pumps: In these pumps, vibration can be caused by factors such as the impact of solids on the impeller, wear and tear on the pump components, or imbalances in the rotating parts. This vibration can lead to problems such as damage to the pump and the surrounding structure, reduced efficiency, and increased maintenance costs
In all these cases, the use of anti-vibration mounts can help to reduce the vibrations and mitigate the associated problems. By absorbing and isolating the vibrations, these mounts can help to extend the lifespan of the pump, reduce maintenance costs, increase efficiency, and reduce noise levels.
Anti Vibration Mounts from Isolgomma.
The Anti Vibration Mounts from the  Isolgomma Megafoot range offer the ideal solution to the vibration issues of pumps in many settings.
These mounts can be installed directly onto the machinery. They work particularly well were space is limited or where it is not feasible to use an inertia base.
They are made up of two shaped stainless steel plates and an anti-vibration pad They are available in four sizes, can support loads up to 10000kg and are effective across a wide range of disturbing frequencies.
They are the best in their class of anti vibration mounts for pumps