Our Micropac PSP 2 speed hydrostatic pressure test set

Why has this pump format been so popular for decades?

This style of pump is a great workhorse for pressure testing for the shop, site or hangar. The most widely used format is a pump mounted on a carry-around reservoir to form a lightweight hydrostatic pressure test set. The pump can also be supplied on its own without a reservoir for piping up into a system or for a customer special reservoir. They have been made for decades and have a big user base throughout the world. There are a few different versions of this easy to use format. The rugged design features a bullet proof handle mechanism, protected piston rod and non-nonsense manual changeover between low and high pressure stages. We have always been fans. The Hydrapak is the original going back to Tangye and now made by Allspeeds. Our own Micropac PSP incorporates our own features that offer benefits to customers. We offer an enhanced corrosion resistance on the body and our inexpensive service kit replaces every valve seat, ball, seal  and spring to extend the operating life. Our version is every bit a quality Micropac pump.

How do you configure these units to buy them?

The data sheet has all the part options. The on line configurator for buying is also very easy and leads you through the options for your pump.

Configuring the part number to order the correct pump is easy. Different pressure ranges are available for these pumps, based on using the same low pressure bore in the block and changing the diameter of the high pressure plunger. On our PSP unit, six different high pressure ranges are available, these being 110, 170, 310, 450, 700 and 1000 bar. Pick the range that covers your test pressures. Never over pressurise a pump. You would normally leave something in hand on the pressure capacity. The lower pressure stage is 51 cc per stroke single acting on our PSP and is around this figure on similar pumps. Our own configurator on our website allows you to build up a pump having exactly what you need to achieve your task, right down to the test fluid and seal compound being called up in the ordering code.

The standard unit is mounted on our 15L stainless steel corrosion resistant reservoir to form a carry-around pressure test set. Or pick the pump alone as a component for your own reservoir or for piping into a system.

Pick your pump pressure. Maybe allow something in hand for future applications. Remember a proof test provides for an overload. Watch our YouTube explainer.

Keep in mind that a two speed pump offers a larger displacement up to 50 bar then you move to a smaller displacement on the high pressure stage. If your application is lower than 50 bar, you may as well use a single speed pump like our MW at a lower cost. Two speed pumps are great for prefilling a system at negligible pressure and building up pressure from zero to 50 bar as quickly as possible. If your system is something like a lift table or a gate valve where the pressure is immediately likely to be more than 50 bar, you would be better off looking at a single speed pump like the MW series. You will be running your two speeder on the HP stage all the time. It will work but the MW pump might be a better choice and at lower price.

Sarum Hydraulics knows that many users want their pump tested on their actual medium rather than every pump tested on mineral oil. Pick oil or water. We always tell customers that if your medium is water, never use an oil pump as the contamination will be impossible to remove if there are seals in your product. Simply buy in a pump tested on water.

We offer your choice of seals on short lead time. If you need fluorocarbon or EPDM rather than the factory standard nitrile, select that option.

Pressure release and pump pressure overload relief valves are options. If you don’t require one or both, we fit a cavity blanking plug. You can retrofit as cartridges easily and at low cost should you need them.

Finally, a 100mm pressure gauge is a common option on the PSP hydrostatic pressure test set. Pick a range to suit your testing. Talk to us if you need a calibration certificate traceable back to National Standard.

A hose is also included in the configurator. As a company, we have standardised on -4 size hoses, normally with 3 metres as the biggest seller. We suggest not moving to -6 or -8 hose on a hand pump as the material is very bulky. Better to run with -4 bore and use male male adaptors each end to provide your threads.

Use the configurator on our PumpShop Pro website and we will provide you with the best price on a short lead time. Our mission is to supply you with a unit that you can use for your testing application straight out of the box. Just fill with fluid.

How to configure your 2 speed hand pump to carry out your hydrostatic pressure testing.

Our starting point is knowing what you are trying to achieve and planning the task. What is the actual requirement from the drawing, specification, customer or your own people? This will allow you to configure your 2 speed pump to do the job.

We would always suggest sorting out the correct hose and fittings to make the job safe and easy. Using multiple adaptors rather than one correct fitting always adds to the risk of leaks. For difficult hydraulic fittings, talk to us or true specialists like Flow Technology Ltd or Custom Fittings.

You will need to risk assess what you are doing. Pressures are hazardous. Use our sample Risk Assessment.

Once you have completed your testing, you need to record what you have achieved. You will produce a Hydrostatic Pressure Test Certificate. Look at our guidance and sample.

What if I am not sure on my application?

If you need technical support for specific needs, talk to our associated company, the original manufacturer Sarum Hydraulics. After over 40 years of manufacturing their Micropac pumps, they are the experts. PumpShop Pro and Sarum Hydraulics can specify and supply to your exact requirement.

If you know exactly what you want and are ready to configure your PSP Hydrostatic Pressure test set, go to PumpShop Pro. Your can configure your exact requirement and get the price on the screen. Buy direct at our best online price, carriage paid to your UK premises.

We can also offer 3D models, technical support, advice and guidance for your application. Come to us for help.