Pumps, Motors & Related

Pump Terminology

Pump - Standard mechanical device used to force a liquid or a gas to move forward inside a pipeline or hose using suction or pressure or both.

Motor - Electro-mechanical device used to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. It drives the pump.

Washdown Motor - Painted or coated motor specifically designed with coated inner windings and parts to help it withstand the high-pressure washing required for sanitary requirements.

Stainless Washdown - Unlike standard washdown motors where cleaning solution can find its way under the paint or coating, a stainless steel motor better withstands the repeated high-pressure washings and chemical solutions used to meet sanitary requirements.

Starter - Also called a contactor, a starter is a large relay used to handle the on/off single-speed control of the motor.

Soft Starter - A device used with AC electrical motors to temporarily reduce the load and torque in the power train and prevent an electric current surge during start-up.

Gearbox - Used in pumping applications to reduce the speed of the motor. Often referred to as speed reducers.

VFD - A variable frequency drive is an electronic device used to control motor speed and torque by varying motor input frequency and voltage. It is housed in an enclosure to protect it from environmental contaminants like dust, dirt, and liquids. A VFD can replace a soft start or starter/contactor.

Gearmotor - A gearbox (speed reducer) and motor combination supplied as one unit.

Drive - The entire rotary power supply of a pump system. It can include the starter, motor, gear box, VFD, and/or gearmotor.