Pumps Digest October 2017

Pumps Digest aims to keep the pumps industry and its customers informed with news
and technical information that covers relevant solutions, applications, and trends.

Sponsored By: How to Select the High Vacuum Certification

Right Pump for Pumps Program for
Your Chemical Information Pump Industry
Application Professionals

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How to Select the Right Pump for Your Chemical Application
Chemical pumps are defined as those with the application
of making, using or disposing of chemicals. They are
designed and constructed out of materials that can
withstand substances with varying levels of viscosity,
corrosiveness, and abrasiveness. Some chemical
pumps are also metering pumps, which provide flow
measurement and control for applications that require
precise volumes of chemicals.

Chemical pumps have applications in many different

industries, from general industrial applications to oil and
gas, brewery and distillery, semiconductor and others.
The following chart indicates the industries for more
than 12,000 users of the IEEE GlobalSpec parametric
SpecSearch® filter for chemical pumps from 2012 to 2016.
Chemical pump. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Chemical Pump Industry Usage; Data source: IEEE GlobalSpec

Selecting the correct chemical pump involves many

variables. Pump handbooks and specialty software
can aid in pump specification. Chemical MSDS and
compatibility data may be required as well. The first step
in chemical pump selection is a proper understanding
of the application requirements and the chemical media
properties along with selecting the pump with the
specifications to perform the task. The following graphic
lists some of the main criteria to consider during chemical
pump selection.

