Jan 23, 2023 | General
Seventeen years ago, Northwest Pump made the jump to become an employee-owned company. Since this decision, we have seen many benefits for our employees, our customers, and the communities surrounding our eighteen different branches. While there are many characteristics of employee ownership, we have found the five most significant qualities. Any co-owner at Northwest Pump will have these five characteristics: Outreaching, Wise, Neighborly, Excellent, & Responsible- or OWNER, for short.
O – Outreach
Even before employee ownership began in 2006, Northwest Pump already participated in charitable activities in the communities we live in. For over fifty years, Northwest Pump has worked with several charities to donate to families in need in December. Since becoming an employee-owned company, Northwest Pump has expanded our efforts to give back to our communities. We have proudly worked with organizations such as Best Buddies, Habitat for Humanity, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and many more. All eighteen branches also participate in an annual food drive to local food banks in their areas.
W – Wise
One of Northwest Pump’s core values is self-improvement- the ability to seek out new learning opportunities and challenge oneself to be better. Our co-owners are always looking for ways to grow and share their knowledge and expertise with each other.
Because Northwest Pump provides a wide variety of industrial & petroleum equipment, it would be difficult for one person to understand all of the complexities of both divisions. However, what our teams focus on is having a reliable network of experts who have extensive information about a particular brand or product category. Our collaborative culture allows for this even when the expert is not associated with a particular branch or division.
N – Neighborly
The biggest feature of being an employee-owned company is the neighborly culture here at Northwest Pump. Our most common response when co-owners are asked about why they like working at NWP is the company culture. Our teams are not just checking emails to carry on with their day, they are ready to jump in whenever and wherever a problem needs to be solved. If it needs to be handled by another division, department, or branch, we work together to get the job done.
We have a team called Employee Ownership Team to help maintain the company culture. The team is responsible for leading conversations on how the ownership works, organizing conversations around customer service & improving the company, and leading the various activities like our annual Halloween party and the food drives.
E – Excellent
Our motto at Northwest Pump is customer service is our business. At the heart of every project, we focus primarily on the needs of our customers. We strive to see every project through the eyes of our customers and do what we can when we can to find the necessary solution the first time around. We have prided ourselves on providing excellent customer service for more than 60 years.
R – Responsible
One of the key factors in ownership is taking responsibility, especially when something goes wrong. Once we begin our projects, we will take care of anything that comes up during the process. We will ensure every customer is taken care of and every project is completed as promised.
Careers at Northwest Pump
Anyone looking for an opportunity to see ownership culture in action should view our open positions. As of January 2023, we are hiring a variety of positions at several locations. We look forward to the growth, especially in our Portland pump shop, that 2023 will bring.
Jan 12, 2022 | General, Industrial, Services
Knowing what kind of Slurry pump to use can make an enormous difference for any facility in the Aggregate Industry. The wrong type of pump will lead to inefficiency, premature pump breakdowns, and inevitably spending more to replace it. One factor that will affect which kind of pump, is whether the inside is metal or has a rubber lining. This choice can change how much money you spend on said pump and its replacement parts. Here are a few things to take into consideration when deciding what kind of slurry pump to use.
Metal Pumps
The aggregate industry prizes metal pumps because of their tough nature. While all slurry pumps receive wear & tear, certain metals will withstand damage better than others, such as plastic or urethane. However, this property also means the initial cost will be higher than the rubber-lined pumps. Servicing periods, though more expensive, will also be more sporadic to offset the costs. Another consideration for using steel piping is the contents of the slurry. If a slurry contains rocks that are 3/8″ or larger, then a rubber-lined pump might wear out too quickly. Knowing what makes up your slurry solution and how the pump’s materials react are crucial for making your pumping choice.
Rubber-Lined Pumps
Rubber-lined slurry pumps will cost less than their metal counterparts. Because the insides of this pump are rubber instead of metal, this pump will require replacing the interior parts much sooner than a metal pump. However, because of the smaller intervals, the cost of these replacement parts is significantly smaller than replacing an entire pump down the road. Recent technology has allowed the rubber-lined pumps to last longer than previous versions, meaning the gap in lifespans between metal and rubber-lined pumps are shorter than ever. Additionally, one key piece of information to determine if a rubber-lined pump will work for your system, is knowing exactly what is pumping through it. A wrong combination of rubber with the sand within the slurry can cause a pump to wear out prematurely.
