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When it comes to transporting and storing power equipment, size and weight matter, but can you get the quality and performance you need with a small footprint?  In the case of water pumps, the answer is yes. Compact portable water pumps might not be as numerous as other pump categories, but the quality is definitely there. At Absolute Water Pumps, we offer three pumps that are about the size of a small suitcase, weigh 25 pounds or less, and carry engine warranties of 2 to 5 years.  When it comes to engines, Honda and Subaru speak for themselves.

Who would want to own a compact portable water pump? The better question is: who wouldn’t? Water is unpredictable and can be very destructive. Over the summer, my daughter’s storm drain and sump pump couldn’t keep up with the amount of rain dumped in their area, and they had a foot of water in their basement. You never know when you’ll need to pump out or transfer water. Trying to get rid of that much water with a shop vacuum was a royal pain. For a homeowner, having a small pump that can move anywhere from 1,680 to 3,540 gallons of water per hour tucked away in the basement or garage can bring peace of mind. For ease of use, each of these units include garden hose adapters. Almost everyone has a garden hose or two laying somewhere around their property. 

Though contractors and farmers deal mostly with predictable dewatering situations, a compact portable pump will help you to be prepared in the event of the unpredictable. Whether it’s pumping water from a tank to water sod or plants, draining watering tanks, pools, or a construction area, having a pump in the back seat of your pickup would definitely come in handy. Most professionals have larger, more powerful pumps for bigger dewatering and irrigation tasks, but they’re not as easy or convenient to have on hand for smaller dewatering tasks or unpredictable situations.

Here are three lightweight, extremely portable water pumps available from Absolute Water Pumps: 

Powermate PP0100381: 1”, 30 GPM, 106 Foot Max Head, Honda Engine

This super handy Powermate 1-inch water pump is powered by the ever-dependable Honda GX25, 4-Cycle OHC engine with a maximum discharge of 1,800 gallons per hour.  Casing, impeller, and volute are constructed with lightweight, but durable aluminum.  Engine and pump are mounted to a strong tubular steel frame with rubber stationary grips and built in handle.  Accessory package includes (1) garden hose adapter, (3) hose bands, (2) hose couplings, and a strainer.   Carries a 2 year engine and 1 year pump warranty. Measures 19.0”L x 16.0”W x 18”H and weighs 16 pounds.

Subaru PKV110: 1”, 28 GPM, 120 Foot Max Head

The Subaru PKV110 is a 1-inch industrial grade centrifugal pump that’s powered by the Subaru EH025 4-cycle gasoline engine and can move 1,680 gallons of water in one hour.  Pump casing is constructed with durable but lightweight cast aluminum with cast iron wear parts.  Engine and pump are mounted to a strong tubular steel frame with rubber stationary grips and built in handle.  Accessory package includes (1) garden hose adapter, (3) hose bands, (2) hose couplings, a strainer, and tool kit.  This pump is backed by an industry best 5 year limited warranty on both engine and pump. Measures 13.5”L x 8.5”W x 13.0”H and weighs 12 pounds.

AMT by Gorman-Rupp 4382-96: 1”, 57 GPM, 120 Foot Max Head 

The AMT 4382-96 has a Honda 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 2 year consumer and 1 year commercial warranty, weighs only 25 pounds, but can transfer 3,540 gallons of water per hour.  Casing, impeller, and volute are constructed with lightweight, but durable aluminum.  Key features include: built-in check valve, semi-open clog resistant impeller, and replaceable volute.  This pump and handle are mounted to a solid steel base for stability.  Includes 2 garden hose adapters.  Dimensions of this compact unit are 18.0”L x 15”W x 16”H.

The term "trash" in the pump world is basically used to describe a pump that can handle liquids with solid material of at least 1 inch in diameter. Trash pumps do not grind up solids or debris, they just transfer it through. Contractors, farmers, and municipalities are constantly facing dewatering tasks that have high solid content such as leaves, sand, sewage, twigs, sludge, and mud. The size of solid content that a pump cand handle will depend on several factors including types of impeller, horsepower of the engine, and size of suction and discharge ports. 

