5 Types Of Pump Testing To Probe When Engaging Pump OEMs

Pump testing is an indispensable part of manufacturing any kind of pump, be it a vacuum pump in Singapore, a centrifugal pump, or anything else. This process ensures that the product operates at its designed pressure, flow, horsepower, and amperage while searching for any potential leaks, wear, valve failure, and other issues before being shipped. Although it is already standard for high-pressure pump manufacturers to verify their products function as intended, the problem is that pump performance standards may vary across OEMs.

Read on to learn the various types of pump testing, their importance, what gets tested at each point, and questions to ask the manufacturer when considering their pump solutions.

1. Engineering Sample Performance Testing

Before pumps go into production, manufacturers make engineering samples in the R&D stage to test and determine their performance, such as PSI output at various amperages, GPM, and so on. The data is used in a pump performance chart, which lets operators determine a pump motor’s load capacity based on the pressure and flow needed for an application. 

Not every manufacturer does comprehensive testing to fully develop these charts; others simply depend on theoretical calculations and may even generalise how their pumps operate at different RPMS. While the findings from this approach may be close to the real figures, they are never entirely accurate. Thus, it is best to ask a manufacturer if their published performance charts were derived from actual measured data or just formula calculations.

2. Engineering Sample Cycle Testing

Cycle testing under different conditions mimics real-world operating scenarios instead of controlled ones that generally involve a continuous, several weeks-long operation. A common test method is to use a trigger spray gun to spray and shut off the pump (which also activates the regulator) for up to 30,000 cycles or more.

Some customers may want to have a test simulating how long a pump can last on an empty tank. However, no pump should ever run dry in the first place, but testing for it nonetheless can provide valuable insights into pump durability and self-priming function. Moreover, there are times when testing one component can reveal hidden problems in another, like bursting tubing or hoses.

3. Engineering Life Sample Testing 

While it is crucial to guarantee a pump’s performance ratings, it is also just as important to determine how it will keep performing after months or years of repeated usage. This is what a life sample test aims to find out. These tests typically entail running pump models non-stop for thousands of hours or more to ensure their drive bearings and the motor will last and maintain the proper PSI and GPM over time. Other components, such as seals, valves, elastomers, and so on, are also observed to see how they hold up to the strain. Ask manufacturers about the recorded number of testing hours on their sample pumps and if each batch of its components is individually tested to better understand its durability. 

4. End-of-line Testing

Prototype testing does not automatically mean the finished product will perform similarly, hence the need for end-of-line testing. It confirms that every unit produced is within acceptable tolerances of the initial test data. The test items include flow rate, pressure, voltage, motor amp draw at various loads, and more. For the best assurance that a pump product is worth the investment, inquire if each pump made is tested to work to spec and if they have their individual data sheets for added guarantees.

5. Testing Equipment Calibration 

Testing the actual test equipment is just as vital as testing the pumps themselves since performance rating tests are only as accurate as the tools used to perform them. Pressure gauges, flow metres, volt and amp metres, and other testing equipment need routine calibration and maintenance to ensure they produce precise readings.

Conclusion

Accurate and comprehensive pump testing by the manufacturer can directly indicate how well their products perform in the field. Before you conduct testing, it is important to understand the different types and applications of vacuum pumps.

As a leading supplier of pumps, air compressors, and wet and dry vacuum cleaners in Singapore, we rigorously test all our products on offer in-house with available third-party certification to ensure they are up to standard and serve your needs well.

Browse our catalogue of high-quality products today, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for questions or further information on our services.