Maximizing Your Rental Experience

In many cases, users rent pumps to help them meet specific project requirements. The user does not always want to purchase a pump because he may not have the knowledge, manpower or time to service and maintain it properly, so renting is an option.

A rental can also come to the rescue when a customer's pump fleet has already been committed and/or additional pumps are needed-for instance, during emergency repair situations. Even for customers who ultimately plan to purchase a pump, rentals offer a way to "try before you buy." Other benefits of renting include the ability to use the latest technology and the knowledge that an authorized dealer has maintained and serviced the rental equipment.

Time and money are valuable on a job-and when both are in short supply, equipment rental can be the answer. It is important to rent wisely since the wrong pump rental can waste both time and money.

In order to ensure that they get the right pump for the job, pump rental customers need to be prepared to answer many questions. And the rental company needs to be prepared with answers.

Equipment rental centers need detailed, accurate information about the application's flow, lift and pressure requirements. With this information, trained pump rental center personnel can provide the right pump and piping for a successful job. Without detailed information and a knowledgeable staff, a customer may end up with a pump that either cannot do the job or cannot do it efficiently.

Information to Gather Before You Rent

1. What needs to be accomplished with the pump (the application)
2. What type of liquid will be pumped-be specific about the liquid and its properties
3. If any solid matter is in the liquid
4. The distance the liquid will be pumped
5. How quickly the liquid needs to be moved
6. Any special considerations or auxiliary equipment needed in the jobsite environment
7. If noise is an issue
8. Type and size of hose or piping used
9. Where on the jobsite the pump will be placed
10. Where the liquid will be discharged

The rental company should fully understand all the specifics about the intended application before renting a pump. The more information gathered, the more accurate the pump recommendation.

Common pumps available for rental are standard centrifugal, diaphragm, trash and submersible. The majority of these pump types are within the sizes of 2 to 3 in and each is designed for different applications. Table 1 is a general pump selection table that identifies which pump type is best suited for a specific application.

Application	Pump Type
	End Suction Control	Diaphragm	Trash	Submersible	Positive Displacement
Abrasive Liquid			X
Clear Liquid	X	X	X	X
Coffer Dams	X	X	X	X
Deep Wells				X
Fast Seepage Ditch Water	X			X
High-Solid-Content Liquid	X		X	X
Manholes	X		X	X
Mucky Liquid	X	X	X
Muddy Liquid	X	X	X
Quarries	X		X	X
Silt Water	X		X	X
Slimy Liquid			X	X
Slow Seepage Ditch Water		X	X
Wellpoints or Underdrain					X

Upon identifying the pump type that best fits the application, check the pump performance curve supplied by the pump manufacturer. The pump performance curve shows the pump's capabilities at different volumes and will match the correct size pump to meet flow requirements. The rental center should be able to supply these curves and explain them.

Tip: A classic mistake is renting the least expensive pump available. The best overall value is usually not the cheapest priced. Keep in mind that certain applications require certain pumps to perform the job most effectively. For example: Discuss fuel consumption and efficiency with the pump rental provider.

Do not forget accessories-pumps require certain accessories. A variety of sizes and lengths of suction and discharge hose or pipe are required. Quality fittings to connect the equipment properly are also required. Sound attenuated pumping units may be necessary for noise-restricted applications such as those in neighborhoods or near schools and hospitals.

Some equipment rental centers choose to specialize in pump rentals and provide larger, portable pumps. These pumps can be as large as 18 in in suction size diameter. With the availability of larger pumps with higher performances and enhanced features, more complex applications can be tackled.

Information to Gather Before You Rent for Complex Pumping Jobs

In addition to the 10 questions in "Information to Gather Before You Rent," be sure to discuss these additional items:

1. The primary equipment (pumps)
2. Any standby equipment
3. Any pressure requirements for pumping the fluid
4. Turnkey Installation Requirement
5. Fusion of Piping Required
6. Transportation/Mobilization
7. Environmental Concerns
8. Fueling
9. Maintenance
10. 24/7 Pump Watch Required
11. Any special equipment features such as automatic start/stop, monitoring, auto-notification and telemetry"Renting pumps requires expertise and commitment and that is why we choose our distributors and rental dealers very carefully," says John Farrell, VP of Sales, Thompson Pump & Manufacturing Co, Inc.

Pump renters agree there is no substitute for working with an experienced rental company when analyzing plans and specifications, anticipating challenges and ultimately deciding what equipment is best for the application. A rental company plays a key role with a successful pump rental. They should offer prompt response to service calls and a proactive willingness to help the customer overall.

Tip: Keep in mind that a pump that is easy to operate with user-friendly controls and gauges  requires less operator time and reduces cost

With a variety of pumps and systems available-and a variety of applications in which a pump is used-it is no surprise that a successful pump rental demands special attention from the renter and supplier alike. In that case, everybody wins.

Pumps & Systems, February 2010