Trash pumps are typically at higher price points compared to regular dewatering or semi-trash pumps due to the fact that they're made with higher quality materials and engines with higher horsepower to pump more abrasive and high solid content liquids. Even though the initial investment might be higher, the pay-off in performance and longevity of the pump will be worth it. 

For the purpose of our discussion, we're going to look at a few pump features that affect the cost of manufacturing a trash pump which results in higher cost to the consumer. To the consumer, the value on these features depend strictly on their dewatering needs. 

Pump Construction Material

The most common pump materials are aluminum, cast iron, and steel.  Each of these materials have pros and cons, but the bottom line is that your higher end trash pumps are usually constructed with a class 30 cast iron pump casing and either cast iron or stainless steel impellers and shafts.  Check out past blogs for more information on the pros and cons of the different pump materials.

Automatic Dry Priming and Re-Priming

The number one benefit of an auto prime (vacuum assist) pump is that you never have to manually add water to your pump.  If you operate a self-priming pump with the casing being dry, you can damage the pump.  An auto prime pump seals and removes air from the pump casing so it will fill with water and then water can begin to flow out of the discharge port.   Another advantage to this type of pump is that it can be automatically started and stopped with the addition of the start/stop option. 

Diesel Fuel   

The cost of a diesel fuel pump is initially higher than a gasoline pump, but a diesel pump has a higher efficiency range so in the long run it costs less to operate.  It all comes down to how often you are going to use the pump.  If you are a contractor or farmer that is going to work a pump hard, you should consider stepping up to a diesel pump.

Enclosure

A pump enclosure provides two main benefits to a pump owner: security and noise level.  A lockable enclosure gives you peace of mind if you need to leave your pump unattended for a short period of time, and the good insulated steel enclosure can reduce the noise level down to conversation range.  This is important if you are using the pump in a residential area or downtown area with lots of foot traffic.

Trailer

Adding a D.O.T. certified trailer provides ease of portability for high performance trash pumps that are usually quite heavy. 

At Absolute Water Pumps, we carry over a hundred different models of trash pumps from several manufactures.  Why so many models?  We want to make sure you can find a pump that meets your specific dewatering needs without having to pay for features and performance that you might not need.  Below are descriptions of three higher end pumps that have some or all of the special features that we have previously discussed.

AMT Gorman-Rupp 5586-H6 Trash Pump 

This AMT 6” trash pump is self-priming and can handle solids up to 3 inches in diameter.  Powered by the Honda V-Twin, 23 horsepower, electric start, gasoline engine, this pump can move liquid at a rate of 1,000 gallons per minute with a static suction head of 96 feet.  This pump is constructed with a cast aluminum casing, cast iron discharge and suction ports, and stainless steel impeller.  Fuel tank is made of metal and will hold twenty gallons of gas resulting in a pump capable of running for 9 continuous hours before needing to refuel.  A key feature of this pump is the patented slide mechanism that allows you to clean and maintain the pump without removing hoses or other components.  Seal life is extended with AMT’s unique seal washing feature.  This pump includes a D.O.T. approved trailer with 14 wheels for portability and transporting.  This pump also is available with a diesel fuel option.

Multiquip MQ600TD80 Diesel Powered Trash Pump

Power and performance are two words that describe this Multiquip 6” NPT diesel powered self-priming trash pump.  The Duetz 60 horsepower, 2000 RPM, diesel engine provides the power for this pump that can move 1,600 gallons per minute with a max total head of 150 feet with solid handling up to 3 inches in diameter.  Features a strong abrasion and pressure resistant grey cast iron pump casing and multi-vane open impeller.  Comes equipped with a solid state control box with oil pressure, tachometer, ammeter and temperature gauges.  Safety features include low engine oil and high temperature shutdown.  Pump is mounted to a rugged metal skid. 