Our Brands for your Slurry Solutions
Northwest Pump has several options to optimize any aggregate facility. Metso:Outotec not only has the pumps for the mining industry, but complete slurry hose systems, which include: rubber hoses, rubber-lined piping, bends, couplings, and gaskets. Metso offers their slurry pumps with either high chrome or rubber-lining that is designed explicitly for the industry. This brand also offers the latest filtration system technology, including sustainable practices that have reduced excessive water usage at facilities. Metso specifically, designs their Orion series pumps for heavy-duty mining applications with special bearings to protect the pump & to continue use even as it wears down.
Atlas Copco
For a more mobile solution, Atlas Copco offers portable pumps that are easily transferable. These diesel pumps can pump up to 8,600 gallons per minute. Portable pumps are self-priming, so they do not need lubrication like standard pumps.
Next Steps
You can contact us for your next slurry pumping solution here, email us at sales@nwpump.com, or call 1-800-452-PUMP.
Need your mining equipment serviced? Contact our service team here, email service@nwpump.com, or call 1-866-577-2755!
Dec 2, 2021 | General, Industrial, Services
What are ANSI Pumps, and Why Should You Care?
Beyond the type of pump, there are several ways to classify pumps further. One such specification is whether a centrifugal pump follows ANSI specifications (also referred to as ASME B73.1). ANSI pumps refer to a specific set of standards created back in the 1970s. However, the B73 committee updated the regulations as recently as 2016. These standards mean that these pumps are interchangeable and optimized for easier maintenance and reliability in mind. A facility with ANSI pumps does not have to worry about adjusting the motor, the location of the pumping system, or the coupling mechanisms- even if a facility changes manufacturers.
The ANSI pumps are separated into three groups depending on size. There are currently over 27 size variations available depending on one’s needs. Whether a facility chooses the tiniest specification or the largest, all ANSI pumps are rated for 300psig at 300°F or 149°C. Additionally, while these standards originated for oil & gas refining, they have a broad scope for usage in food production, textiles, chemical processing, and pulp & paper industries, to name a few. However, despite their ability to contain some solids (depending on impeller design), these pumps will not work for thick, viscous liquids. Another benefit to ANSI specifications is that these pumps will be more widely available because of their abilities. Not only does this make ANSI pumps cost less, but it also makes finding parts for repairs that much easier.
When it comes to ANSI pumps, Northwest Pump prefers utilizing PSG Griswold’s expertise. Griswold ensures their quality standards with not only certified highest-quality parts but also a five-year warranty.
What other options are available?
While these pumps are certainly beneficial for some situations, they are not ideal for every pumping situation. Instead of choosing from the above ANSI specifications, a facility might desire a more robust approach. One such option may be Blackmer Centrifugal. Formerly System One, Blackmer makes pumps with durability in mind, with their average pumps rated for up 650°F/343°C and beyond. Additionally, the design of Blackmer Centrifugal means that the seals & bearings are better protected, ensuring a longer life for pumps that see heavier duty work than others. These pumps are optimal for mining operations, water & wastewater handling, and chemical processes.
What Pump is Right for You?
Whether it is the main producer or a supporting feature, a facility needs an optimized pump for its needs. So, knowing how a pump can serve a need is essential. When choosing a pump, anyone should know how the specifications impact the safety, the maintenance requirements, and the fluid contained inside the pump. Between Blackmer & Griswold, here is how the two stack up. When it comes to safety, both will protect employees and the facility, however with high temperatures or harsher applications, Blackmer Centrifugal will probably rank higher. Maintenance for Griswold will be far less invasive than Blackmer. While the fluid will depend on the needs of the facility when it comes to costs, both will be worth it, Griswold will be more accessible due to their product line.
Want to see if an ANSI pump is right for you? Reach out and let’s start the conversation at sales@nwpump.com, or call us at 1-800-452-PUMP. Need maintenance on your ANSI pump? Call us at 1-866-577-2755 to schedule an appointment or make a request here.
Dec 1, 2021 | General
Northwest Pump is going into its 63rd year of business in 2022, and looking to a bright future as our current Vice President, Bob Mathews, will take over as President starting January 1st. Starting with just petroleum equipment sales, Northwest Pump has expanded immensely to now encompass Industrial equipment sales and service as well as an ecommerce option for the current customer base.
“Bob has had a tremendous career over the years. His leadership in our Industrial division, as well as our partner companies (SME and SolvOne) have been a tremendous boost to Northwest Pump as a whole. Bob will do a terrific job and provide great leadership for our Company,” Mark Mathews, Current NWP President/CEO.
Mark Mathews, current President/CEO will remain CEO until the end of 2022 to assist in the transition. Northwest Pump has been employee-owned and operated since 2006 and has remained a customer centric business since day one. New leadership comes with new pivots, but the current mission statement “customer service is our business” will always remain the same.
