Just 5 Ways to Protect Your Solar Water Pump from Corrosion!

Solar water pumps are basic components for conveying raw water, waste water, mud, and sewage through unique forms. As the global demand for energy continues to expand, the industry has been looking to pumping frameworks that maximize productivity, uncompromising quality, and cost-effectiveness. 

Centrifugal pumps experience different types of losses when converting mechanical energy into liquid energy. The losses of centrifugal pumps can be divided into 3 types: mechanical losses, hydraulic losses, and volume losses. 

Mechanical losses occur due to the moving parts present in the pump such as the impeller. Volume loss is due to leakage errors and can be further classified as internal leakage or external leakage. Hydraulic losses are also known as energy losses when there are sudden changes in flow and pressure. 

Corrosion is caused by chemical reactions between the pumped fluid and exposed metal surfaces, resulting in a metal loss. Due to corrosion, customers must experience high maintenance costs, low performance, and reduced efficiency. In extreme cases, corrosion can lead to premature equipment failure. The most affected parts are wear rings, bushings, packings, mechanical seal faces, lip seals, pump castings, and impellers.

The rate of metal loss increases when the mechanical action of the flow or velocity of the fluid is combined with the corrosive activity of the fluid. In the initial stage, the protective layer is mechanically removed, after which the flowing etchant begins to corrode the exposed metal. Unless a component tear occurs, the flow is cyclic. Corrosive erosion is often reported in areas near pipe inlet ends, pump impellers, and pipe blockages.

When both corrosion and erosion are present in the operating environment, the mechanisms of degradation can become quite complex and depend on the substrate and fluid chemistry. Corrosion on substrates that have limited adhesion and are prone to corrosion can create oxide layers. Erosion damages the passivation layer, activating the surface and accelerating corrosion. In this case, the first answer is to protect the surface.

Pressure differentials can cause cavitation in the pump impeller. When the pressure in the fluid drops rapidly, it can cause the liquid to flash and evaporate when the partial pressure drops below the saturation level of the fluid being pumped. As the fluid moves, the vapor bubbles created by the pressure drop sweep along the impeller blades. When vapor bubbles come into contact with a region where the local pressure is higher than the saturation pressure, they collapse rapidly. This shock wave can eventually severely damage the impeller and/or pump casing. Avoiding cavitation and not just reducing the impact on pumping machinery is critical. 

Noise and vibration.

Seal/bearing failure. 

Impeller corrosion or erosion. 

Power consumption is higher than usual. 

Running slower than usual.

Choosing the right pump for your application needs is the best way to prevent cavitation. An increase in capacity or a drop in the pump head will increase cavitation. A positive margin of NPSHa (Net Positive Suction Head) over NPSHr (Net Positive Suction Head Required) is the best first step in ensuring the correct pump is selected for the application needs. 

Proper installation of solar water pumps can also reduce the chance of possible cavitation. 

To increase the service life of the solar water pump, daily maintenance is very important. 

Materials for solar water pumps should be selected to minimize problems caused by corrosion and erosion. If you buy cast iron or carbon steel pumps to reduce overall costs, corrosion rates and maintenance costs will increase. Carbon steel or cast iron can be purchased if maintenance costs can be controlled after taking into account corrosion rates. Another important factor in corrosion and corrosion of stainless steel pumps is the presence of stagnant conditions. Likewise, stainless steel pumps can corrode if the discharged fluid has a high chlorine content.

With the help of coating technology, the overall performance of the solar water pump can be improved. To reduce the effects of corrosion and erosion, parts can be pumped with a coating containing fused epoxy as a polymer coating. It also improves the overall hydraulic performance of the pumping process. Other corrosion-resistant coatings are carbide coatings, which may be tungsten combined with nickel, cobalt, and chromium. This custom-engineered coating can meet the precise needs of your application.

The above has introduced the method to keep your solar water pump free from corrosion. If you want to buy a new solar water pump, please contact us.

TPON is a professional custom solar water pump manufacturer. In order to control product quality and reduce cost prices, we will bring customers the most cost-effective and competitive solar water pumps. All the important parts of the solar water pump are produced and processed by our factory. The workshop is equipped with automatic winding machines, finishing equipment, advanced assembly lines, and precision testing machines. Each solar well pump will undergo rigorous testing before leaving the factory to ensure product quality.