A Micropac pressure test or filling pump is a mighty useful tool. It inherently has a much greater fluid capability than most units as long as you keep a few pointers in mind.

A Micropac is designed for a wide range of fluids.

Our pumps cope with a massive range of viscosities because we use soft seat and poppet valves rather than simple ball check valves on hard seats. Different materials are available to cope with fluids, so for the most arduous duty, pick 316 stainless and bronze. We have always used industry standard seals and not obscure moulded items that are simply not available in specialist compounds. Swapping seals is easy.

Universal seal compatibility is tough. 

Making a pump that has seals compatible with “all fluids” would be a great idea, but isn’t that easy. PTFE and uhmwp have very wide compatibility, but when you look at dynamic seals you struggle. A pump could be fitted with Du Pont’s Kalrez perfluoroelastomer seals at a price. Probably cheaper to buy a seal kit!

“Flushing a pump through after use”.

This can be easier said than done. It can take an awful lot of a solvent to flush out “every trace” of the original fluid. Inevitably, something will lodge somewhere. Be careful that your solvent does not damage the seals. Very easy to do.

“I used the pump on oil yesterday and want to use water today.”

Finally, don’t underestimate what a nightmare emulsified mineral oil is.  You will get traces of water into your oil, and oil on your oil free components that you were testing on water. Your hose will be coated with oil. Think it through. It may be easier to swap the seals or indeed buy another pump.

Be careful of leaving fluid in the pump for ages.

The pump will work brilliantly on a massive range of fluids. The units are low corrosion. Even so, I normally pump fluid out after use. I think it is good practice. For example, many people worry about water glycol left in an anodised alloy pump for a period.

In summary.

We still get pumps back for service from the early 1980’s. Look after your Micropac and it will serve you well.

Sarum Hydraulics has been manufacturing bespoke hydraulic equipment for over 30 years. Buy a Micropac pressure test pump at our Pump Shop Pro online store! For a quote on your filling & charging unit, or to have a chat with our engineers, contact us today.