Chemical Pump Selection -

Application Requirements and Attributes

Pumps Digest 2
Chemical pumps are defined
as those with the application
One of the most important criteria to consider is the
chemical media to be pumped. The materials used
for the construction of the pump must be compatible
with the chemical media. Corrosion is a major concern
with many chemicals. Acids such as sulfuric acid and
hydrochloric acid are especially corrosive. In addition to
acids, chemicals that pose corrosion problems to varying
degrees are chlorine, alkaline solutions, and water. Care
must be taken to select a pump manufactured from a
material that is compatible with the chemical media.
Pump materials can be classified into two main
categories—metal and nonmetallic. Metal pumps can
further be classified as ferrous or nonferrous. Pumps
made of cast iron, ductile iron or carbon steel can be
used with some chemicals, but most metallic chemical
pumps are manufactured from stainless steel, a nickel
alloy or exotic material such as titanium to protect against
corrosion. Nonmetallic materials can be broken out as
rubber (both natural and synthetic), plastic, ceramics,
glass, etc. All of these nonmetallic materials have
applications as pump materials for corrosive materials,
especially plastic.
In addition to chemical media and pump construction
materials, what other specifications are the most important
to engineers when selecting a chemical pump?
In a recent review of the selections of more than
12,000 engineers or users visiting the Chemical Pumps
SpecSearch parametric filter on IEEE GlobalSpec to
discover or find chemical pumps for their applications, we
found:
• 54 percent of specification selections were for
numerical performance specifications (maximum
discharge flow, maximum discharge pressure,
discharge size, etc.)
• 33 percent of spec selections were for pump type
(centrifugal, diaphragm, dosing, etc.)
Pump Sizing and Performance
Specifications
According to IEEE GlobalSpec users, the selection of the
proper pump performance and size specifications are
the most important criteria when specifying a chemical
pump. According to a 2010 to 2016 review of chemical
pump searches, the most common performance or
size specification searched by engineers and technical
buyers using SpecSearch parametric search was
Pumps Digest
maximum discharge flow. After maximum discharge flow,
maximum discharge pressure (head) had the next highest
usage, followed by inlet size, discharge size and media
temperature, respectively.
Data source: IEEE GlobalSpec
An incorrectly sized pump can lead to operating problems
within the pump fluid transfer system. When correctly
specified, most pumps are slightly oversized due to a
built-in safety factor; however, a greatly oversized pump
can cause a motor to be lightly loaded (below 50 percent
of full load) during operation. A lightly loaded AC motor
will produce a lower power factor, increasing operating
costs. Process industry estimates indicate that the price
associated with using oversized pumps is staggering and
costs companies billions of dollars each year. The use
of multiple contractors is a contributing factor, with each
contractor creating their own perceived specifications.
By the time the final contractor gets involved, the
perceived capacity requirements may vary greatly from
the actual capacity needed, akin to the childhood game
of “telephone.” Engineers may also have built in an
excessive safety factor or planned for future changes
when specifying the pump.
In addition to costs, oversizing a pump has additional
implications, such as excessive vibration, premature
bearing failures, operating temperature increases and
cavitation issues.
Undersizing a chemical pump can also be a concern,
especially in certain pump types, such as progressive
cavity pumps. The flow of a progressive cavity pump is
determined by the size of the cavity. An undersized pump
with a smaller cavity needs to pump faster, which can put
a strain on the pump components and lead to reduced
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suction capabilities, increased wear and premature failure.
The flow rate, or discharge, is a function of the head and
determined as follows:
Q = (3960 x WHP)/H
Where: Q = flow rate (discharge); WHP = water
horsepower; H = head (differential pressure)
Other factors for pump sizing are the power needed to
drive the pump and the net positive suction head (NPSH).
NPSH = V2/2g + p/SW – pv/SW
Where: NPSH = net positive suction head; V = velocity
of fluid or liquid; p = impeller inlet pressure; pv = vapor
pressure of fluid or liquid; SW = specific weight of fluid
or liquid; g = acceleration of gravity
Chemical Pump Type
After selecting the proper material of construction to be
compatible with the chemical media and sizing the pump
for the operating parameters, the next step is selecting the
pump type. Many different types of pumps are available to
select from for chemical applications.
Centrifugal pumps are the most frequently used pump in
the chemical industry. They are the most common type of
chemical pump because of the simplicity and effectiveness
of their design and operation, which also makes them less
expensive than other types of pumps. They use one or
more impellers in a circular pump casing to move fluids
through a system. The impellers generate flow using one
of three actions: axial flow, radial flow or mixed flow. Axial
flow pumps lift liquid in a direction parallel to the impeller
shaft, operating essentially the same as a boat propeller.
Pressure is developed wholly by the propelling action of
the impeller vanes. Axial flow pumps are characterized by
high flow and low pressure. Axial flow pumps accelerate
liquid through the center of the impeller and out along the
impeller blades at right angles (radially) to the pump shaft.
Pressure is developed wholly by centrifugal force. Radial
flow pumps are characterized by high pressure and low
flow. Mixed flow pumps push liquid out away from the
pump shaft at an angle greater than 90 degrees. Pressure
is developed partly by centrifugal force and partly by the
lifting action of the impeller. Mixed flow pumps incorporate
characteristics from both axial and radial flow pumps, with
a typically medium flow and medium pressure.
Pumps Digest
Axial flow impeller (left), Radial flow impeller (center),
Mixed flow impeller (right); Image credit: Engineer’s Edge
All types of centrifugal pumps create a vacuum, which
draws fluid to the impeller by suction. The impeller
produces liquid velocity and the casing forces the liquid to
discharge from the pump, converting velocity to pressure.
This is accomplished by offsetting the impeller in the
casing and by maintaining a close clearance between the
impeller and the casing at the cutwater. By forcing fluid
through without cupping it, centrifugal pumps can achieve
very high flow rates.
Rotary pump types used for chemical applications include
gear pumps, screw pumps, rotary vane pumps and piston
pumps, which are all types of positive displacement
pumps. Positive displacement pumps are designed to
move fluid at a steady rate through a system. These
pumps are more efficient than centrifugal pumps at
handling high viscosity and low vapor pressure fluids,
which flow at lower speeds and create more resistance.
Gear pumps use intermeshing gears to pump various
types of liquids. Typically, one gear is the driver and the
other is freewheeling. Screw pumps have one or more
screws to transfer fluids or materials along with an axis.
Archimedes screw pump is an example that is still used in
irrigation and agricultural applications. Rotary vane pumps
create regions of low pressure by moving fluid using a
rotating vane assembly in the pumping chamber. Typically,
there are two or more rotating vanes that move the fluid
from the inlet to outlet. Piston pumps reciprocating positive
displacement pumps that use a piston to move media
through a cylindrical chamber. Piston pumps can deliver
high pump pressures and are capable of handling viscous
liquids.
Diaphragm pumps are positive displacement pumps
that move gases, liquids or gas-liquid mixtures via a
reciprocating diaphragm. They do not have any internal
wear components due to the simple diaphragm design,
making them highly reliable pumps. They also do not
require sealing or lubricating oils within the pumping
head, so there is no chance of oil vapor leakage or
contamination of the handled media. Simple diaphragm
pumps consist of a diaphragm, displacement chamber,
two valves and a driving mechanism. The diaphragm
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is made of a flexible material and must be checked for
compatibility with the chemical to be pumped. It is sealed
in place between the side of the displacement chamber
and an attached flange. The chamber’s volume is slightly
greater than what the diaphragm can displace.