“I’m excited to lead the incredible team at Northwest Pump as President. NWP has been very successful over the last 62+ years. I have had the pleasure of working here for 35 of those years. We will acknowledge and build on that success as we continue to evolve as a company for future success. Following the leadership of Mark Mathews and what he has taught me and having him continue in the role of CEO, gives me confidence in my ability to handle this position, “ Bob Mathews, Current NWP Vice President.
Sep 28, 2021 | General, Industrial, Petroleum
Product Spotlight On: Blackmer
It can be overwhelming to find the right products for your facilities. From knowing the capabilities of each pump or compressor to learning how to keep it in its best-performing condition, it can be challenging to know what choices to make. Northwest Pump wants this process of understanding and fulfilling your needs as quickly as possible, so here is a simple guide to one of our popular brands of pumps and reciprocating air compressors: Blackmer.
Blackmer Products & What They Do
Blackmer specializes in pumps and reciprocating air compressors. Their pumps come in several types: sliding vane, screw, regenerative turbine, and centrifugal pumps. Sliding vane and screw pumps are both types of positive displacement pumps, which are best for maintaining a consistent flow and pumping a wider range of liquids such as oil, gas, and slurry– to name a few. Centrifugal and regenerative turbine pumps are different kinds of pumps that work when paired with the optimal pressure and thinner, non-volatile liquids.
Gas Compressors are like air compressors. However, the only difference is that air compressors take the surrounding air and compress it for later use. Gas compressors can compress a variety of gasses, not just air.
Blackmer offers all of its pumps and reciprocating air compressors in several types of materials. This means that your pumps and compressors are optimal for the specific work they will be performing. There are iron pumps for non-corrosive liquids and stainless steel pumps for corrosive liquids. There are pumps for high volume, heavy-duty use and are best for working with high temperatures that would damage regular equipment.
Blackmer Product Maintenance
Every piece of equipment needs regular upkeep to keep running at its best, and Blackmer is no exception. However, Blackmer offers support to its customers via Blackmer+. This app is for manufacturers who want to know what is happening inside their facilities. It allows the user to see what Blackmer equipment they have on the floor, datasheets for the specific parts, and schedule routine maintenance. Additionally, Blackmer & Northwest Pump customers in Oregon and Washington can be safe in the knowledge that our service teams are Blackmer certified. Finally, these Blackmer pumps are compatible with Chesterton’s Safe Certified Sensors, which means that when paired, you will not only have diagnostic data but also prevent emergencies before they happen.
Next Steps
Want to learn more about Blackmer products for yourself? Check out their Youtube here for videos on how their products work, tips and tricks, and more.
Want to see what Blackmer can do for your facilities? See it for yourself on our online store here, or reach out to our sales team here, or call 1-800-452-PUMP.
Oct 28, 2020 | General
Northwest Pump, a 61-year old distributor of petroleum and industrial parts, is excited to announce we have gone full digital. NWP recently purchased Petrostuff, a petroleum ecommerce store that sold items such as nozzles, breakaways, swivels, pumps and more. Petrostuff has been around since 2010 and has made great strides in the ecommerce world for the petroleum industry.
Northwest Pump now has two online platforms. The first is for current, or B2B customers, allowing them to login and access the entire NWP product line up which includes thousands of items and hundreds of vendors. The second, the newly purchased platform, is for B2C customers who are looking for an easy way to buy petroleum and industrial products online without the hassle of setting up an account or being an established NWP customer.
“Our goal for having two platforms is that our current customers will get additional perks and access to our full list of products, however, we realized we are not reaching a potential target market of B2C customers that are looking for a quick online option, says Mark Mathews, NWP CEO/President.
All products on the current Petrostuff site will be staying as well as a few new Industrial items that NWP feels will add value to the product line up. NWP’s goal is to bring a digital option for customers that are on the go, as well as still provide the NWP customer focused business model where customers can reach out to the Inside Sales team with questions.
“We know the industry is busy, so we want to give consumers the opportunity to seamlessly buy products they need online with just the click of a button. We are still here for support, questions and product evaluations, but for the customers who need something quickly, we now also provide that option as well,” comments Bob Mathews, NWP Vice President.
The new petroleum ecommerce store is located on the NWP website at shop.nwpump.com. Customers can either check out as a guest or create an account so they can track all their purchases. For questions reach out to online@nwpump.com or call 877-567-3876.
For all B2B (esales) help, customers can email esales@nwpump.com.
