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Answers to
frequently asked questions
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Why is the performace curve important?The pump curve will tell you whether it is able to efficiently perform the required flow rate at a certain pressure, and therefore whether it is suitable for your application. This is the most widely used function, although it can also be used to determine the required power to operate. Selecting a pump that operates too far to one side of the curve can cause pump damage, poor performance and unnecessary energy consumption.
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Where are you located?Novum Pump Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd is located in South Africa, if you are picking up your order please see our physical address below: Unit 9 Pansera Industrial Building 6 Hydro Street, Stikland Western Cape 7530
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What is a pump performance curve?A pump performance curve is a graph that shows the relationship between the flow rate and the head of a pump. It is also known as a pump efficiency curve, pump selection curve, pump characteristic curve, or simply a pump curve. The curve is generated by the pump’s original equipment manufacturer and provides information on how different parameters like NPSH required, efficiency, and power requirement will behave when the flow is changed.
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How to choose the right pump?Consider the following factors: Application Type of fluid (liquid) being pumped Viscosity of fluid (liquid) Temperature of fluid (liquid) Flow rate required Pressure required Voltage and frequency
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How long does shipping take?3-4 Business days
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How to read a pump curve?Reading a performance curve is essential on application variables such as: Head (water pressure) Flow (the volume of liquid you have to move in a given time period) A pump curve shows the two performance factors on the X,Y axis so you can see the volume of fluids a pump can transfer under various pressure conditions. Other variables include: RPM Impeller size, as they related to pump performance Power Efficiency Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) in centrifugal and positive displacement pumps WHAT IS HEAD? Head is the height to which a pump can raise water straight up. Common units are feet of head and pounds per square inch. (A pump curve calculator might offer different units such as Bar or meters of head). Flow is the volume of water a pump can move at a given pressure. FORMULA is FEET OF HEAD/2.31 = PSI In addition to head and flow, most pump performance curves will also provide efficiency information. Special attention should be paid to the location of best efficiency point (BEP) relative to the operating condition. Pumps run best at or near BEP. For this reason, the Hydraulic Institute has defined a pumps Preferred Operating Region (POR) as flows from 70% to 120% of flow at BEP for most centrifugal pumps.
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How to choose the right mechanical seal?When choosing a mechanical seal for your pump, you should consider the following factors. The seal material largely depends on the liquid’s characteristics. The pressure levels are crucial in determining the seal materials, size, and type. Determine what the operating temperature is and whether it changes drastically when the pump is off (if the liquid cools down or heats up). · Dimensions · Compatibility · Shaft Speed · Seal Materials
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What types are the different types of seals?SEAL MATERIALS Carbon (CAB): Black in colour, rough to touch Ceramic (CER): White in colour, smooth to touch Silicon Carbide (SiC): Blue-grey in colour, smooth to touch Stainless Steel (S.S): Metallic, smooth to touch Tungsten Carbide (TC): Similar to S.S, heavier, smooth to touch
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How to measure a pump seal?Here are some general steps to follow to measure a pump seal. Measure the rotating unit’s free length. Measure the spring’s free length. Measure the seal head’s outer diameter to ensure that the seal will fit inside the stuffing box bore of the pump. Determine the working length of the seal.

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