Regenerative turbine pumps, also referred to as vortex

or periphery pumps, use turbine-like impellers with radially
oriented teeth to move the fluid. Turbine pumps combine
the high discharge pressures of positive displacement or
multi-stage centrifugal pumps with the flexible operation
of centrifugal pumps. Unlike most centrifugal pumps, the
flow rate of turbine pumps does not vary greatly with large
changes in pressure. They are preferred in applications
where high head, low flow, and compact design are
desired but are unsuitable for solid-liquid mixtures. When
a turbine pump is to be used for chemicals, the internal
clearances must be sufficient to prevent rubbing, which
would decrease efficiency.

Chemical Pump Certifications

Certain industries and applications have specific codes,
standards, and regulations that need to be met. In
some cases, a pump must meet or be certified to these
standards (ASME, ANSI, API, NACE, etc.) before it can be
used in certain boiler, pressure vessel, oil and gas refinery,
nuclear or other mission critical applications.
See IEEE GlobalSpec’s Standards Library for a full list of
chemical pump standards and regulations.

Next Steps
A variety of resources is available on our site to aid
engineers in finding and selecting valves. Our chemical
pump category provides access to 571 suppliers with over
2,450 parametrically searchable product data sheets from
76 suppliers, in addition to valve selection resources and
guides such as the Chemical Pumps Specification Guide.
Chemical pump selection resources are also available
from professional societies and trade organizations such
as the Hydraulic Institute.

Pumps Digest 5
High Vacuum Pumps Information
High vacuum pumps provide evacuation of chambers or
systems into the high vacuum (10-3 to 10-8 torr) or ultra-
high vacuum (<10-8 torr) range of pressure. Mechanical
pumps and venturi generators operate in the medium to
rough vacuum ranges.

Types
There are a number of pump designs made which can
generate high or ultra-high vacuums. Each of these types
operates using either the gas-transfer or gas-capture
principle. A summary of all the types is listed in the table
below:

High vacuum pump spec comparison. (Data compiled from Lesker Company and other sources.)

Gas-Transfer
Vacuum pumps that operate on the gas-transfer principle create vacuums by moving gases through the pump.
These pumps can be used continuously without the need for regeneration. All gas-transfer pumps are either positive
displacement or kinetic (momentum transfer). Positive displacement (gas-displacement) pumps displace gas from
sealed areas to the atmosphere to a downstream pump stage. Kinetic pumps displace gas by accelerating it in the
pumping direction, either mechanically (mechanical vacuum pumps) or via an adjacent vapor stream (venturi jet vacuum
pumps).

Pumps Digest 6
Turbomolecular pumps use a rotating disk with a series vacuum pumps. Diffusion pumps are very reliable, have
of rotors and flow stabilizing, stationary stators to impart a no moving parts, and have long service lives. They
preferential motion to gas molecules and create molecular provide the highest pumping speed for lighter gases
flow through the pump. The drive shaft of the disk may like helium and hydrogen. Process contamination and
operate at speeds from 25,000 to 90,000 rpm. They are backstreaming of oil in oil diffusion pumps can be a
often described as “molecular bats.” They are also known problem, but baffles and traps can be installed used to
as axial flow turbines. Turbomolecular pumps can pump reduce this. These pumps can reach ultimate vacuums
into the 10-10 Torr range on a suitable system, and are of 10-10 torr under the right conditions.
known as the work horses of high vacuum technology.
In oil diffusion pumps, oil is heated to a vapor and is
Molecular drag pumps (also called molecular pumps or directed out into the gas stream. This oil vapor entrains
drag pumps) are similar to turbomolecular pumps, except gas molecules and directs them to the foreline port
a rotor drum with a ridged surface and cylindrical stator towards the backing pump before recondensing into in
are used in place of stator and rotor blades to impart a the boiler.
preferential motion to gas molecules and create molecular
flow through the pump. Through this mechanism, gas
molecules are physically dragged along the surface, hence
the name molecular “drag” pump. These pumps can
only reach ultimate pressures as low as 10-6 Torr. These
pumps are used in applications with limited conductance
(pressure drop or resistance through the system) and for
frequent cycling operations.

