Fluids and hydraulics
BBA Pumps has compiled a list of common liquids that we regularly pump. Which liquid are you going to pump? Which pump type is the best choice for that liquid, centrifugal or impeller? Our list of commonly pumped liquids has been carefully compiled and provides answers to frequently asked questions. If your liquid is not listed, please contact us for customized pump advice.
Fluids
Fluids and pumping fluids include both liquids and gases (e.g., air or water vapor). When we define pumping fluids, we limit ourselves mainly to water, with solids and contaminants that are present in it to a larger or lesser degree. We look at the properties of water and describe the various liquid contaminants.
Pumping fluids
Clear Water
By clear water we do not necessarily mean pH neutral drinking water. Examples of clear water include: groundwater, rainwater and also purified wastewater. Pumps always have a small free passage, so if some dirt particles are present in clear water, this is not directly harmful to the pump.
All BA series, PT series and B series models are suitable for pumping clean water.
Groundwater
By groundwater we mean the water in the soil that is below the water table. It is created by infiltration of rainwater that seeps into the ground and fills spaces there. Groundwater provides a healthy ecosystem and is an important source of our drinking water. The groundwater table is a dividing plane between groundwater and the atmosphere. Above the water table is an unsaturated zone in which both water and air fill spaces and pores. Groundwater is in the spaces and pores between the solids and is the saturated zone.
A common application where it is necessary to pump groundwater is well point dewatering. The best choice of pump for this purpose is a PT piston pump.
Dirty Water
Dirty water is a commonly used and broad term. When we define dirty water we refer to pH neutral water containing a percentage of fine or coarse solids. The successful pumping of dirty water requires the pump to have a large free passage. Examples of dirty water include: flood water, muddy water, domestic and unfiltered wastewater. It is recommended to use a centrifugal pump with a (semi) open pump impeller in combination with a wear plate.
Popular models for the pumping of waste water include the BA100K and BA150E.
Raw Sewage Water
Untreated raw sewage is a liquid mixture with coarse dirt particles, long-fibrous materials and may often contain low levels of chemical or abrasive pollution. Untreated sewage, for example, also contains; oils, fats, organic materials and heavy metals collected as a run-off from streets. When pumping sewage, use specialist pumps, preferably with a screw channel impeller and cutting grooves.
Popular pump models for handling raw sewage water include the BA100K, BA150KS and BA180KS.
Wastewater
Wastewater is a commonly used term and is often synonymous for sewage. Other forms of wastewater are; industrial wastewater, domestic wastewater and storm water. In many cases, a dirty water pump or a sewage pump is sufficient for pumping wastewater.
There are many models from the BA series and B series which are well suited for pumping wastewater. Contact us for customized advice.
Contaminated Water or Polluted Water
By contaminated or polluted water we refer to a liquid with multiple contaminants from a wide variety of harmful substances. Think of chemicals, micro-organisms, sediments, cleaning agents and pesticides. In order to pump contaminated water, it is important to use suitable materials (for example cast iron or stainless steel pumps).
Many BA series and B series pumps are suitable for pumping contaminated and polluted water. Contact us for specialized advice.
Abrasive Water
Abrasive water contains abrasive particles that cause more than average wear on the pump parts. This includes sand, silt or bentonite. If the percentage of such solids is high, then we recommend the use of a wear-resistant pump, possibly treated with a wear-resistant coating.
The models from the BV series are well suited for pumping bentonite. For liquids with high levels of abrasive particles please contact us for specialized advice.
Which pump or impeller type is the best choice?
In general terms, the free passage of the pump determines the maximum size of coarse particles that the pump can handle. The type of pump impeller is also an important factor. The most common impeller types of BBA Pumps are listed below, with a clear explanation of which fluid they are best suited for.E-impeller
The E-impeller is a semi-open impeller with a large free passage, it is well suited for pumping dirty water and sewage without long fibrous materials.
G-impeller
The G-impeller is a mixed flow impeller with a large free passage for pumping high volumes of dirty water.
H-impeller
The H-impeller is a closed impeller with a small free passage for pumping both clear water and slightly contaminated water.
K-impeller
The K-impeller is a channel impeller with a large free passage for pumping dirty water and sewage water.
KS-impeller
The KS-impeller is a screw channel impeller with a large free passage for pumping raw sewage with long fibrous materials.
And for the pump professionals…
Hydraulics
Hydraulics is the behavior of fluids at rest or in motion. Hydraulics is part of fluid mechanics; we focus mainly on the properties of water. Pumps transport liquids, creating a flow in pipes. This is an area of hydraulics in which we have a deep understanding and experience. We would be delighted to share our expertise with you.Viscosity
Viscosity is the degree of fluidity of a liquid and thus indicates its viscosity. The viscosity of a liquid depends on the temperature: at higher temperatures many liquids are less viscous than at lower temperatures. We distinguish;- Kinematic viscosity, for determining resistance losses in pipes, expressed in centistokes (cSt).
- Dynamic viscosity is the resistance a fluid offers to a shearing force under the influence of moving objects, expressed in pascal seconds (Pa s) or centipoise (cP).
Density
Density is the mass per unit volume and is often expressed in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3) or grams per milliliter (g/ml). The liquid density of clean water is 1000 kg/m3 when at a temperature of 39°F. The performance curves of our pumps are based on the liquid density of clear water. With dirty water or bentonite-like liquids, the density can be higher, in such cases the pump curve has to be recalculated and the required motor power will be higher.Specific weight
The specific weight of water is the weight per unit volume of water. The two terms - density and specific weight - are often used interchangeably, although this is incorrect. Weight changes with gravity and mass remains constant. The specific weight of water will therefore be different at sea level than when on the top of a mountain.If you have any questions, please contact us.