A pump quotation without a complete data sheet is a guess. The supplier guesses your flow, your head, your fluid, and your materials. Three suppliers give three different pumps at three different prices. You cannot compare them — they are not quotes for the same pump. A proper RFQ with complete parameters is the difference between comparing apples to apples and comparing apples to oranges.
This checklist covers every parameter you should provide when requesting a pump quotation.
Why the RFQ Matters
Engineers often send a one-line RFQ: "Need a centrifugal pump for water service. Flow 100 m³/h. Head 30 m." The supplier comes back with a 200-page proposal full of details you did not ask for. You end up choosing based on price — the cheapest quote wins, even though it may not be the right pump for your application.
A proper RFQ changes this. You specify exactly what you need. Suppliers quote against the same specification. You compare on performance, not price alone. The right pump for the job becomes obvious.
Must-Provide Parameters (Without These, the Quote Is a Guess)
Fluid Properties
| Parameter | Why It Matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fluid name | Material selection | Sulfuric acid, 98% |
| Temperature | Material rating, seal selection | 40°C |
| Specific gravity | Motor sizing | 1.84 |
| Viscosity | Performance curve correction | 25 cP |
| Vapor pressure | NPSH calculation | 1 kPa at 40°C |
| Solids content | Abrasion resistance, impeller type | None (clean liquid) |
| pH | Material compatibility | <1 (strong acid) |
Hydraulic Parameters
| Parameter | Why It Matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Flow rate (design) | Pump size selection | 50 m³/h |
| Flow rate (minimum) | Minimum flow check | 20 m³/h |
| Flow rate (maximum) | Oversize margin | 60 m³/h |
| Total head | Pump curve selection | 30 m |
| Suction conditions | NPSH calculation | Flooded suction, 2 m liquid level |
| Discharge pressure | System pressure rating | Into atmospheric tank |
Mechanical and Electrical Parameters
| Parameter | Why It Matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Motor voltage | Electrical specification | 380V / 3 phase / 50Hz |
| Motor enclosure | Environment protection | IP55 |
| Motor efficiency class | Energy compliance | IE3 |
| Mounting orientation | Pump type selection | Horizontal, end suction |
| Connection size | Piping compatibility | DN80 suction / DN65 discharge |
| Seal type preference | Leakage risk | Double mechanical seal |
Optional Parameters (Improves Quote Accuracy)
| Parameter | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Operating hours per year | Life cycle cost analysis |
| Applicable standard | API 610, ISO 2858, ANSI B73.1 |
| Required certification | CE, ATEX, ISO 9001 |
| Testing requirements | Hydrotest, performance test, witnessed test |
| Documentation requirements | Material certificate, test report, O&M manual |
| Spare parts requirement | Seal kit, bearing set, O-ring kit |
| Site environment | Indoor, outdoor, hazardous area |
| Installation space limits | Footprint, height, weight constraints |
RFQ Template
Copy this template and fill in the blanks. Send to 3–5 suppliers. You will get comparable quotes.
PUMP RFQ DATA SHEET Project: ________________________ Date: ___________________________ Contact: ________________________ FLUID - Name: ________________________ - Concentration: ________________ - Temperature: __________________ - SG: ___________________________ - Viscosity: ___________________ - Solids: ______________________ - pH: __________________________ HYDRAULIC - Design flow: __________________ m³/h - Min / Max flow: _______________ m³/h - Total head: ___________________ m - NPSH available: _______________ m - Suction / Discharge pressure: __ bar MECHANICAL - Pump type: ___________________ - Material: ____________________ - Seal type: ____________________ - Motor voltage: ________________ - Motor efficiency: _____________ - Mounting: ____________________ REQUIREMENTS - Standard: ____________________ - Certification: ________________ - Testing: _____________________ - Spare parts: __________________ - Target delivery: ______________
Common RFQ Mistakes
Mistake 1: Incomplete fluid data. "Chemical" instead of "sulfuric acid 98%." Supplier guesses the material. Wrong material = pump fails. Always specify the exact chemical and concentration.
Mistake 2: No head calculation. "Need a pump for the tank." Supplier does not know how far above the tank is. They guess 30 m. Actual is 50 m. Pump cannot deliver. Always calculate total head.
Mistake 3: No NPSH data. Supplier quotes a pump with NPSHr = 5 m. Your NPSHa is only 3 m. Cavitation starts on day one. Always provide suction conditions.
Mistake 4: No seal specification. Supplier quotes a single mechanical seal. Your fluid is toxic and requires double seal. You discover this after order. Always specify seal requirements.
For pump RFQ support and quotation preparation, our Pump Selection Center guides you through the parameter checklist. For pump quotation with your complete data sheet, submit your RFQ and we will provide a detailed proposal.