Pumps are divided into several broad categories. The most common are residential, commercial, and industrial pumps. The purpose of residential pumps is easy to understand but how are industrial and commercial pumps different?
Commercial pumps are used for smaller-scale applications than industrial pumps. They are a great choice for office buildings, small manufacturing facilities, hotels, and restaurants.
Industrial pumps are built to perform in more demanding settings. They can handle larger volumes of water – a feature that makes them suitable for use in industries like mining or oil and gas production. Industrial pumps are also an optimal choice for large manufacturing facilities that need a steady flow of large volumes of water.
To understand the specifics of both types of pumps, we will go over a comprehensive comparison. This will help you make an informed choice about the kind of pump that’s best suited to your needs. We’ll take a look at important factors like durability, performance, capacity, efficiency, and maintenance costs.
Commercial vs. Industrial Pumps: Durability and Performance
Performance matters, especially when a large industrial or commercial project depends on the capacity of the equipment employed. So, do you pick an industrial or a commercial pump? How is performance measured and how do you decode the rating of a commercial piece to make sure it’s suited to your needs?
The factor you need to examine in terms of performance is the pump’s flow rate. The flow rate is the volume of liquid that can move through the system with the help of the pump over a given unit of time. Most often, the flow rate is measured in either gallons per minute (GPM) or litres per second (L/s).
When it comes to performance, you’ll also need to pay attention to the following:
- Types of liquids that the pump can move: Some pumps are only designed to work with water in the system. That is more common for commercial pumps. Heavy-duty residential pumps can also work with fluids like oils, chemicals, slurry, etc.). The viscosity of the fluid is the one that will determine whether it’s compatible with a certain type of pump or not.
- Head pressure: This is another performance measurement that refers to the height to which a pump can raise a given fluid. The head pressure is measured in a respective unit of length like a meter.
- Capacity: As a general rule of thumb, industrial pumps have a larger capacity than commercial pumps. This means they’re designed to handle a bigger volume of liquid over a given period of time.
- Power supply: Ensuring steady flow and consistent fluid pressure is heavily dependent on a pump working with the right type of power source. Most pumps are either electric or pneumatic. An electric pump will drive through electric power while a pneumatic pump will use compressed air power technology to ensure consistent and effective operation. Hydraulic pumps are a third choice that is considered more cost-effective than electrical systems. Pneumatic systems are known to be the ones that are most powerful while also being smaller and lighter than electricity-powered units.
Applications of Commercial and Industrial Pumps
Industrial equipment selection is dependent on application specifics – the settings, the type of fluid that the system will be moving, and the fluid volume should all play a role.
These factors determine the specific applications of commercial and industrial pumps.
Commercial pumps will typically be employed within the following settings and industries:
- HVAC systems (used in commercial, office, and smaller industrial buildings)
- Small water treatment facilities
- Within commercial and residential buildings that need a pressure boost due to municipal supply inefficiencies
Industrial pumps make more sense for the following applications:
- Oil and gas production (the handling of various types of high-pressure fluids, as well as their transportation)
- Circulating water and chemicals in large-scale manufacturing
- Mining (water for mineral processing and slurry)
Capacity and Efficiency Differences
The efficiency of a system is critically important in both commercial and industrial settings. Taking a look at a pump’s energy efficiency rating will give you some idea about its ability to conserve energy. This element alone, however, isn’t a guarantee of optimal electricity savings. The entire pumping system should be designed for efficient performance, reducing losses and saving you money in the long run.
Pumps can be considered high-power need devices. According to the American Hydraulics Institute, 20 per cent of the energy consumed in developed countries can be attributed to the operation of pumps. Whenever a system is designed well, approximately 30 per cent of that consumption can be eliminated.
When it comes to energy efficiency, both industrial and commercial pumps can perform exceptionally well. The size and the capacity of the pump aren’t necessarily energy consumption determinants.
This is why you need to look at individual ratings and choose the pump that has the best parameters in the respective category.
Cost and Maintenance
Pump maintenance is an important part of increasing the longevity of the system and reducing expenses associated with eventual replacements or repairs in the future.
Let’s start with upfront costs.
Larger, more powerful industrial pumps are typically more expensive than smaller commercial pumps. They are tough, however, and they’re meant to last a very long time. Some of the best can even contribute to savings.
Energy efficiency is another factor that determines the long-term affordability of the pump you’ve chosen.
Cost-wise, you’ll need to focus on one additional important consideration and that’s the cost of maintenance.
Some pump types have simpler mechanisms, which makes them easier to maintain and keep in optimal condition.
Regular preventative maintenance is vital for both commercial and industrial pumps. Cleaning, greasing motor parts, inspecting hydraulic elements, and checking for leaks should ideally happen on a monthly basis for both commercial and industrial pumps. Professional quarterly maintenance is a good idea (checking pressure, examining suction and discharge elements, inspecting alignment, greasing bearings, etc.). Annual maintenance typically entails dealing with blockages, replacing worn parts, checking oil levels, inspecting the flow rate for irregularities, and doing visual inspections for corrosion and pitting.
These procedures are essential for all types of pumps used in commercial and industrial settings. The more heavy-duty the use is, the bigger the need for preventative checks and a maintenance schedule.
Talking to professionals who specialise in servicing commercial and industrial pumps is a good idea, even before you’ve purchased your equipment. Consulting the experts will give you a better understanding of the upfront costs, the long-term return on investment, and the maintenance or repair expenses you will encounter in the years to come.
Get Informed, Make the Right Choice
Considering all key factors and technical specifications before buying a commercial or an industrial pump for your business will enhance your investment and ensure optimal performance.
Commercial pumps are excellent for smaller operations, as well as for commercial facilities in need of better HVAC or improved water pumping.
Industrial pumps, on the other hand, are working horses that will service industrial facilities in a way that a commercial piece of equipment will be incapable of. Mining, oil and gas production operations, as well as large manufacturing facilities, will all benefit from the addition of an industrial pump to their inventory.
Take some time and do research based on your business operations before buying. It’s also a good idea to talk to professionals and have your questions answered. At Aline, we have extensive experience and a broad product catalogue. We can confidently say that Aline is Australia’s largest supplier of comprehensive pumping solutions and pumping systems. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to benefit from a free, tailored consultation to help you identify the best pumping system.