Tips on Maintaining Optimal Flow Rates in Progressive Cavity Pumps

Various industries employ progressive cavity or PC pumps to pump medium—to high-viscosity fluids. A progressive cavity dosing pump's ability to resist high temperatures and offer steady flow makes it great for oil, paint, adhesive, and other abrasive and corrosive materials.

A progressive cavity pump's flow rate is the fluid volume delivered within a specific time. It is measured in liters or gallons per minute (L/min or GPM). A progressive cavity dosing pump can offer both high and low flow rates; however, flow rates can change due to several factors, such as:

The rotational speed of the pump: More speed = more flow rate
Fluid viscosity or thickness of the fluid: More viscosity = lower flow rate
The condition of the rotor and stator: Worse condition = lower flow rate
Pressure difference between inlet and outlet: Higher pressure difference = lower flow rate
Temperature: Stator material expands or contract when the temperature changes, affecting the flow rate
Solids in fluids: When pumps dispense fluids with solid particles, it may cause blockage and additional wear on progressive cavity pump components, reducing flow rates and efficiency
Design of stator and pump: Some stator designs, such as spiral stators, can offer better flow rates than traditional ones.

Why optimize the flow rate through progressive cavity pump maintenance?

Many industries employ progressive cavity pumps because they offer increased efficiency. However, the pump's efficiency comes from its ability to offer a stable flow rate. Some industries, such as oil and gas, depend on continuous flow. Therefore, optimizing the flow rate of the progressive cavity dosing pump becomes extremely necessary in these markets.

Here are some other reasons that’ll make you care about progressive cavity pump maintenance for optimizing flow rates:

Minimize energy use: Varying flow rates can cause increased energy use and raise your overhead.
More control on operations: Inconsistent flow rates can lead to product quality issues and pose a potential hazard, especially when chemical dosing is involved.
Increase equipment lifespan: A consistent flow rate is necessary to keep the equipment in good shape. High or low flow rates can damage the pump, resulting in increased wear or conditions like dry running.
Maintain compliance and safety standards: Precise flow rates can be a regulatory requirement, especially for industrial progressive cavity pumps that pump reactive chemicals.

4 Tips to Maintain optimal flow rates in progressive cavity pumps

Tip #1: Schedule regular inspection and maintenance

If you want your progressive cavity pump to provide optimal flow rate for a long time, ensure you’re keeping the health of the equipment in check.

Check the stator and rotor for wear and tear. Replace the stator on time and consider replacing the rotor after every two stator replacements.
Make sure you lubricate your equipment as suggested by your manufacturer. Several progressive cavity pumps manufacturers suggest using non-petroleum-based lubricants to steer clear of elastomer attacks and swelling.
Consider installing sensors to detect low fluid levels, temperature changes, and pressure changes to avoid the situation of dry running that can cause stator damage.

Tip #2: Make sure the operating conditions are met

There are different progressive cavity pumps for different purposes, each with ideal operating conditions. As long as they’re operated under these conditions, you’re likely to ensure minimal damage to the equipment, keeping the need for progressive cavity pump repair low.

Each progressive cavity pump can dispense fluids of a certain viscosity. Only use fluids within this range.
Not all pumps are abrasion-resistant progressive cavity pumps, and using fluids with solid particles in the pumps that can’t resist abrasion can significant wear out and be damaged by it.
Maintain the temperature of the fluid and progressive cavity pump components to avoid the stator’s thermal expansion, which may affect its fit and performance.

Tip #3: Invest in advanced technologies from reliable progressive cavity pumps manufacturers

There’s a lot of research and development that goes into creating innovation in the fluid handling industry. Make sure you’re investing in reliable pumps with modern technology that promise increased performance, such as:

Pumps with spiral stators
Pumps with high hydraulic efficiency

Tip 4: Make sure your pumps are properly installed and used

Once you’ve selected the pump, ensure the installation goes smoothly and that the pump size and configuration are correct. To prevent binding, don’t over-torque the bolts around the stator.

Ensuring optimal flow rates of your progressive cavity pumps is important for their efficiency. It’ll also ensure your equipment lasts over time without damage or significant defects. Selecting a reputable progressive cavity pump manufacturer is key to buying the right and reliable pump for your operations. Hydro Prokav Pumps are the leading manufacturers of progressive cavity dosing pumps, known and trusted in the industry.