“Pump set” is a term that has been popping up more and more often in recent months: let’s see what it means and, above all, what it includes and what is not part of the pump unit.
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What Is a Pump Set and Why Is It Being Discussed?
The term “pump set” is used to refer to a pumping unit. The typical question is: “What exactly is it?” The answer is not just a definition, but also a practical distinction between what is part of the pump set and what, on the other hand, is considered part of the “system.”
This distinction is useful because it helps ensure that we refer to the supply (unit) in a consistent manner relative to all other related components (system).
Pump sets and UNI 11292: Where the term comes from
The new edition of UNI 11292 took effect on February 14, 2020. In this edition, the term “PUMP-SET” is used for the first time in Italy.
Specifically, section 3.15 provides the definition of PUMPING UNIT = “PUMP SET.” This passage is important because it “establishes” the scope of what is meant when the term “pump set” is used in technical documents and conversations.
What’s included in a pump set (components)
As noted, the pump set consists of the following components:
- pump
- engine
- coupling system (coupling)
- command and control center
Therefore, when we talk about a pump set, we are referring to this functional “unit”: the hydraulic component (pump), the drive component (motor), the connection between the two (coupling), and the control system (control panel).
What a Pump-Set Is NOT: Distinguishing It from a System
A key point is that all hydraulic and electrical components other than those listed in the definition of a pump set are part of the system.
In other words:
- If a component is not explicitly classified as a pump, motor, coupling, or control panel,
- In that case, it is considered part of the system (not part of the pump set).
This distinction serves to avoid ambiguity: not everything that “surrounds” or “connects to” the unit can be called a pump set. The pump set is the unit; the rest is the system.
Link to UNI 12845:2020 (the “networks” section)
Precisely because many components remain part of the system, they must comply with the requirements set forth in the section of UNI 12845:2020 that deals with networks.
The key takeaway is: correctly defining the scope of the pump set also helps clarify which requirements apply to components outside the unit (i.e., the piping systems), since they are not included in the definition of the pump set.
Note on the topic of flexible joints (internal reference)
As an example related to plant components, the topic of flexible joints is mentioned; this was already discussed in a previous article in the “Engineering Insights” column (No. 8).
The key point to keep in mind here is not “how” flexible joints are constructed (a topic that warrants a separate article), but where to place them conceptually: in the proposed classification, they fall under the elements that should be treated as part of the system, if not included in the definition of the pump set.
Jockey pump: What is not allowed in the pump set
There is a clear instruction: the Jockey Pump cannot be mounted on the pump set’s base. Furthermore, it cannot be attached to it as an extension either (as shown in the figure referenced in the original text).
This point is useful for avoiding “hybrid” configurations that risk blurring the lines between units and systems: the pump set remains as defined (pump, motor, coupling, control panel), and the Jockey Pump must not be integrated into the pump set’s base or as an extension of it.
Operational Conclusion
In summary: the pump set isthe pumping unit defined in UNI 11292 (edition effective as of February 14, 2020) and includes the pump, motor, coupling, and control panel. Any components other than these fall under the scope of the system and, with regard to networks, must comply with the provisions of UNI 12845:2020.
