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Circulating Pumps

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Circulating Pumps

A circulator pump or circulating pump is a specific type of pump used t circulate liquids, water, gas or slurries in a closed circuit. They are mostly found circulating water in a hydronic heating or cooling system. Because they only circulate liquid within a closed circuit, they only need to overcome the friction of a piping system (as opposed to lifting a fluid from a point of lower potential energy to a point of higher potential energy.)

Most circulator pumps as used in hydronic systems are usually electrically powered centrifugal pumps. As used in homes, they are frequently quite small, sealed and rated at a fraction of a horsepower, however, in commercial applications they range in size up to many horsepower and the electric motor is usually separated from the pump body by some form of mechanical coupling. The sealed units used in home application often have the motor rotor, pump impeller and support bearing combined and sealed within the water circuit. This avoids one of the principal challenges faced by the larger, two-part pumps: maintaining a water-tight seal at the point where the pump drive shaft enters the pump body.

Small to medium-sized circulator pumps are typically supported entirely by the pipe flanges that join them to the rest of the hydronic plumbing. Large pumps are typically pad-mounted.

Pumps which are typically used for closed hydronic systems can be made with cast iron components as the water in the loop will either become de-oxygenated or be treated with chemicals to inhibit corrosion. However, pumps that contain a steady stream of oxygenated, portable water flowing through them must be made of more expensive materials such as bronze.

Installation and Repair

Circulator pumps for heating systems and air conditioning systems are an integral part of any commercial heating and air conditioning system. When something goes wrong with a circulator pump, within a short time the building property manager will be informed.

While we can replace and install a circulating pump, life can be expected to last for many years, but if the pump is not properly maintained, the circulating pump life prematurely wear our and will require replacement.

Annual inspections by McConnell Air Conditioning and Refrigeration for leaking around circulator pump mounting flanges and proper lubrication will ensure longer life. If slow leaking will be evident from the pump flanges, when the hot water system be seasonally shut down, the leaking pump flange should be repaired. Otherwise, during the next heating season, an entire zone or entire building may have to be shut down in order to carry out an emergency repair. McConnell can work with you at the best times to ensure no disruption or as little disruption as possible. Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.

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