Panduan Pemilihan Pompa Industri untuk Sistem Pengolahan Air

14 Juli 2025

In industrial water treatment systems, pumps are the unsung heroes that keep everything flowing—literally. Whether you’re designing a reverse osmosis (RO) system, operating an ultrafiltration unit, or maintaining a chemical dosing process, the choice of pump directly impacts system efficiency, energy consumption, and operational stability.

But selecting the right pump isn’t just about horsepower or flow rate. It requires a deep understanding of your specific process conditions, system configuration, and long-term performance requirements. From vertical multistage centrifugal pumps to horizontal end-suction models, each type offers advantages and limitations that must align with your treatment goals.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the fundamentals of pump selection in water treatment systems. You’ll learn:

The differences between vertical and horizontal pump designs
Common issues in pump operation and how to solve them
Key factors to consider when choosing a pump for your application
Real-world advice from the engineering team at STARK Water

Whether you’re an engineer, project manager, or procurement specialist, this article is designed to help you make confident, technically sound pump decisions that support the reliability and longevity of your water treatment system.

Types of Pumps Commonly Used in Water Treatment Systems

Choosing a pump begins with understanding the types of pumps available and how they function within water treatment operations. In industrial applications, the most common pump types include:

1. Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps are the most widely used pump type in water treatment systems. They operate on the principle of centrifugal force: water enters through the suction port and is accelerated by an impeller, converting mechanical energy into fluid velocity and pressure. These pumps are ideal for handling large volumes of low-viscosity liquids such as raw water, filtered water, or treated effluent.

Applications:

Reverse osmosis feed pumps
Ultrafiltration circulation
Transfer of softened or clarified water

2. Positive Displacement Pumps

Positive displacement (PD) pumps work by trapping a fixed amount of fluid and forcing it through the discharge pipe. Unlike centrifugal pumps, PD pumps maintain a constant flow regardless of system pressure. This makes them highly suitable for chemical dosing, sludge transfer, or any application that requires precision metering.

Applications:

Chemical injection (chlorine, antiscalants)
Sludge handling in wastewater plants
High-pressure membrane cleaning

Each type of pump plays a unique role in different stages of water treatment. Your system’s performance depends on selecting not just the right size or pressure rating—but the right pump technology for your specific application.

Vertical vs. Horizontal Pumps: Which One Is Right for Your Water Treatment System?

When designing or upgrading an industrial water treatment system, one of the most critical decisions is whether to use a vertical or horizontal pump. While both pump types may perform similar hydraulic functions, their construction, footprint, and application suitability differ significantly.

Key Differences Between Vertical and Horizontal Pumps

Feature	Vertical Pump	Horizontal Pump
Installation	Requires less floor space, often mounted over tanks	Requires a baseplate or floor mounting
Maintenance Access	Easier to inspect bearings, seals aboveground	Requires lateral space for motor/pump alignment
Suction Conditions	Suitable for deep wells or pits	Preferred for surface-mounted systems with flooded suction
NPSH Performance	Excellent for low NPSH systems	May require booster or priming in some cases
Noise/Vibration	Lower vibration due to vertical shaft alignment	Can transmit more vibration, depending on base stiffness
Typical Applications	Water intake, RO feed, vessel-bottom installation	Booster systems, circulation pumps, skid-mounted systems

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a vertical pump if:

You have limited floor space and need over-tank or deep well installation
You require high head for RO or similar applications
Your NPSH available is limited
You operate in marine, offshore, or vertical tank environments

Choose a horizontal pump if:

You prefer easier installation and alignment
Side maintenance access is important
You are building a portable or skid-based system
You require high flow with moderate pressure

Centrifugal Pumps: The Workhorse of Water Treatment Systems

Centrifugal pumps are at the heart of most modern water treatment systems. From raw water intake to high-pressure RO feed and final effluent discharge, these pumps play a vital role in moving large volumes of water reliably and efficiently.

How Centrifugal Pumps Work

A centrifugal pump operates by using a rotating impeller to increase the velocity of water. This kinetic energy is then converted into pressure energy as the water moves through the volute casing. The result: continuous, high-volume flow at relatively low cost and maintenance.

Core Components of a Centrifugal Pump

Impeller – the rotating component that imparts velocity to the fluid
Casing (volute or diffuser) – converts velocity into pressure
Suction inlet – where water enters the pump
Discharge outlet – where pressurized water exits the system
Motor (or driver) – provides the rotational force needed to drive the impeller

Where Centrifugal Pumps Are Used in Water Treatment

Pre-filtration water transfer
RO feed boosting
Softened or deionized water delivery
Backwashing of sand/media filters
Wastewater recirculation and discharge

Need a high-performance centrifugal pump for your next project? Explore STARK’s Reverse Osmosis Systems dan Ultrafiltration Equipment, all equipped with pump configurations tailored for industrial demands.

10 Common Pump Problems in Water Treatment Systems – and How to Fix Them

Even a perfectly selected pump can fail if it’s not operated or maintained correctly. Below are 10 of the most frequent issues encountered in industrial water treatment systems—along with their causes and professional troubleshooting tips.

Problem	Likely Cause	Recommended Solution
Pump does not discharge	Air trapped in suction line	Prime the pump and check suction piping for leaks
Pump runs but low flow	Worn impeller or excessive suction head	Inspect impeller; verify NPSHa meets requirements
Vibration and noise	Misalignment or loose foundation bolts	Realign pump and motor; tighten mounting hardware
Overheating motor	Pump operating off curve; flow too low	Adjust system head or select a more suitable pump
Cavitation (rattling sound)	Low NPSH available, high suction lift	Lower pump installation; reduce suction losses
Frequent seal failure	Dry running or abrasive fluid	Install seal flush system or use appropriate materials
Pump loses prime	Suction line leak or air ingress	Tighten connections; use foot valve if needed
High power consumption	Impeller oversized or clogged	Trim impeller or clean piping/system
Pump starts/stops frequently	Pressure switch or control issue	Inspect controls and install surge tank if needed
Noisy bearings	Lack of lubrication or worn parts	Lubricate or replace bearings

Pro Tips for Long-Term Pump Reliability

Monitor pump performance regularly and log key parameters (pressure, flow, amps)
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended startup and shutdown procedures
Use vibration sensors or thermal imaging for preventive maintenance
Never operate the pump under zero flow or dry conditions

Want a custom-built pumping solution with long-term stability and performance? Visit STARK Water’s Contact Page and get expert advice tailored to your system.

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