Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right pump depends on various factors, such as the fluid to be pumped, the required flow rate (m³/h), the head (mwk), the temperature, the viscosity and the presence of solid particles. Our team of technical specialists will be happy to help you select the most suitable pump for your specific application. Please contact us for expert advice.

A centrifugal pump operates by means of a rotating impeller that uses centrifugal force to transport fluid from the suction side to the discharge side. A positive displacement pump operates by mechanically displacing a fixed volume of fluid, for example using a piston, screw or flexible impeller. Centrifugal pumps are suitable for high flow rates at low to medium pressures, whilst positive displacement pumps are better suited to viscous fluids, high pressures or precise dosing.

A self-priming pump is capable of removing air from the suction pipe and drawing in liquid on its own. The pump casing must be filled with liquid when the pump is first started; thereafter, the pump can prime itself again without the suction pipe needing to be filled beforehand. This makes these pumps particularly suitable for applications where the pump is installed above the liquid level or where the suction pipe empties during downtime.

In a submersible pump, both the motor and the pump are completely submerged in the liquid. In a cantilever pump, the motor is located above the liquid and only the shaft and impeller are immersed in the liquid. A cantilever pump has no submerged bearings or seals, making it suitable for aggressive, abrasive or hot media and allowing it to run dry without damage.

A vortex impeller is a special type of impeller in which the fluid barely comes into contact with the impeller itself. This makes vortex pumps suitable for fluids containing large solid particles, fibres or abrasive substances, as the risk of blockages is minimal. The disadvantage is lower hydraulic efficiency compared with closed or open impellers.

A mechanical seal is a seal that prevents fluid from leaking out past the pump shaft. The seal consists of two sliding surfaces that are held together under pressure: a rotating ring that rotates with the shaft and a stationary ring that is fixed in the pump casing. A spring provides the necessary pressure between the two surfaces. The choice of materials depends on the medium, the temperature and the operating conditions.

Cast iron is a more economical material option, suitable for non-corrosive media such as clean water and waste water. Stainless steel offers better corrosion resistance and is suitable for more aggressive media. For highly corrosive conditions, Duplex or Superduplex alloys are available as an alternative to standard stainless steel in some series within our range.

We are proud to represent a selection of renowned brands. Thanks to these strong partnerships, in most cases we can put together a bespoke proposal from our product range that is fully tailored to your requirements.

Yes, IB-Pompen has a network of service companies with technical specialists who are on hand to assist you with installation, inspections and repairs. Please contact us for further information.

ATEX is a European directive (2014/34/EU) for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX is required when flammable gases, vapours or dust are present in the vicinity of the pump. The directive distinguishes between different zones (Zone 1, Zone 2) and categories. Our range includes pumps with ATEX certification for both Zone 1 and Zone 2.