How to Select a CAT PUMP and Matching System Accessories

CAT PUMPS offer more than 2500 individual high-pressure, reciprocating pump models on over a dozen Frame sizes with single pump flows up to 320 GPM and pressures up to 7,000 PSI. Originally we offered only Piston Pumps, but the increasing market demands for greater flows and pressures brought about the addition of the plunger pumps, large capacity R-Series Pumps, Block-Style flushing and cooling Pumps and submersible and end-suction centrifugal pumps.

We refer to our pumps by Frame sizes. These are basically horsepower classifications. For example, a 10 Frame pump will require 10 horsepower at its upper performance range. Originally the individual pump numbers indicated a flow for the pump. For example, the 530 and 550 pumps both deliver 5 GPM. However, as we expanded our line and added more performances, it was not always possible to match a number to performance, so the pump model numbers are just guide-lines, with larger numbers indicating greater performance. For example, the 2530 pump delivers 25 GPM, while the 3535 pump delivers 36 GPM. Additional alpha characters have been added to some pump numbers to classify their unique features. For example, the SF indicates a group of hollow-shaft, direct-drive pumps, the CP indicates a group of plunger pumps with the square body design and press-in style seal cases and the DX indicates a group of flange-mount, direct-drive pumps with modular unloaders. Our Pump Catalog highlights all our Frame sizes.

Many factors must be considered in selecting the proper pump for the system, but to narrow the choices, it is best to start with flow, pressure, materials of construction and type of drive. These four criteria are used in our Product Selector to assist you in narrowing your pump selections down to a few primary candidates for consideration.

The location of the application will generally determine the type of drive. The type of liquid being pumped will determine the materials of the wet-end construction and elastomers [seals and o-rings]. Review our Chemical Compatibility Chart to help determine the best liquid-end construction for your application. The application [task to be accomplished] and time period required to complete the task will determine the flow and pressure and ultimate horsepower of the drive.

Then, a careful consideration must be given to the inlet conditions of the pump. You will need to consider line length and size, whether you will use a supply tank or booster feed the pump inlet, the number of elbows and fittings and the temperature, viscosity and vapor pressure of the liquid. Selecting the proper accessories for control of the pumped liquid and protection of the pump and system is essential. Our Power Unit Quote will allow you to provide CAT PUMPS with all the desired components and features of your system to prepare a custom engineered Power Unit that is ready for installation in approximately 2-4 weeks.

Accessories are the vital components that protect the pump and system and allow it to perform at its rated or desired capacity. Each application has different requirements and conditions that necessitate specific accessories. The absolute minimum a high-pressure pump system should have is a primary regulating relief valve, a secondary relief valve and a pressure gauge. Other accessories such as pulsation dampeners, filters, regulating valves will fine-tune the performance of the system. Before proceeding to the Product Selector, please review these primary pumps and accessories available from CAT PUMPS.