How Pump Controllers Help You Manage Your Pump

floadmin — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 18:05:57 +0000

When it comes to pumps and controls, people often emphasize the former rather than the latter – and that can be a mistake. Pump controllers are critical parts of a pumping system, particularly any situation where a pump needs to either run continuously or autonomously. If your pump doesn’t have a good pump controller attached, you’re probably making your life more difficult – and even risking damage to the pump.

So, what is a pump controller, and what does it do? Let’s take a look.

The Importance of Pump Controllers to Pumping Systems

At its most basic, a pump controller switches the pump on and off automatically. That’s its core job, but this can have a lot of variations and benefits depending on how its used.

Pump controllers can be either “dumb” or “smart,” depending on your needs. They may run on a purely mechanical timer, turning the pump on and off at present times or situations. In other cases, they can be computer controlled, potentially with fairly complicated AI covering how to control the pump, along with factors such as pumping strength.

However, the most important reason to have a pump controller is to prevent damage to your pump. You might say that the controller is there to turn the pump off, more than turning the pump on. A pump controller might have pressure-detection systems, for example, with pre-set limits on how much pressure is allowed. If the pressure ever goes too high – indicating an obstruction in the line or other problem – the controller automatically shuts down the pump.

This can also extend to other environmental factors such as heat, flow rate, or power usage, just depending on your needs. If the pump falls out of optimal parameters, it gets shut down until the user can investigate the problem.

Of course, turning a pump on and off too many times is hard on it. Over time, this can wear out the motor, which is generally built for constant use. If your pump controller starts shutting down your pump too often, that’s a sign of larger maintenance issues that should be checked out by specialists in pumps and controls.

FloRight Pumps & Controls

FloRight Pumps & Controls has spent decades building a reputation as one of America’s best sources for pumps, components, repairs, and expertise. From new system installs to advice on maintaining older systems, we know pumps inside and out. Click here to contact us with your questions!

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Control Panel Design: Experts Explain the Basics

floadmin — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 19:50:13 +0000

When it comes to control panels, you’ll likely find them in nearly every type of industrial and manufacturing application. They’re integral to ensuring that processes are being completed safely, properly, and at maximum efficiency. Control panels are specially designed to perform a variety of functions and applications and here, the experts from FloRight Pumps & Controls go in-depth into precisely how they’re manufactured.

What Exactly is a Control Panel?

In the simplest of terms, industrial control panels are what humans use to control industrial motors and automated processes. Control panels were born out of necessity and are frequently optimized to provide for maximum efficiency.

What Makes a Control Panel Tick?

Most control panels will boast a lifespan of approximately 20 years. However, there are some important factors that can affect its lifespan, such as:

Its Wiring Grid: When your control panel is installed, implementing a well-connected wiring grid with quality interfaces will make it much easier to perform repairs and maintenance when needed.

A Heavy-Duty Power Grid: For your control panel to operate at peak efficiency, having a heavy-duty power grid is essential. Make sure you’re outfitted with adequate grounding components, contacting devices, circuit breakers, fuses, connectors, and a power supply that can support such hardware.

Sensing & Command Controls: To lay down a strong foundation for your control panel, include a system of sensors, relays, transmission and receiving assemblies, and the proper input and output modules, in addition to hardwired logic assemblies.

Human-Machine Interfaces: The easier to use your interface is, the easier it will be to operate, so include a control panel with the proper graphic displays, as well as lights, gauges, switches, and other necessary components.

Pay Attention to Specifications

Last but certainly not least, when creating a quality control panel, you’ll need to pay attention to its safety specifications to keep your staff safe during its operation. Understanding the construction specifications of your control panel is also essential, as you’ll be able to quickly troubleshoot any issues and repair them quickly. Wiring specifications are also key, as mentioned above.

Contact us today for more pumps and control solutions!

For more about custom control panel creation, flow pumps and turbine pump contact the team from FloRight Pumps & Controls online today or call (520) 585-5495.