Process pumps: make the materials and duty records usable
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A process pump needs more than a motor-power figure and an inlet size in its sale description. A buyer needs the pump identity, documented materials and seals, previous medium and available duty information.
Keep the motor and pump records distinct. A motor plate describes the drive; it does not by itself establish the pump's flow, pressure capability or suitability for a fluid.
A duty is a set of conditions
A pump's historic duty describes the work it performed in a particular installation. Where records exist, retain the flow, head or pressure information, speed and process-medium details together. Record the units and the source.
Grundfos explains pump performance curves as the relationship between flow and head or pressure differential, used alongside system characteristics when selecting a pump. That is why a seller should not combine separate headline maximum figures into one supposed operating point.
Provide the manufacturer's applicable curve if available, with the exact configuration identified. Leave selection and any correction for the buyer's process to their engineer. Do not create a new curve from a motor rating or an old operator's recollection.
Build one record for the supplied pump
| Record section | Useful evidence | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Pump identity | Model, serial number, plate and original order details | Pump identity versus motor identity |
| Pump configuration | Documented impeller or other model-specific details | Original build versus later changes |
| Wetted materials | Manufacturer records and traceable component information | Product-contact parts versus external casing appearance |
| Seals and elastomers | Exact specification and replacement records | Current fitted parts versus an old parts list |
| Previous medium | Process record and relevant material information | Known history versus an assumed general use |
| Previous duty | Dated operating or design record with units | Historic conditions versus promised future performance |
| Included equipment | Motor, base, coupling, guards and controls as applicable | Complete agreed package versus adjacent equipment |
| Condition | Known faults, maintenance and specialist reports | Observed condition versus untested assumptions |
Ask the manufacturer or a competent specialist to identify unclear configuration codes. A buyer may need the precise suffixes in a model number, so preserve them in the inventory.
Alfa Laval's LKH range illustrates why configuration matters: the manufacturer lists different shaft-seal and elastomer options, among other variations. Its new-product claims do not verify the seals, condition or hygiene status of an older used pump.
Follow the last process connection
A pump may leave as a separate item or remain with a process tank, mixer system or heat exchanger. Decide the package before the catalogue is prepared. Identify which controls and connecting equipment are included.
A hypothetical transfer pump and tank might have a clear shared history but separate ownership records. Confirm both assets are approved for sale. A single photograph should not imply that every valve, pipe or instrument visible will transfer.
Previous contents also affect preparation questions. Use the process-history declaration to record known substances and relevant cleaning evidence. A polished outside surface does not establish the condition of internal product-contact areas.
What if the duty records are missing?
Describe the pump by the identity and configuration that can be supported. State that previous duty information is unavailable, then identify the specialist enquiries needed to assess it.
You may be able to recover an original order sheet, service record or manufacturer data linked to the serial number. Keep the distinction between original supply information and the current fitted configuration. A later impeller or seal change can make the original record incomplete.
Do not run an improvised test with an unfamiliar fluid or connection arrangement to fill the gap. Any condition assessment or demonstration needs competent planning for the actual equipment.
When approaching UK Auction Group, provide the pump record, current photographs and proposed package boundary. State the missing evidence alongside known faults so the sale basis is clear.
The manufacturing and process-equipment guide covers related vessels and process systems.
Sources
- Grundfos pump performance curves Checked
- Alfa Laval LKH pump configurations Checked
This guide gives general information. Equipment-specific, legal, tax and safety decisions may need a qualified adviser or competent specialist. The guides do not promise sale prices, fees or results.