Multiquip AP8SAB Diesel Powered Trash Pump with Auto Start/Stop

Powered by the John Deere, 49 horsepower, tier 4, diesel engine, this 8” trash pump can move 2,700 gallons of solid laden liquid in one minute with a max head of 213 feet.  Pump casing is constructed with durable class 30 cast iron. Impeller has a high efficiency, dynamically balanced design and is made of ductile iron with rear-equalizing vanes.  Pump features automatic dry priming and re-priming, plus float controlled starting and stopping.  Industry leading lockable silent canopy completely encloses the pump to provide a noise level down to 66 dB(A).  This pump has multiple quick clean out ports for easy service access. Equipped with a large 55 gallon fuel tank and is trailer mounted with heavy duty jack stands.

El Niño is coming. Are you prepared? 

For over one hundred years, the Boy Scouts have trained young men to "Be Prepared" so they can anticipate and better handle any situation that might come their way. Much could be said for weather forecasters today warning people in the United States that we may see much higher rainfall and snowfall this coming winter due to El Niño. Convincing people who have previously experienced mudslides and flooding to be prepared might not be so difficult, but those living in drought-ridden California may need a bit more convincing. At Absolute Water Pumps, we want you to be ready for El Niño, and we have a great selection of pumps to help you do that. 

If you're one of those people who think owning and operating a dewatering pump is too difficult, let us help ease your mind. If you can operate a lawn mower, you'll have no problems operating a water pump. In addition to the pump itself, you'll want to have a suction hose, a discharge hose, fuel, and oil, and you're ready to go. 

Before buying a pump, you'll want to consider what type of liquid you'll be pumping. Basic dewatering pumps can handle little to no solid conent, whereas a semi-trash or trash pump can handle larger debris. For solid content over 1 inch in diameter, you'll need a trash pump. Diaphragm pumps are designed to handle mud and sludge. Trash pumps have typically higher flow rates than diaphragm pumps, but can become clogged when pumping mud or sludge. Our Selecting A Water Pump Guide is a great resource if you need additional help in finding the right pump for you. 

Multiquip ST2038P Water Pump

This Multiquip dewatering pump can draw water down to 1/16th of an inch and removes water at 60 gallons per minute. Weighing only 31 pounds, this pump is easy to store when you don't need it and transport when you do. The Multiquip ST2038P is an electric pump with continual running capability which means no priming necessary, and it's equippped with replaceable discharge threads, rugged stainless steel strainer hardware, internal thermal overload protection, 2 inch outlet and impeller disc, and can operate partially or fully submerged. 

 Subaru PKX220ST Semi-Trash Pump

 Low mud and sand doesn't pose a problem to the PKX220ST, which works great in clean and slightly dirty water, and can move water at a rate of 158 gallons per minute. The 4.3HP Subaru engine provides 2.1 hours of continual run time, while the rest of the unit is equipped with a cast iron volute, shimmable impeller to allow for adjustment as the pump wears, low oil detection, and and a carbon ceramic mechanical seal provides longevity during tough projects. This model includes in a tool kid, hose coupling, strainer, and hose band. 

AMT 3941-96 Trash Pump

The 8HP mechanic-friendly Briggs & Stratton gasoline engine powers this reliable AMT 3-inch trash pump and is backed by a 3 year limited engine warranty alongside a 1 year pump warranty. The pump is built for durability, can move water with solid content up to 1 1/2 inch in diameter, and has a quick clean out that increases serviceability. Besides being down right tough, this pump has been engineered to offer discharge flows up to 310 gallons per minute. 

Multiquip MQD3H Diaphragm Trash Pump

The MQD3H Diapraghm Pump is ideal for utility and other construction environments where groundwater seepage is common, high water tables are present, and muddy conditions likely exist. This model is powered by the Honda GX120 3.5HP gasoline engine and can handle solid content up to 1 5/8" in size, provides 50' head and 25' maxmium lift, and can move water at a rate of 5,400 gallons per hour. 

Swallow your food whole and you’ll choke. Chewing allows for easier digestion and prevents food from getting caught in your throat. The same goes for your water pump when trying to transport liquids with fibrous, high solid content, or sludge type materials through pipes or hoses. Solid content or sewage waste can wear down or erode normal pumps and get stuck in the discharge apparatuses. Materials need to be filtered or ground with a shredder sewage pump to ensure no damage to the pump which could result in potentially hazardous leaks or spills.