SELECTION TIP:

Drag pumps will start pumping at inlet pressures

several torr higher than turbo pumps, and they do not
require as low backing pressures for full operation.
They also have much lower pumping speeds than
turbomolecular pumps with the same inlet size.

Turbo/drag pumps are hybrid vacuum pumps which

combine design features of turbomolecular and molecular
drag pumps. Using combinations of blades and ridged
drums, these pumps are made to harness the strengths
of of both types of pumps: namely the turbo pump’s lower
ultimate pressure and the drag pump’s allowance for
higher backing pressure.
Gas-Capture
Vacuum pumps that operate on the gas-capture or gas-
binding principle create vacuums by physically capturing
gas molecules, holding them in a frozen state. These
pumps typically have less moving parts than gas-transfer
pumps, but must be periodically regenerated because they
become saturated with captured material over time.
Diffusion Pumps
Diffusion pumps (more aptly named gas-jet pumps)
use high speed jets of diffusion vapor to impart
momentum and sweep gas molecules from the
system. They are among the most widely used high
Ion Pumps
Ion pumps are the primary choice for most ultra-high
vacuum systems. They provide clean, dry, and vibration
free operation in the vacuum range of 10-6 to 10-11
Torr . These pumps utilize a sputtering process to ionize
gas molecules through collisions with electrons. Ionized
gas molecules are then drawn to and embedded on
getter plates made of titanium or tantalum.
Cryogenic Pumps
Cryogenic pumps (also known as cryopumps) utilize
extremely cold (liquid nitrogen and liquid helium
temperature) surfaces which absorb gas molecules
by freezing or trapping them. Operational errors are
less likely with these pumps, since temperature rise
and a temporary stall of pumping action are the only
consequences of overloading the vacuum chamber.
Cryogenic pumps can operate with relatively high

Pumps Digest 7
 force or exhaust pressures. Cryogenic pumps must many cases, backing pumps must be sourced separately
be periodically generated to purge the frozen or from high vacuum pumps, in which case backing
trapped gases. They are particularly suited for pumping pump selection must correspond to the application and
atmospheric gases and high melting point vapors performance requirements of the high vacuum pump
(H2O) in the 10-6 to 10-9 Torr range. They are used purchased.
commonly in non-aggressive semiconductor processes
where oil-free operation and high pumping speeds are
necessary.
Specifications
Cryosorption Pumps
There are a number of important specifications provided
by manufacturers for sourcing high vacuum pumps.
Cryosorption pumps evacuate gas molecules from
a volume by adsorbing them on the chilled surface
of a molecular sieve. These molecular sieves are
Performance
designed to have a large surface area-to-volume ratio
Performance specifications define the performance
to maximize the adsorbing area. Single cryosorption
capabilities of high vacuum pumps.
pumps can achieve ultimate pressures of 10-4 Torr
within a few minutes, but must be regenerated after
Ultimate (maximum) operating vacuum or ultimate
each use. These simple pumps are low-cost and
pressure is the lowest pressure which the vacuum
completely dry. Standalone cryosorption pumps are
pump can generate (typically within a set time). Buyers
used as roughing or backing pumps for high vacuum
should note the conditions or assumptions used to
pumps, but higher vacuums can also be achieved by
obtain this value, since manufacturers may provide this
using multiple units in series.
rating using assumptions that are not realistic under
normal operating conditions (e.g. ignoring the pressure
Getter Pumps
of condensable gases like water vapor). Vacuum ratings
which follow the ISO 21360-1 standard adhere to standard
Getter pumps entrain gas molecules in a getter (a
methods for measuring vacuum-pump performance.
deposit of reactive material) in order to absorb or
capture the molecules and embed them on the cold
Pumping speed or vacuum flow is the volumetric rate
outer wall of the chamber. Evaporable getter pumps,
at which gas molecules are removed from the vacuum
including titanium sublimation pumps (TSP), use
chamber, typically given in ft3/min (cfm), m3/s, L/min,
getters which are heated to the point of evaporation or
or gal/min (gpm). It is defined mathematically by the
sublimation where it subsequently condenses on the
equation:
chamber surface. Non-evaporating gettering (NEG) S = Q/P
sorption pumps use getters which remain in the solid
state as pellets or thin films, providing a large-surface- where S is pumping speed, Q is the throughput of the
area porous matrix for entrainment. Getter pumps gas load (described below), and P is the partial pressure
provide very economical and compact pumping in of the gas at or near the pump inlet. A pump’s maximum
many applications when used properly. achievable pumping speed (over its entire pressure range)
is always referred to as its rated pumping speed, and
pumping speeds listed by manufacturers are typically
Mechanical Pump Technology referenced to STP (standard temperature and pressure).
Pumping speed needs to be matched according to the
Some mechanical pumps, when supported by a backing needs of the application, which are dependent on the
pump, are also capable of achieving pressures in the high system’s chamber volume, desorption, and process gas
vacuum region. Types of high vacuum mechanical pumps loads. Keep in mind that the speed of the pump itself
include regenerative blowers, rotary piston, rotary vane, is seldom the actual pumping speed in the system’s
and scroll pumps. chamber. In blowers and non-positive displacement
vacuum pumps, speed also varies with the type of gas
Backing Vacuum Pumps material.
Integral “backing” vacuum pumps, also called roughing
pumps, are those specifically designed to support high
vacuum pumps. High vacuum pump systems may include
or contain a roughing pump designed to fit the backing
requirements of the primary (high vacuum) pump. In

