Progressive Cavity Pump Selection & Sizing Guide
A progressive cavity pump should be selected from the complete application—not from flow rate alone.
This master guide organizes the selection process around flow, differential pressure, fluid chemistry, solids, abrasion, viscosity, stages, speed, drive-end capability and horsepower.
Application Data Required Before Selecting a PC Pump
| Application Data | Selection Impact |
|---|---|
| Required flow | Establishes the element displacement and operating-speed requirement. |
| Suction and discharge pressure | Establishes differential pressure and stage requirements. |
| Viscosity | Can limit cavity filling and practical operating speed. |
| Maximum particle size | Establishes a minimum pumping-element size. |
| Abrasion severity | Can reduce recommended RPM and pressure per stage. |
| Fluid chemistry and temperature | Used to select stator elastomer, rotor, wetted metals and sealing materials. |
| Solids concentration and character | Influences inlet design, wear and element selection. |
| Duty cycle | Influences speed, drive and service-life considerations. |
9-Step Progressive Cavity Pump Selection Method
1. Obtain Application Data
Define flow, pressure, viscosity, temperature, solids, abrasion, chemistry and suction conditions.
2. Select Basic Pump Model
Choose the pump family and suction arrangement appropriate for the application.
3. Select Materials
Evaluate stator elastomer, rotor material or coating, wetted metals and sealing arrangement.
4. Determine Minimum Element Size
Use the maximum particle size to eliminate pumping elements that are too small.
5. Correct for Abrasion & Viscosity
Determine whether either condition requires lower RPM and a larger element.
6. Determine Stages
Compare differential pressure with the recommended pressure per stage for the element, elastomer and abrasion severity.
7. Determine Actual Speed
Use element performance data and account for the operating conditions affecting delivered flow.
8. Select the Drive End
Verify the drive/element combination has sufficient pressure and mechanical capacity.
9. Determine Horsepower
Calculate the application horsepower and verify the selected drive-end HP-per-100-RPM capability.
Engineering Selection References
Maximum Particle Size
Element-by-element solids passage data for 2000 Series, L-Frame and 1000 Series pumps.
Abrasion vs. Pump Speed
Use abrasion severity to determine recommended maximum RPM and capacity.
Viscosity vs. Pump Speed
Understand cavity filling and viscosity-related speed limits.
Pressure per Stage
Determine stages from elastomer, element size, abrasion and differential pressure.
Drive-End Pressure & Horsepower
Verify pressure capability and HP per 100 RPM after selecting the element and stages.
Stator Elastomer Compatibility
Compare elastomer families and screen stator materials for fluid service.
Worked Selection Example: 40 GPM Raw Sewage at 125 PSI
The Engineering Library includes a complete worked example using 40 GPM, 125 PSI differential pressure, medium abrasion and 0.2-inch maximum solids. The selection proceeds through particle-size screening, abrasion derating, stage calculation, operating speed, drive-end pressure and horsepower checks to a final 4E008G1-CDQ configuration with a 10 HP motor.
Three Selection Rules That Prevent Common Mistakes
Stages Do Not Multiply Flow
Stage count is primarily selected around differential-pressure capability. Element displacement and operating speed are the principal flow variables.
Water Curves Are Not Enough for Viscous Fluids
Viscosity can reduce cavity filling at higher speed. Verify the operating point against the viscosity-related speed limit.
Solids Size Is Only the First Screen
A particle may physically pass through an element yet still create abrasion or inlet problems. Size, hardness, shape, concentration and abrasion must be considered together.
2000 Series Selection & Model Architecture
For Moyno® 2000 Series replacement applications, the drive size, pumping-element size and stage configuration work together. The ACCA 2000 Series hub explains the modular E, F, G, H, J and K architecture and provides links to individual pump configurations.
Need a Progressive Cavity Pump Selection Reviewed?
Send ACCA the required flow, suction and discharge conditions, fluid description, viscosity, temperature, maximum solids, abrasion severity and any existing pump model or nameplate photo.
