Grundfos SQ ac pumps [RE-wrenches]

[Jeffrey Wolfe, Global Resources]

David,

The SQ pumps are sold by FW Webb, and many other plumbing supply houses. 
When I called Grundfos (we're looking at one for a project now), they 
recommended I call Blake Equipment at 603/875-7901 and speak to David 
Dodge. Blake has stores all around. David seemed helpful, returned calls, 
and provided info. Way better lead time and turnaround than AEE. I did not 
compare price, but it looked ok at first glance.

>From my knowledge of pumping in general, this product should work slick. 
Grundfos technical support said they have over 10,000 in the field (a very 
new product) with less than 1/2% return rate. The "new features" are the 
permanent magnet motors (more efficient) and the high speed (10750 rpm). 
High speed is also more efficeint for a pump. The slow start is due to 
electronics, not spin-up time.They are predicting that the unit will last 
longer than a regular pump due to soft start being less aggressive on 
mechanical parts.

They also sell an electronic controlled version that makes the pump deliver 
"almost" contant pressure (varies by +/- 7 psi) which sounds high-end, but 
might let you go with a smaller pump since there would be less pressure 
variation.

10 - 30 psi is really low. A one story building would be better, but 10 psi 
would probably not let water restrictor shower heads work (I guess you just 
wouldn't need them...) and probably would not give you much of a shower 
spray in general regardless of type of shower head. Also would fill pots, 
sink, etc., pretty slow. This kind of pressure is ok for a cabin, or 
someone who is willing to be different. But it will not be like a 
traditional well system.

We are ending up going to a 230 volt pump. I had really hoped to get away 
from the transformer, but no go. You also need to put the pump down the 
hole aways, in order to have some reserve capacity. They like to have the 
pump below the level that the water enters the well. (More fool proof, and 
with all the fools out there...)

Last word of advice. Never select a pump at the end of the curve, or at the 
last published value on the table. Too close to the ragged edge for comfort 
and reliability.

Good luck,

Jeff

----------
From: 	David Palumbo, Independent Power & Light[SMTP:ipl at sover.net]
Reply To: 	RE-wrenches at topica.com
Sent: 	Thursday, September 28, 2000 2:12 PM
To: 	Wrenches
Subject: 	Grundfos SQ ac pumps [RE-wrenches]

Does anyone have any experience with the Grundfos SQ seies of 115vac
submersible water pumps. They are advertised as a slow starting / no surge
pump. On page 77 in the Alternative Energy (Applied Power) 2000-2001 
catalog
is a performance chart which says the 1/3HP SQ will run off of a 800 watt
inverter and will produce 1.8 gallons per minute at 40 psi with 100' of
head.
	If we use the pressure tank at a standard 20 to 40 psi range the pump 
chart
says the 1/3HP SQ will pump at 1.8gpm (the low flow rate is very acceptable
for this small one person and very modest home). At 120' of lift the chart
is blank so I assume the pump will not operate at this lift at 40psi. The
well is being drilled next week so we will soon know the static water 
level.
I'm hoping for less than 10' below grade. Even with this high static water
level the 1/3HP model looks too close to me as the 40psi in the pressure
tank is the equivalent of 92 feet of lift (head) plus the 10' to the water
and we're at 112 feet. Can I Run the pressure tank at 10 to 30 psi?
	If not, that brings us to the 1/2HP SQ pump which will pump at 4 gpm at 40
psi with 120' of head. The question on this pump is will it run on the
Exeletech XP 1100 (1100 watt)12v inverter. According to the AEE chart the
1/2HP pump will run on a 1200 watt inverter. So close. Does any one have 
any
experience with the SQ series pumps and know what the actuall draw is?
 Will the 1/2HP pump draw less if we are operating in the mid range of its
performance curve?

On a related subject does any one have any experience running a Maytage
Neptune Washer on the Exeltech XP 1100? The Staber is not an option for us
because of a few negative experiences with them.

Anyone know of any good sources for the Grundfos SQ pumps other than AP?

Thanks,
Dave Palumbo
Idependent Power

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To unsubscribe send a message to: 
 RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

To check out the other RE-Wrench participants:
 www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine: 
 www.homepower.com

For info contact list moderator by email:
 michael.welch at homepower.com
___________________________________________________________
T O P I C A  The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16
Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics