Pumps, pressure, and machines that outlived their makers
Crimped Hose Selection and Safety Checklist
Match the exact hose, coupling, ferrule, dies, crimper and current specification, then verify crimp diameter, routing and required tests.
By Walt Brenner · 10 September 2026 · 10 min readLatest
Normally Open Contact: Meaning, Test, NO vs NC
Defines the unactuated reference state, explains what counts as actuation, and separates NO behavior from PLC logic, electrical ratings and safety.
Wiper Seals: How to Select and Install
Match gland construction and dimensions first, then verify profile, compound, fluid, temperature, speed, contamination duty and outward-facing lip orientation.
Brass PEX Pipe Fittings: How to Check Compatibility
Match purpose, size, PEX type, barb or expansion system, fastener and tool, then verify potable-water documents and complete-assembly limits.
Flex Couplings: Types, Tradeoffs & Selection
Match damping, stiffness, backlash and displacement needs, then verify torque, speed, bore, balance, materials, mounting and service limits.
Pump Tubing: How to Confirm Compatibility
For breast pumps, check the exact model, revision, connectors and dimensions; for peristaltic pumps, match the pumphead and process conditions.
Aeration Pump Sizing and Selection
Calculate target CFM and backpressure from depth, line and diffuser losses, then verify airflow on the exact model’s performance curve.
More articles
Back Pressure Regulator Valve: Operation & Selection
Maps the fluid, flow, inlet and outlet pressure, temperature, materials and discharge data needed for preliminary selection.
How to Choose a Square D Pressure Switch
Compare PSI candidates, then match the full catalog number, motor voltage, phase, horsepower, contacts, port, enclosure, mounting, and control feature.
Alternating Relays: How They Work and How to Choose
Use a sequence-first method, then compare control voltage, inputs, contacts, starter interfaces, pinouts, sockets, timing, mounting, and approvals.
Gear Coupling Types, Selection and Maintenance
Compare full-flex, flex-rigid, spacer and sliding designs, then verify torque, speed, bore, alignment, lubrication and installation requirements.
Selecting a DN15 Stainless Steel Ball Valve
Match DN15/1/2-inch connections, bore or Kv, wetted materials, pressure-temperature limits, dimensions, and actuation with a supplier checklist.
DN25 Check Valve Selection: Sizing and Compatibility
Evaluate fluid, contaminants, flow range, pressure-temperature limits, pressure loss, connections, orientation, leakage and surge before purchase.
Water Well Installation: Process, Costs & Planning
Explains how a potable well is sited, approved, drilled, connected and tested for pressure, household demand, contamination risks and water quality.
External Gear Pump: Operation, Sizing & Selection
Calculate displacement from flow, speed and efficiency, then check pressure, viscosity, inlet conditions, compatibility and performance curves.
Hydraulic Pump for Log Splitter: Sizing
Use GPM-to-horsepower ranges to narrow options, then verify stage flows, RPM, rotation, shaft, mount, ports, dimensions, and pressure ratings.
Septic System Air Pump: Sizing and Replacement
Match airflow at operating pressure, then verify power, tubing, controls, alarms and system approval before buying a replacement.
Insulated Pump House: How to Choose
Work backward from equipment, winter conditions, maintenance paths, moisture and failure risks; compare usable dimensions and total installed cost.
Arizona Pool Pump Off-Peak Savings Before an Upgrade
Compare APS and SRP pump schedules, calculate time-of-use savings, and see whether retiming should come before a variable-speed replacement.