Debris Prevention
A common argument for installing suction strainers is to shield the pump from debris that enters the reservoir due to poor maintenance practices. However, in a well-designed reservoir where the pump intake is positioned at least four inches from the bottom, nuts, bolts, and similar debris pose minimal risk. Even when claims are made that debris introduced during negligent maintenance caused pump failure, this argument loses strength. If a suction strainer had been in place, lack of maintenance on the strainer itself would likely still result in premature pump failure. The most effective solution is to prevent contaminants from entering the reservoir altogether.
Warranty Misconceptions
Another widespread myth is that the absence of a suction strainer voids the Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida pump manufacturer’s warranty. If a nut or bolt enters the pump intake and causes failure, it is reasonable for the manufacturer to deny warranty coverage. Similarly, warranty claims will likely be denied if pump failure occurs due to particles too small for the strainer to filter or from cavitation caused by a clogged strainer. Thus, whether or not a suction strainer is present, the manufacturer is unlikely to honor a warranty for failures caused by contamination or cavitation.
Filtration Considerations
In cases where suction filters are installed, the argument for removing them is often persuasive. In most situations, the filtration benefits they provide are outweighed by their potential to shorten pump lifespan. However, in applications where their use is mandatory or where organizational rules prevent their removal, steps must be taken to mitigate potential damage.
If suction filtration is required, an Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida external filter is preferable to a suction strainer inside the reservoir. The difficulty of servicing internal filters often leads to neglect, resulting in pump failure. If a suction strainer is used, a 60-mesh (240-micron) size is better than the more common 100-mesh (150-micron) option. The strainer should also be significantly larger than necessary for the pump’s flow rate to minimize pressure drop under adverse conditions. No matter the filter type, it must have a bypass valve to prevent excessive pressure drop, and a gauge or transducer should be installed downstream for continuous monitoring of absolute pressure at the pump inlet.
Debris Exclusion
However, in a well-designed Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida reservoir, where the pump intake is positioned at least four inches above the bottom, items like nuts, bolts, and tools pose little risk. Even when examples are given of debris causing pump failure, the argument loses weight because neglecting maintenance on the strainer would likely result in the same issue—premature pump failure. The best solution is to prevent contaminants from entering the reservoir in the first place.
Warranty Concerns
A common misconception is that not having a suction strainer voids the pump manufacturer’s warranty. If a large object like a nut or bolt enters the pump and causes it to fail, it’s reasonable for the manufacturer to deny the warranty. Similarly, warranty claims are likely to be denied if the failure is caused by particles too small for the strainer to catch or from cavitation due to a clogged strainer. Therefore, regardless of whether a suction strainer is present, the manufacturer is unlikely to honor a warranty for failures due to contamination or cavitation.
Filtration Recommendations
In situations where Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida suction filters are installed, the case for their removal is often strong. In most cases, the contamination control they offer is outweighed by their potential to reduce pump service life. However, in situations where they are required or cannot be removed due to policy, precautions should be taken to avoid damage.
If suction filtration is necessary, an external filter is preferable to a strainer inside the reservoir. The difficulty of servicing internal filters often leads to neglect, resulting in pump failure. If a suction strainer must be used, opt for a 60-mesh (240-micron) strainer rather than the more common 100-mesh (150-micron) option. The strainer should also be significantly oversized to minimize pressure drop, even in adverse conditions. Any filter system used should have a bypass valve to prevent excessive pressure drop, and a gauge or transducer should be installed downstream to monitor the pump inlet pressure continuously.
Debris Protection
The argument for using suction strainers to safeguard the pump from debris entering the Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida reservoir due to poor maintenance is common. However, in a properly designed reservoir, where the pump intake sits at least four inches off the bottom, items like nuts, bolts, and tools pose minimal risk. Even when debris is cited as the cause of pump failure, this reasoning weakens because neglecting the strainer’s upkeep would likely lead to the same result—premature pump failure. The most effective approach is to prevent contaminants from entering the reservoir altogether.
Warranty Misunderstandings
A frequent misconception is that omitting an Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida suction strainer voids the pump manufacturer’s warranty. If a large object like a nut or bolt enters the pump and causes it to fail, it’s reasonable to expect the warranty to be denied. Likewise, warranty claims may be rejected if the failure results from particles too small for the strainer to filter or from cavitation due to a clogged strainer. Therefore, regardless of the strainer’s presence, the manufacturer is unlikely to honor a warranty for failures caused by contamination or cavitation.
Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida Filtration Best Practices
In applications where suction filters are used, there is often a compelling case for their removal. In many instances, the contamination control they provide is outweighed by their potential to shorten pump life. However, in cases where they are required or cannot be removed due to regulations, preventive measures must be taken to avoid damage.
When suction filtration is necessary, an external filter is preferable to a strainer within the reservoir. Internal filters are often neglected due to the difficulty of servicing them, which can lead to pump failure. If a suction strainer must be installed, a 60-mesh (240-micron) strainer is recommended over the more common 100-mesh (150-micron) option. The strainer should also be significantly oversized to reduce pressure drop, even in challenging conditions. Any filtration system should include a bypass valve to prevent excessive pressure drop, and a gauge or transducer should be installed downstream to continuously monitor the pump’s inlet pressure.