How you control you pump flow?

[GAZ082]

Hello there. How you guys control your centrifugal pumps? I'm interested in using potentiometers but may be difficult to choose one without some testing with load.

Thanks!

 

[acidrain]

Uh, a valve?


I'm sorry, that came off disrespectful.
Let me try again... (proudy) A valve! Controlled manually at the output side of the pump.

 

[annasdadhockey]

I just unplug and plug in my pumps repeatedly, over and over again, until I get the desired outflow. My arms get tired after 30 minutes or so, but its worth it.

Just Kidding, I use a valve as well.

 

[runningweird]

ball valve on the output

 

[alien]

If it's a DC pump you can also control it by reducing the voltage, if you have a variable voltage power supply, or by PWM using a 12V LED dimmer.

 

[wubears71]

I use a 1/2" Baumann normally closed control valve with a DVC 2000 Fieldbus Positioner hooked up to my Foundation Fieldbus segment to control flow and measure flow using a 1/2" micro motion corleous flowmeter. The setup on both pumps ran about $35k total but flow control is dead on accurate.

 

[RayHomeBrewer]

If it's a DC pump you can also control it by reducing the voltage, if you have a variable voltage power supply, or by PWM using a 12V LED dimmer.

Bad idea not to sound rude but that will overheat the windings in your pump and shorten it's life dramatically, a valve is what I use.

They also make controllers for for paddle fans (ceiling fans) that in fact pulse the power on and off to control the speed of the motor.

 

[GAZ082]

I made some extra forum searches and found the same replies:

* Ditch the pot, use a valve.
* Electric centrifugal pumps decouples when the flow is not enough because the outlet valve restriction so you are safe.
* Use a PWM, but setting it up would cost like two bombs (bought two of that 12v centrifugal pump on ebay for 22 bucks each). Here in Argentina i can get 1/2" hand ball valve for 4 dollars each, if not for free.

Thanks you guys for not smart-ass me with "use the search" message.

 

[alien]

Bad idea not to sound rude but that will overheat the windings in your pump and shorten it's life dramatically, a valve is what I use.

What is a bad idea? Valve on the output, linear control, and PWM were all given the thumbs up by the rep from the company that sells my pump.

It's a DC pump. AC pumps are a different beast.

 

[RayHomeBrewer]

What is a bad idea? Valve on the output, linear control, and PWM were all given the thumbs up by the rep from the company that sells my pump.

It's a DC pump. AC pumps are a different beast.

You did not mention you are using a DC pump, you must be hard core :rockin: