| Selecting the right Cat Pump® |
| There are several questions you need to ask before selecting a Cat Pump®
to be certain the pump meets your application needs. The application, pumped liquid, temperature, duty-cycle, available power supply and installation location are all important questions that need to be answered. If you are unfamiliar with the Cat Pumps models, the PRODUCT SELECTOR will assist you by providing a small selection of pumps for review that meet four basic criteria: flow, pressure, materials of construction and type of drive. You can select a pump from the list of options, view a data sheet and see a list of related accessories. Our technical team can answer any questions or assist you with a custom pumping system for your application. |
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| Should I install a centrifugal or a positive displacement pump? |
| Generally, centrifugal pumps are selected for larger volume, lower pressure applications, while reciprocating, positive displacement pumps are known for higher pressure applications. A reciprocating, positive displacement pump can be 40-50% more efficient and electric operating costs can be 2-3 times less, so it may be best to select the reciprocating, positive displacement pump even for the 100-200-300 PSI applications. |
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| Should I use a Piston or a Plunger Pump? |
| The application will dictate the pump selection. Piston pumps feature a mechanically actuated inlet valve and are capable of strong suction inet conditions to -8.5PSI. Plunger pumps features spring reinforced packings capable of much higher pressures than the piston pumps. The plunger pumps also feature a variety of drive options for direct-drive, flexible coupling and gearbox mounting. Learn more about our pumps under our PRODUCT SELECTOR section. |
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| What is a positive displacement, reciprocating pump? |
| In a reciprocating pump, a specified amount of liquid is taken into the
pump through the inlet valves and then totally displaced from the pumping
chamber by the piston [plungers] through discharge valves. This reciprocating action generates flow only. [pressure is created by the restriction to this flow after it leaves the pump]. The pistons [plungers] are connected to a
crankshaft. The revolutions of the crankshaft [RPM] regulate the
displacement of liquid from the pump. The total pump output is in direct
proportion to the increase or decrease in RPM. Larger pistons [plungers]
permit a greater volume of liquid through the pump. Changes in RPM fine
tune the ultimate flow of the pump. |
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| What is the best pump for a commercial carwash? |
| Our most popular pumps for the drive thru and touch free washes are the
2530,3535,3545,6760,6040. Our most popular pumps for the self-service
are the 310,530,430,623,820,5CP2120W. |
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| What is the best pump for my pressure washer? |
| There are many types of pressure washers and many applications for them.
First you need to determine the task and frequency of doing that task.
Then you need to determine what type of drive you can use: electric,
gas or diesel. Once you have decided on the flow and pressure, the
liquid being pumped and the type of drive, the PRODUCT SELECTOR SECTION can
help narrow the pump options. |
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| Where can I get technical information about my pump? |
| A data sheet and service manual are shipped with each pump. If these
become lost, we can send you a new one or you may use the pdf files found under the DATA SHEETS Section on our web site. Plunger Pump models also have a Service Video. Under the SERVICE Section a variety of typical problems and solutions are reviewed for further assistance. You can also do a DISTRIBUTOR SEARCH for the local distributor who can provide technical assistance. At the CAT PUMPS
headquarters, our sales department handles hundred of calls each day. We welcome your inquries. |
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