Pipe Solutions

Pump Suction Guide

Benefits & Features

Reduced Installation Cost and Footprint

No separate in-line strainers, long-radius elbows, or superfluous piping – reducing material costs.
Fewer pipe connections: from five (or more) down to just two – reducing labour costs.
Reduced floor space requirements of up to 20% compared to traditional piping layouts.
Compact design simplifies pump station layout and improves access for maintenance.

Enhanced System Reliability

Guide vanes eliminate the need for 5 pipe diameters of straight suction pipe, stabilizing flow directly at the pump inlet.
Permanent stainless steel strainer with 3mm perforations protects the pump from debris.
Start-up fine mesh strainer (remove after 24 hours) captures initial system debris during commissioning.
Inlet gauge tapping (1/4″ NPT) allows monitoring of differential pressure across the strainer to alert operators when cleaning is required.

Durable Construction

Body: Cast iron (standard) or ductile iron (optional for higher stress applications)
Strainer: Stainless steel, 0.125″ (3 mm) perforations
Guide vanes: Cast iron or ductile iron
Cover plate: Ductile iron with EPDM O-ring seal
Corrosion protection: Min 250μ Epoxy coating RAL 5017 blue, WRAS approved

Flexible Installation

Can be installed in any orientation.
Reversible hinged cover for easy strainer access.
Boss cast on the fitting allows a support pipe-stool to be located under the unit, removing weight from the pump suction flange.
Drain connection for blow-down valve installation (optional).

Pump Suction Guide

Overview

The Laminar Suction Guide (SG) is a multi-function pump fitting engineered to streamline pump station installations. It integrates three essential components into a single, compact unit:

90° Inlet Elbow – Eliminates the need for a separate long-radius elbow, reducing material and labour costs.
Flow-Straightening Guide Vanes – Corrects uneven flow profiles and mitigates swirl, ensuring a fully developed flow entering the pump impeller. This reduces vibration, bearing wear, and improves overall pump efficiency.
In-Line Strainer – Protects the pump from debris during start-up and operation. A removable fine-mesh start-up strainer is included for system clean-up during the first 24 hours of operation.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Pressure Rating	ANSI 125: 175 psig at 150°F (12 bar at 65°C) – 100 psig at 300°F (7 bar at 150°C)
Temperature Range	Up to 300°F (150°C)
Size Range	1.5″ to 20″ (DN40 to DN500)
Body Material	Cast iron / Ductile iron
Strainer Material	Stainless steel, 0.125″ (3 mm) perforations
Guide Vanes	Cast iron / Ductile iron
Cover Seal	EPDM O-ring
Coating	Min 250μ Epoxy Coating RAL 5017 blue, WRAS Approved
Inlet Gauge Tapping	1/4″ NPT (plugged)
Start-Up Strainer	Fine mesh galvanized steel (remove after 24 hours)

Applications

Industry / Application	Details
HVAC systems	Chilled water, condenser water, and heating water pumping
General purpose pumping	Water and glycol-based fluids
Industrial / Process pumping	Water, wastewater, sewage, seawater
Utilities	Pumping stations, water treatment plants
Power generation	Cooling water systems
Chemical plants	Process fluid handling

Installation & Operation

Installation

Mount directly onto the suction flange of horizontal or vertical centrifugal pumps.
Align the directional arrow on the body with system flow direction.
The suction guide may be installed in any position, provided the guide vanes face the pump inlet.
Do not use the suction guide to support the suction piping – piping must be supported independently.
A support boss is provided for a pipe-stool to remove weight from the pump flange.

Operation

No special attention required at start-up.
After system clean-up or a maximum of 24 running hours:
1. Stop the pump and close isolation valves.
2. Drain the suction guide.
3. Remove the cover and strainer assembly.
4. Remove the fine-mesh start-up strainer (tack-welded to the permanent strainer).
5. Reinstall the permanent strainer and cover.

Maintenance