Boiler Feed Pump Sizing: Why it Matters
Boiler feed pumps are one of the most important components to a steam system. Using the correct sizing and documentation for pump installations or repairs can be crucial to your boiler’s operation.
Complimentary Pump Surveys
PBBS offers free on-site pump surveys. These surveys give customers a full picture of your system’s pumps and hydronic components before problems arise.
Preventing Downtime & Planning Ahead
We are offering this free service because over the years we have found numerous customers need replacement pumps, but the information is not readily available. This typically happens on the pumps that are needed immediately, and this can result in extended downtime. Another reason for pump surveys is the long lead time on pumps. Compiling the information from the survey would allow us to identify the pumps with a long lead time and then find options ahead of time to minimize downtime. Our hope is that through planning ahead and conducting a pump survey, the customer has as much information at their fingertips as possible and in turn can reduce downtime in critical situations.
Understanding Pump Control Methods
During the survey, we also assess your pump control strategy. Whether your system runs on a simple ON/OFF float setup, continuous pumping with a modulating valve, or a fully modulated VFD-controlled system, we can help you understand the pros and cons of each—and how that impacts pump sizing, reliability, and energy usage.
Surveys include:
- Full documentation of your boiler feed pumps, with support from your maintenance team
- Tagging of each pump with a unique Site ID for quick reference during repairs or replacements
- Identification of missing specs, researched and confirmed by our team
- Optional inspection of related equipment like expansion tanks, condensate units, and air separators
- A final report with pump specs, replacement recommendations, and lead time considerations
Pump Survey Data Example
Here is an example of data that was collected for a customer through a pump survey:
- Pump Flow = (Boiler HP * 34.5 [PPH/BHP] / 8.337 [LB/Gal] / 60 [Min/Hr] * 1.25 [Safety Factor]) + Required Minimum Flow Rate
- Pump Flow = (400 BHP * 34.5 [PPH/BHP] / 8.337 [LB/Gal] / 60 [Min/Hr] * 1.25 [Safety Factor]) + 8gpm
- Pump Flow = 34.48gpm + 8 gpm
- Pump Flow = 42.28gpm
- Pump Pressure = (Boiler Operating Pressure + 15psi piping loss + 15psi Valve loss) * 1.05 safety allowance
- Pump Pressure = (125PSI + 15PSI + 15PSI) * 1.05 = 162.75PSI
- Pump Duty Point = 42.28 GPM @ 162.75
Ready to schedule your complimentary survey?
Let’s set it up. PBBS is here to help you keep your system running smoothly, efficiently, and without surprises.
Contact us to discuss your survey and all things boiler pumps!
