Progressive Cavity Pump Drive-End Pressure & Horsepower Limits
After selecting the pumping element, stages and operating speed, the drive end must be checked for both pressure capability and horsepower capacity.
This engineering reference organizes the drive/element pressure limits and maximum recommended horsepower-per-100-RPM values used in the pump-selection process.
Drive-End Selection Comes After Element and Stage Selection
The initial drive end is selected after the required pumping element and number of stages are known. The drive/element combination is first checked against its operating-pressure limit. After horsepower is calculated, the selected drive end must also be checked against its recommended horsepower capacity.
Drive / Element Maximum Operating Pressure
| Drive / Element Combinations | Max PSI — Carbon Steel Internals | Max PSI — Stainless Steel Internals |
|---|---|---|
| FFA, FF6, FF8, FF10, FF66 | N/A | 75 psi |
| FG3, FG4, FG6, FG8 | N/A | 150 psi |
| L2, L3, L4, L6, L8, L10, L10H | 250 psi | 75 psi |
| M2, M3, M4, M6, M8, M10, M10H | 500 psi | 300 psi |
| P2, P3, P4, P6, P8 | 900 psi | 600 psi |
| E036, E050, F065, F090, G115, H175, K345 | 87 psi | 87 psi |
| E022, F036, G065, G090, H115, J175, K335, K620 | 174 psi | 174 psi |
| E008, E012, F022, G036, K050, H065, H090, J115, K175 | 300 psi | 300 psi |
| E008, F012, G022, H036, H050, J065, J090, K115 | 450 psi | 450 psi |
Selection rule: the selected drive/element combination must have an allowable pressure equal to or greater than the application differential pressure.
Maximum Recommended Horsepower per Drive End
| Drive End | Max HP / 100 RPM — Carbon Steel | Max HP / 100 RPM — Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| L2 | 0.08 | 0.045 |
| L3 | 0.21 | 0.12 |
| L4 | 0.63 | 0.35 |
| L6 | 1.40 | 0.79 |
| L8 | 2.50 | 1.40 |
| L10 | 3.70 | 2.10 |
| L12 | 11.40 | 6.30 |
| E | 3.80 | 3.30 |
| F | 5.90 | 5.00 |
| G | 10.80 | 9.30 |
| H | 16.00 | 14.00 |
| J | 28.00 | 24.00 |
| K | 54.00 | 46.00 |
| F4 | N/A | 0.35 |
| F6 | N/A | 0.79 |
| F8 | N/A | 1.40 |
| F10 | N/A | 2.5 |
How to Use HP per 100 RPM
Divide the calculated application horsepower by pump RPM and multiply by 100. Compare that value with the applicable drive-end limit. If the required HP per 100 RPM exceeds the limit, move to the next larger drive end.
2000 Series E–K Drive-End Capacity
The 2000 Series drive-end progression provides increasing horsepower capacity as drive size increases:
| Drive End | Carbon Steel HP / 100 RPM | Stainless Steel HP / 100 RPM |
|---|---|---|
| E | 3.80 | 3.30 |
| F | 5.90 | 5.00 |
| G | 10.80 | 9.30 |
| H | 16.00 | 14.00 |
| J | 28.00 | 24.00 |
| K | 54.00 | 46.00 |
Worked Selection Example
In the raw-sewage selection example, the calculated total horsepower is approximately 5.25 HP. A minimum recommended motor horsepower of about 8.4 HP is then used for additional calculations. At 500 RPM, this equals approximately 1.68 HP per 100 RPM.
The E drive end with carbon-steel internals is rated at 3.8 HP per 100 RPM, so the E drive is acceptable from a horsepower-capacity standpoint.
The same selection must also pass the pressure check. For the example 4-stage 008 element with E drive end, the applicable drive/element pressure capability is 450 psi, comfortably above the application’s 125 psi differential pressure.
Complete Progressive Cavity Pump Selection Sequence
- Obtain application data.
- Select the basic pump model and suction configuration.
- Select materials of construction.
- Determine the minimum element size for solids.
- Adjust element size for abrasion and viscosity.
- Determine the required number of stages.
- Determine actual operating speed.
- Select and verify the drive end.
- Determine horsepower and confirm drive-end capacity.
Pressure per Stage – Elastomer & Abrasion Guide →
2000 Series Abrasive Fluid Speed Guide →
Need Help Checking a Drive-End Selection?
Send ACCA the pump model, flow, operating RPM, differential pressure, fluid characteristics, materials and calculated horsepower. We can review the drive/element pressure limit and drive-end horsepower requirement.
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