Pumps Digest 8

SELECTION TIP:
Pumping speed is generally defined under the same
ideal conditions as the ultimate pressure (minimum
volume, right at the pump inlet, lowest possible
outgassing rate, etc.). Care should be taken on these
details when considering these specifications for pump
performance assessment.
Throughput or gas load is the quantity of gas (i.e. the
volume of gas at a known pressure) that passes through
the pump inlet in a known time. In SI units, throughput is
often given in Pa-m3/s. It defines the energy required to
transport the gas molecules across a plane in the system
or chamber. At a specified temperature, throughput is
proportional to the mass flow rate of the pump. When
discussing a system leak or backstreaming, throughput
can also refer to the volume leak rate multiplied by the
pressure at the vacuum side of the leak. This leak rate
throughput can be compared to the throughput of the
pump.
The pumping speed vs. pressure curve shows how
the pressure generated by a vacuum pump varies with
pumping speed. It describes the pump’s performance
throughout its probable application range, allowing users
to assess the pump’s capability at specific operating
conditions for different gases. A high vacuum pump may
have a performance curve like this one:
Turbomolecular pump performance curves for different gases.
Image Credit: Osaka Vacuum Inc.
Pumps Digest
Motor power is a reference value used to characterize
vacuum pump size. Vacuum pumps are available in a
number of different power sources, including compressed
air, DC power, single-phase or three-phase AC power, or
internal combustion. Magnetic drive pumps driven by AC
or DC power are specialty pumps which allow for seal-less
construction to eliminate oil contamination of the fluid in
the pump.
Lubrication
High vacuum pumps may be either dry (oil-less) or oil-
sealed based on the means of lubrication.
Dry or oil-less pumps use permanently sealed bearings
or other isolation technology to eliminate oil in the fluid
train. Some dry pumps use oil-lubricated bearings, so they
are not always truly oil-free. However, they do minimize
the potential for oil contamination within the system
because they do not rely on oil for sealing. Dry pumps are
more tolerant of particulates and vapors than other types.
Most high vacuum pumps (besides diffusion, rotary vane,
and rotary piston pumps) are dry pumps.
Wet or oil-sealed pumps use oil to lubricate and seal
bearings and parts. These types of pumps may leak small
amounts of oil into the flow chamber, and should not be
used if oil contamination presents a problem. Diffusion,
rotary vane, and rotary piston pumps are examples of wet
high vacuum pumps. There are a variety of different types
of lubricants available; properties to consider in selection
include lubricity, chemical stability, viscosity, and material
compatibility. There are also a number of lubrication styles
for oil-sealed pumps:
• Splash lubrication styles splash oil onto
components from an oil bath.
• Oil-flooded lubrication, used in some mechanical
pump styles, involves the heavy application of oil
for moving parts. Oil contamination is likely in
pumps incorporating this lubrication style.
• Positive pressure styles maintain oil pressure for
the highest level of lubrication.
Mounting
Based on construction and weight, vacuum pumps can
be mounted in a variety of different ways. The mounting
style needed will depend on the pump’s location and the
application.
Benchtop mounting is used for pumps small enough to
mount or be placed on a bench or table. These models
may also be portable.
9
Carts or other portable mounts include wheels, casters, OEM controller or control panels - used to adjust
or easily movable frames for frequent relocation of the controls and provide additional functions above that
pump. of a simple regulator knob.

