1. What is so different about the Fast Flow pump as compared to other centrifugal pumps?
The patented Fast Flow Pump has a double suction "annular inlet" design that takes suction from both sides of the Impeller - and that eliminates thrust load wear problems associated with other centrifugal pumps. In fact, the impeller has not contact with the housing. It is what the Fast Flow Pump does not have that makes it so reliable; it has NO mechanical seals, no wear plates, no internal bearings, bushings, gears, or rubber impellers which create friction, heat, wear, and pump failure. It is the only centrifugal pump we know that does not have mechanical seals.
2. Can the Fast Flow pump run dry?
Yes. It is made to run dry without damage to the pump and has only one bearing, which is external to the pump to lubricate. We run it dry at our pump demos at 4000 rpm without damage.
3. Is the Fast Flow pump self priming?
Yes. It is a submersible hydraulic pump, eliminating the priming problems associated with trailer and skid mounted suction pumps. Submersible pumps do not suffer suction lift limitation that affect trailer mounted pumps.
4. How does the Fast Flow pump flow rate performance compare with other pumps?
The unique double inlet design produces very high flow rates. For example, with its dual intake inlets, the little 2-inch pump will move 410 GPM; typically most 2-inch pumps move about 175 GPM. In fact, it is the highest flow rate pump we have tested. A powerful hydraulic motor runs the pump, making the pump light weight and portable.
5. Is the Fast Flow pump suitable as high pressure pump?
The Fast Flow pump is designed to be a high flow rate pump rather then a high pressure pump. However, the little Mini 3 model will pump an impressive 325 feet of vertical head pressure. Because it is submersible, suction lift limitations and priming problems are eliminated.
6. Is the Fast Flow pump portable?
Yes. Its small size will fit into a manhole and barge hatch openings. The Mini 2 inch pump is about 15 inches square and weighs only 26 pounds. Other pumps that move similar flow rates are usually very heavy and usually require a crane or other heavy lifting equipment. The 4 inch model weighs only 65 pounds but flows an impressive 1150 GPM. The Fast Flow works great in confined space area jobs.
7. Can the Fast Flow pump handle contaminated solids?
Yes. It can pump a stream of mud, oily waste, and viscous fluids. The impeller has no contact with the housing, allowing passage of these materials with minimal erosional damage. For severe service solids pumping we have optional ceramic coatings. Recently we pumped 19.7 pound drilling cement and 20 pound cuttings from reserve pits and barge pumping operations.
8. What type of service applications are suitable for the Fast Flow pump?
Oilfield, Enviro Barge pumping/cleaning operations, oily waste pumping, sewage, salvage operations, constriction pit de-watering, mining, pumping oil spills, enviro site clean-up, disaster response, flood protection, city maintenance, swimming pools, farming, forestry fire fighting, and many more.
9. What kind of power unit is required?
The 2 inch pump will require a minimum of 9 hp to 40 hp system. With only 9hp it will move an impressive 300+ gpm, to reach max discharge pressure will require more horsepower. The 4 inch pump with its 1150 GPM flow rate will require 50-100 hp. Fast Flow manufactures diesel/hydraulic, electric/hydraulic, and gasoline/hydraulic power units -that are hydraulic matched to work best with our pumps. We also build Oilfield Ready, MMS compliant diesel HPU systems that meet Coast Guard oilfield regulations.
10. What kind of maintenance is required?
The pump has only one bearing with one grease fitting that should be lubricated after use or on a weekly basis. The pump has so few parts and its simple design minimizes pump down time and pump maintenance expense. This pump can be repaired in the field and takes about 20 minutes to remove 4 bolts to access the impeller.