If the materials coming through a water pump can’t be ground up and pipes are continually ground upon, manual cleaning is needed.  This takes away from valuable production time, ultimately costing you money. Leaks can also end up costing you money when you must replace your pump prematurely. When it comes to pumping of animal waste or other hazardous materials, a leaky pump could face EPA violations which could lead to significant fines.

AMT Water Pumps have worked with farmers and municipalities to design products that are durable, reliable, and safe. One example is the 5700 series of AMT electric submersible shredder sewage pumps which specialize in digesting solids. These pumps are manufactured for applications including, but not exclusive to: dirty water drainage, sewage pumping stations, septic tanks, flood relief, and sludge removal.  These submersible shredder sewage pumps include a number of special features to ensure proper processing and discharge of materials:

• Durable cast iron construction with stainless steel motor housing - ensures dependable function and worry-free operation

• Carbide tipped shredder impeller - prevents clogging and reduces maintenance when cutting through stringy, fibrous and sludgy type waste

• Spiral shredder plate with hardened surface - enhanced cutting ability 

• Double mechanical seals plus shaft seal - upper: carbon/ceramic with Buna-N elastomers, lower: silicon carbide with elastomers, prevents unnecessary leakage 

These features allow for maximum cutting ability and prevent leaks and corrosion which could lead to pump failure. AMT has also decreased the possibility of leaks and clogging with their use of a triple seal system and quality cutting materials.  Pump models vary in port sizes (from 2 to 4 inches), horsepower, single or 3-phase power, and voltages to meet your individual needs.

SHOP for Submersible Shredder Sewage Pumps

Whether you are needing to remove sand and silt from around a dock or moving sewage waste from a storage tank to the main sewer line, at Absolute Water Pumps, we want to make sure you get the right pump for the right job.  Please email or call us at toll free at 888-264-2189.

The amount of liquid that’s transferred or circulated in industrial or commercial settings in the United States and around the world is mind boggling.  From industrial custom fabricators, chemical processing plants, water treatment facilities, to farm operations, the need to move liquid is a daily occurrence.  Industries not only need pumps for daily uses, but they also need specialty pumps for emergency purposes such as chemical wash down and firefighting.  Most industries are required to have a water reservoir, storage tank, or municipal hydrant from which to pump water in case of a fire or spill.  As you can see, this is not a one pump fits all situation.  That’s why it’s very important (especially in industrial settings) to purchase the right pump for the right task. 

AMT Water Pumps provide quality pumps in various types, styles, voltages, phases, and productions to meet almost any water transfer, circulation, or pressure boosting need.   AMT has pumps that are powered by gas and diesel engines as well as electric motors.  For the purpose of this conversation, we’re going to focus on electric motor driven centrifugal pumps.  Centrifugal pumps use a rotating impeller to create enough kinetic energy to push the fluid into the volute chamber from where it exits. 

Components of Centrifugal Electric Water Pumps

There are four key compoents to a Centrifugal Electric Water Pump: its motor, impeller, volute, and mechanical seal. Each plays an important part in the pumps operation and should be considered when making a purchasing decision

Water Pump Motor

The motor is the power source for the pump and usually is the determining factor in the gallons per minute (GPM) that a pump can move.  The larger the horsepower usually correlates to a larger GPM.  The most common designs of motors are the open drip proof and totally enclosed, fan cooled type.  Totally enclosed fan cooled motors do not permit outside air to freely circulate through the interior of the motor and is cooled by an external fan blowing outside air over the frame of the motor.  Even though this design of motor is more expensive, it is more widely used in industrial settings because it offers protection against weather, dirt, and moisture. 

Water Pump Impeller

The style and construction of the impeller determines the solid handling capabilities and durability of the pump.  Impellers come in three basic designs: open, semi-open, and closed.  Open impellers are found in pumps that can handle larger solid material, but operate at lower pressures.  Closed impellers are more efficient and are usually found in pumps designed for clear liquids and higher-pressure applications. 

