Choosing the Right Pump Baseplate

A suitable pump baseplate provides a sturdy foundation for your equipment, helping to maintain alignment, support reliable performance and extend pump life.

This article explores how choosing the right baseplate material can improve pump performance and reduce long-term operating costs.

Why a Pump Baseplate Is Important

When installing a pump, the baseplate can often be overlooked. There may even be a temptation to mount the pump directly on a concrete floor. However, a properly designed baseplate provides a stable, level surface for the pump that helps to minimise vibration and movement while keeping everything aligned during operation.

This supports reliable, uninterrupted performance, and reduces the need for repeated adjustments, saving time and maintenance costs.

Choosing the Right Baseplate Material

Traditionally, folded or fabricated mild steel or stainless steel has been commonly used for pump baseplates. However, steel can be susceptible to corrosion and distortion, which can reduce long-term performance and increase maintenance requirements.

Polymer concrete is a superior alternative, providing an exceptionally flat, mechanically stable foundation that helps maintain optimal pump and motor alignment.

The Benefits of Polymer Concrete Baseplates

Polymer concrete baseplates are manufactured from Zanite®, a combination of epoxy resins and quartz aggregate which creates a corrosion-resistant, rigid mounting surface.

Compared with conventional steel baseplates, polymer concrete offers significant advantages:

• A superior flat mounting surface to 0.002 inch/foot
• Significantly improved vibration reduction
• Improved resistance to corrosion and diaphragming
• Greater thermal stability
• Easier installation, saving time and money
• Improved resistance to corrosion and diaphragming
• Extended service life for rotating equipment
• ASME/ANSI-1991 compliance

Polymer concrete baseplates conduct significantly less heat and electricity than their steel counterparts, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Their resistance to corrosion and distortion makes them a compelling choice for operators seeking long-term reliability and performance from their pump systems.