This varies by type of pump(gear/vane) and desired application. For gear pumps, relief valves are typically set at 2 BAR (30 PSI) above normal operating pressure. Ex. An espresso pump with a desired operating pressure of 9 BAR (130 PSI) would be set at 11 BAR (160 PSI). For standard vane pumps a 50 PSI difference between the operating pressure and valve setting is recommended. This may vary slightly, as lower pressure springs have a smaller range than higher pressure springs.

Because of the aggressive nature of carbonated and deionized water Stainless Steel is recommended to prevent leaching of ions. Deionized water has no ions and thus leaches Copper and Zinc ions found in Brass housings deteriorating the housing and compromising the performance.  For Carbonated Water, there is a chemical reaction between the Carbonated Water and any Brass Components.  Water with Carbon Dioxide in solution creates a weak acid, Carbonic Acid.  Carbonic Acid will liberate Copper Ions from any Brass fittings or Copper pipe contaminating the water.  Consuming contaminated water can lead to Copper Poisoning. Symptoms of Copper Poisoning include vomiting and gastrointestinal distress.

Gear pumps with stainless steel housing work best due to their ability to ingest and mix air to cause the foam. Stainless Steel housings are needed due to the acidity of milk.

Any time there is concern about contaminants or suspended particles in the liquid system being supplied to a standard vane pump, a strainer is recommended to protect the particles from damaging the internal carbon components. Nothing larger than a grain of sand or ~125 Microns will pass through the pump without damaging the internal components. The integral strainer is ideal for catching these rare, larger sized pieces of particulate. Smaller particulate will pass through the mesh of the Strainer and shorten the life of your PROCON Vane Pump. 

Centipoise is measurement unit of a liquid’s viscosity, the larger the centipoise, the more viscous the liquid. Ex. Water = 1-3 cps, Motor Oil = 200 – 500 cps, Molasses = 5,000-10,000 cps. Standard Vane and Micro Vane Pumps up to 100cps, Gear Pumps up to 20,000cps.

Most common fluids, such as water and oil, are Newtonian. The only factor affecting their viscosity is temperature, so their viscosity remains constant, no matter how fast they are forced to flow through a pipe or channel. However, Non-Newtonian liquids can either increase or decrease in viscosity when forced. Liquids like ketchup, shaving cream, toothpaste, and paint lose viscosity when forced, while gravy (corn starch and water) become thicker when forced.

Brass and bronze parts containing up to 0.4% Lead (Pb) by weight are currently in compliance with RoHS requirements. Regulations governing Lead (Pb) content in Potable Water applications vary from Country to Country.