Water Pump Volute

The volute is in direct contact with the fluid that’s being pumped, so the material that the volute is made out of needs to be considered.  Volutes constructed with stainless steel or bronze hold up well to corrosive liquids and chemicals.

Water Pump Mechanical Seal

Last but not least of the components is the mechanical seal.  The mechanical seal is the barrier between the pump and the electric motor.  If the seal breaks down, you have leakage of fluids into the motor which can drastically decrease the life of the pump.  You can see that the seal should be compatible to the liquids you are wanting to pump.  Mechanical seals made of Viton are a very common seal used in industrial grade pumps.   

Besides these four components, there are other water pump design features to consider:

• size of inlet port
• size of outlet port
• voltage, phase
• motor frame

Best Selling Electric AMT Water Pumps

Let’s take a look at just a couple of the hundreds of different pumps that AMT has to offer.  The AMT High Volume Straight Centrifugal Pump 5471-98 is a continuous duty, 3/4 horsepower, single phase, totally enclosed, fan cooled, stainless steel pump with Viton, Type 21 mechanical seals that can pump liquid at the rate of 57 gallons per minute.  This pump has a closed impeller so it’s able to create high pressure, but handles very small solids.   Rated for continuous operation and built with rugged stainless steel, this pump is designed for high pressure applications including chemical processing. 

On the higher end of the spectrum, the AMT Straight Centrifugal Pump 428B-95 delivers high efficiency performance while keeping energy and operation costs low.  This pump has a 15 horsepower, 3-phase, 1750 RPM, totally enclosed, fan cooled motor that can pump 800 gallons per minute.  It features cast iron construction with a silicon-bronze, precision-cast dynamically balanced impeller, Viton, silicon carbide/carbon mechanical seal, and ¼ inch NPT gauge taps on inlet and outlet ports for system monitoring.  You can find this pump from our homepage in settings including agricultural, irrigation, mining, metallurgy, and a whole host of industrial processed water handling.

The reason there are so many models of pumps is that there are so many uses for them.  Take a look at your specific needs and that should help you narrow down the selection to the pump that is going to best fit you.  If you are simply replacing a pump, please come to us with the make and model, and we can match you up with a simple pump replacement perfectly.  Don’t forget if you need help with this process, you can give us a call at Absolute Water Pumps at 888-264-2189.

We've spent a lot of time talking about water pump applications, but have we ever talked about water pumps for nuclear power plants?

That's right, even nucelar power plants rely on water pumps to keep their systems running smoothly. Nearly all nuclear power plants operate with a circulating water system that filters the water before it's pumped into the condensor, and then cools the condensor throughout the entire process. 

Much like how you would use a smaller water pump to drain a pond in your backyard, or your in-ground pool, nuclear power plant water pumps work in much the same way, except a lot bigger. The water comes from a large natural water source which is stored in an Intake Basin, which is the starting point for the large pumps. The water them moves through Trash Racks in order to purify the water by removing large debris like grass, logs, and seaweed. Nuclear power plant workers have to be very carefuly to regularly clean these racks otherwise risk a debris buildup. If there is still debris left in the water after passing through the trash racks, it is typically caught in traveling screens which are as long as 30 feet and rotate to filter the leftover debris. 

Once the water is cleaned, it circulates into the condensor where it becomes heated. The water can then flow back through the water pipes to its original source, or into the into the cooling towers where it's then transferred back to the Intake Basin to be reused. 

Now that you understand how the water pumps are used in a nuclear power plant, you might be wondering why they're needed at all. Well, that's an easy answer. Water pumps act as a cooling agent for nuclear reactors. The water being pumped throughout the system will push water past the nuclear core, and carry the heat away. If the nuclear reactors get too hot, well, that's when a meltdown happens, and no one wants a meltdown. 

Absolute Water Pumps is proud to supply top-knotch water pumps for nuclear power plants. If you have questions about the best water pump for your power plant, contact and Absolute specialist today.