4 Reasons to Choose Armstrong Vertical Inline Pumps
For decades, centrifugal pumps were typically installed horizontally and bolted to the floor. These base-mounted pumps often proved cumbersome to install and costly to maintain, especially in tight mechanical rooms where space and labor budgets are always under pressure.
Modern split-coupled vertical inline (VIL) pumps offer a better approach. Originally introduced to the HVAC market from the oil and gas industry — where floor space is at a premium and downtime must be minimized — vertical inline pumps save time, simplify maintenance, reduce floor space needs, and improve energy efficiency.
Here are four key reasons VIL pumps are increasingly being specified for both new construction and retrofit projects:
1. Faster Installation
Armstrong vertical inline pumps install up to 20% faster than base-mounted pumps. Because they require no flex connectors or inertia base grouting to manage vibration and noise, the process is far more efficient — saving time and space on the job site.
2. Simplified Maintenance
VIL pumps use a split-coupled design in which the motor shaft connects through a coupling to the impeller shaft. This means seals and other components can be serviced without removing the motor — a major advantage, as motors on base-mounted pumps typically weigh 400 pounds or more.
Replacing a worn seal on a base-mounted pump often takes two people a full workday. The same task on a vertical inline pump can typically be completed by a single technician in under an hour. This allows facilities teams to handle more work in-house and reduce maintenance costs.
3. Reduced Mechanical Room Footprint
Space is always at a premium in mechanical rooms, particularly in retrofitted buildings. Vertical inline pumps occupy up to 40% less floor space than their base-mounted counterparts. In some cases, this efficiency can even allow for reallocation of mechanical room space to other uses that generate revenue or improve building functionality.
4. Improved Energy Efficiency
VIL pumps, especially those built with advanced control technologies, typically use full-size impellers that do not require trimming to match system requirements. This allows the pump to operate more efficiently across a range of loads:
- Pump capacity can increase by up to 10%, sometimes allowing for the selection of a smaller pump.
- Efficiency can improve by up to 5%, thanks to the use of larger impellers running at lower speeds.
Applications in Both New Construction & Retrofit Projects
Split-coupled vertical inline pumps can be specified for both new buildings and conversions of older systems. In retrofit applications, replacing base-mounted pumps with VIL designs can yield considerable benefits — from avoiding structural reinforcements required for heavier floor-mounted pumps to drastically reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Adding Y Strainer Valves for Extra Protection
To further extend the life of seals and pump components, many facilities pair vertical inline pumps with Titan Y strainer valves. These strainers trap particulates before they can reach the pump, minimizing wear and helping maintain optimal efficiency over time.
While many HVAC specifications still default to base-mounted pumps, growing awareness of the advantages of vertical inline designs is driving more engineers and contractors to make the switch. The combination of easier installation, reduced maintenance, space savings, and improved energy performance makes VIL pumps a strong choice for a wide variety of modern mechanical systems.