Larger vacuum pumps may rest on the floor or on a skid.
Permanent installation is used with very large systems or
stations that are installed permanently in one place.
Configuration
Vacuum pumps can be purchased in a number of different
configurations depending on the needs of the client.
Individual vacuum pumps are typically for insertion
into or used with a larger system or process. When a
high vacuum pumps is purchased individually, a backing
pump(s) which meets its performance requirements must
be separately acquired or purchased to complete the
system.
Vacuum pumping units consist of two or more pumps
or stages using different technology, which are coupled or
stacked together to increase capacity or take advantage of
the features of each type. The most typical combination is
a high vacuum pump supported by a mechanical backing
pump.
Valve sequencing control - used to control the
state of valves in a vacuum pump system, often from
a central panel or location.
Vacuum gauge - provides a dial, numeric, or other
type of readout of the pressure at points in the
vacuum system.
Integral trap - used to prevent backstreaming and
resultant contamination from roughing pumps in
high vacuum or sanitary applications. There are
various trap types or technologies designed for the
prevention of chamber entry by oil or water vapor,
hydrocarbons, etc.
Gas ballast - allows atmospheric air into the
compression chamber to minimize condensate in the
oil and prevent corrosion.
Magnetic bearing - used to lift the pump rotor
through magnetic levitation to eliminate contact and
contact friction between the two surfaces.

Vacuum systems can include multiple pumps and References

associated piping, valves, controls, receivers, etc. These
pumps can also indicate centralized vacuum sources for Vacuum Pumps - Kurt J. Lesker Company
manufacturing or automation cells or plants.
Vacuum Technology: Oil Diffusion Pumps -
Material Compatibility Society of Vacuum Coaters (pdf)
High vacuum pumps, including their lubricants and Image credit:
materials of construction, need to be compatible with the
fluids they move or capture to prevent wear or corrosion Tuthill Corporation / Vacuum & Blower Systems
and ensure safe and clean operation. The type and
consistency of gas being handled also has an effect on the
pump’s performance, since most pumps will pump different
gases at different speeds. For example, a cryopump will
pump water vapor much faster than an equivalently sized
turbomolecular pump, but both pumps might have exactly
the same speed when pumping nitrogen.

Features
High vacuum pumps may incorporate a number of
additional features. The IEEE GlobalSpec SpecSearch
Database contains a number of additional features.

Filters, baffles, and separators - used to protect

vacuum pumps against wear and corrosion. They
separate or filter out particles or vapors from a fluid
stream that may otherwise damage parts of the
pump.

Pumps Digest 10
Certification Program for Pump Industry Professionals
The Hydraulic Institute, the largest association of pump
industry manufacturers in North America, has launched
a Pump Systems Assessment Professionals (PSAP)
certification program. The initiative is designed to provide
pump end-users and other stakeholders with a means to
assess complicated systems with highly qualified, certified
pump system assessors. PSAP sets the standard for the
knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for performing
pump system assessments and utilizing pump system
optimization techniques.

“The PSAP program addresses a key market need in the

industrial and commercial marketplace.” states Michael
Michaud, Executive Director, Hydraulic Institute. “Energy
and maintenance costs combine to represent some 65
percent of the total cost of ownership of a medium sized
industrial pumping system. A thorough system assessment
often identifies energy efficient upgrade opportunities that
usually pay for themselves in less than a year, lowering
overall energy costs while increasing reliability, reducing
downtime and maintenance costs. The key to unlocking
the savings starts with a holistic assessment from a
professional who can assess and optimize the overall
system.”

Corporations gain a competitive edge by employing

PSAPs and performing more pump system assessments.
Participation in the program increases the value of
corporate capabilities, validates employee knowledge and
experience by the Pump Industry Authority and ensures
that the highest level of system assessments are being
performed.

By pursuing the PSAP, individuals can advance their

career and become a stronger asset to their organization.
Certification assures organizations and/or clients that the
certified individual has the required knowledge and skills to
perform a comprehensive pump system assessment. The
program validates field expertise and aligns knowledge
with industry best practices, and enhances career
opportunities and a commitment to continuous learning.

Applicants must have a minimum of three years of

pump/pumping system experience and possess an
undergraduate degree from an accredited university
or college in a technical/business field. Applicants may
also possess five or more years of direct industrial or
commercial fluid transfer/pumping systems experience
having completed a minimum of seven pump system
assessments. After an application is accepted by HI,
candidates sit for a three-and-a-half hour proctored exam.

Pumps Digest 11