ANSI Process Pump Selection Guide
Use this guide to prepare the technical information needed for an ANSI/ASME B73.1 process-pump enquiry. It is a buyer checklist, not a substitute for a reviewed performance curve, material evaluation or installation calculation.
Quick start
The Six Decisions in a Pump Selection
Define the duty point, describe the liquid, verify the suction system, choose the pump-family route, review materials and seals, then request the correct technical documents.
1. Define the Duty Point
Hydraulic duty
- Minimum, normal and maximum flow
- Total dynamic head, discharge pressure or system curve
- Continuous, intermittent or standby operation
- Expected control method and parallel operation
Operating envelope
- Normal and upset conditions
- Startup and shutdown frequency
- Required margin and project specification
- Available motor speed and electrical supply
A series maximum is not a model guarantee. The selected size, impeller, speed, material and seal determine the applicable limit.
2. Describe the Liquid Completely
| Input | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Composition and concentration | Supports material and seal review; trade names alone may be incomplete |
| Minimum and maximum temperature | Affects vapor pressure, viscosity, materials, seals and clearances |
| Density and viscosity | Affects power, curve correction and pump-family suitability |
| Solids, particle size and concentration | Affects impeller, clearances, seal environment and wear review |
| Toxicity, flammability or crystallization | Affects containment, seal plan, cleaning and operating controls |
3. Verify the Suction System
Provide the source vessel, minimum and maximum liquid level, pump elevation, suction-pipe diameter and length, fittings, strainers, valves, vapor conditions and operating pressure. This information supports NPSH and priming review.
Flooded suction
Confirm the available static head and the losses between the source and pump inlet. A positive liquid level does not remove the need for an NPSH check.
Suction lift or intermittent source
Provide lift, line volume, air-leak risk, priming method and liquid-level variation. A self-priming label alone does not confirm a workable installation.
4. Choose the Pump-Family Route
| Duty pattern | Starting route | Review before selection |
|---|---|---|
| General industrial or chemical process duty | G196 Series or D Mark III Series | Size, impeller, material, seal and applicable curve |
| Operating point persistently below a standard pump’s suitable range | Low-flow model within the applicable series | BEP position, minimum flow, recirculation and curve |
| Source below pump elevation or repeated priming need | Self-priming review | Suction layout, lift, air leakage, priming liquid and vapor conditions |
| Paper stock or heavy-duty high-volume service | G 3175 / 3180 / 3185 review | Stock properties, solids, size, materials and verified hydraulic data |
5. Review Materials, Seal and Construction
Material selection must identify the wetted component, exact material grade and full service conditions. Seal review should include liquid lubricity, solids, vapor behavior, temperature, pressure, emissions requirements, flush availability and maintenance practice.
Material questions
- Which components are wetted?
- What concentration and temperature range applies?
- Are impurities, cleaning fluids or upset conditions present?
- What corrosion or wear history exists?
Seal questions
- Mechanical seal or packing requirement
- Seal chamber and flush environment
- Solids, crystallization or dry-running risk
- Leakage, containment and maintenance requirements
6. Request the Right Technical Documents
| Document | Minimum information to request it | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Reviewed performance curve | Model, size, speed, impeller and duty point | Check operating point, efficiency region, power and NPSH data |
| General arrangement drawing | Model, size, configuration and drawing purpose | Check installation envelope, nozzles, base and interfaces |
| Parts list or exploded view | Series, size, nameplate, revision and requested item | Identify the correct component before quotation |
| IOM or technical manual | Applicable model, version and language | Support installation, operation and maintenance planning |
| Order data sheet | Confirmed quotation or order configuration | Record the approved technical supply scope |
Total Cost of Ownership Review
Do not compare pumps on purchase price alone. Include installation changes, expected operating point, energy use, seal and bearing environment, planned maintenance, spare-parts strategy, downtime exposure and document/support requirements.
Installation
Base, piping, alignment, utilities, controls and commissioning effort.
Operation
Energy, operating hours, control method and time spent away from the preferred region.
Maintenance
Seal, bearing and wear-part access, spares, inspection intervals and downtime risk.
Selection Guide FAQ
Can I select a pump from flow and head alone?
No. Flow and head define the hydraulic target, but liquid properties, suction conditions, materials, seals, operating range and project requirements can change the selection.
When should I review a low-flow pump?
Review a low-flow route when the required operating point would keep a standard pump too far left of its preferred operating region. The decision must be checked on the applicable curve.
When is a self-priming pump worth reviewing?
It may be relevant when the pump must lift liquid from below its elevation or when the suction source is repeatedly drained. The complete suction layout remains essential.
What does a reviewed performance curve confirm?
It ties the proposed size, speed and impeller to the duty point and shows the information needed to assess operating region, power and suction requirements.
What should I upload with an existing-pump enquiry?
Upload a clear nameplate, overall pump photos, existing drawing or datasheet, and close-up photos of the required part or problem area.
Ready for a Reviewed Selection?
Use the RFQ form to send the duty, liquid and project data. Add a nameplate or drawing when the request concerns an existing pump.
Send Your Pump RFQ
The technical review uses, where available: the duty point and operating envelope, liquid properties, suction conditions, material and seal preferences and the project requirements covered in this guide. For a replacement, add the existing pump identity — nameplate, model, size and drawings where available.
Open “Add technical details” to fill in what you know, and mark anything uncertain as unknown — a marked gap is reviewable, a silent one is not.
Pump RFQ
Replied by the technical team with the reviewed selection route and quotation scope.
Detailed Selection Checklist
Continue with pump selection data required beyond flow and head, then apply it to chemical liquid transfer or low-flow process service.
Deep-Dive Selection Guides
Continue with the system curve and BEP guide, the material selection input checklist and the solids/sludge pump boundary.