Problem: Too Much Flow from My Centrifugal Ink Pump

Centrifugal Pumps have a certain performance characteristic. As the pressure on the discharge increases the flow from the pump decreases.

In some cases the pump may be producing more flow than is required. If you increase the resistance on the discharge side the flow will decrease. It’s a mistake to confuse HP of the motor with flow. It’s really the speed of the pump which produces the flow.

Possible solutions:

• Close the discharge valve until the required flow is obtained
• If there is a bypass system open the bypass valve and divert the flow(This also assists in mixing the ink)
• If the pump is driven by an air motor reduce the air flow (Energy saving)
• Consider an inverter to control the electric motor speed
• Use a trimmed impeller. If you machine a few mm if the circumference of the impeller the flow will be reduced. (Watch out because the head capability will also reduce)