Plumbing: Fixed power pump, adjusting flow rate?

[MarkMc]

Hi

I have a water pump which (AFAIK) cannot have it's output varied electrically, but I need to be able to make fine adjustments to the flow rate of water output from it.

I was wondering, could I use a valve, or two to achieve this with a flow and return type setup?

Something like this? Output (higher-up than return) /\ ------ | ? optional valve here? SRC--->pump in|PUMP|out---->| | ------ | /\ X (valve) | | |-------------/---------- (return flow) \

Cheers, Mark

[Christian McArdle]

It depends on the type of pump. However, most pumps would be quite happy having a simple valve/tap on the outlet line that can vary the flow rate. Shower pumps work in this fashion.

Christian.

[MarkMc]

I bought the pump reconditioned, but I've just found out a little bit more about it. It's food grade, so I assume it's a magnetic drive?

Interestingly, the pump has a 'bypass' at the front which may be usable for this?

Cheers, Mark

[Christian McArdle]

I'm afraid this is beyond my experience. Perhaps the manufacturer has a website with technical details?

Christian.

[Ian Stirling]

The output can be varied electrically, you need a variable frequency drive, which costs 50-100 quid on ebay. A bypass valve will work just fine though.

[MarkMc]

Thanks

I found out a little bit more about the pump. It's self priming, food grade (magnetic drive?), and has a bypass at the front. I'm assuming I can use this with a valve and return pipe?

Cheers, Mark

[MarkMc]

Oops, looks like my first post did eventually make it. Thanks for the help, I'll go for the bypass valve route.

Cheers, Mark