@slaw,
Steve,
Installing a fine filter at the suction does keep the fluid clean to the pump - but this a positive displacement pump and its uses a diaphragm to control valves to draw-in/discharge-out water and they are not as sensitive to debris as a centrifugal pump. The general recommendation for a pump suction strainer is one of 50 mesh - but that is equal to 300 microns - that is a pretty big particle. Small pump suction strainers have low pressure drop and are widely available - Amazon.com: SHURFLO (255-313) 1/2" Twist-On Pipe Strainer: Automotive if you wanted to install one - for raw water usage they are recommended. FYI - If you plumbed a centrifugal pump with those fine filters at the suction, the centrifugal pump would have cavitated and pretty much destroyed its self. Centrifugal pumps do not have much suction lift.
For others who may be reading this post - the Pentair Shurflo SLV Series Diaphragm Pumps | Pentair model SLV10-AA40 12V DC Pump (Flow 3.78 LPM) is widely available such as ShurFlo SLV10-AA40 12VDC Low Volume Automatic Demand Diaphragm Pump For Low Flow Spraying and Transfer, 1.0 GPM, 40 PSI, Pressure Switch, Self-Priming: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific. It’s a bit more expensive than the Bayite, but It is a commercial standard pump with good support and only has a 40 psi pressure head so limited risk of collapsing filters and has a ON/OFF switch. Like the Bayite, it is 12VDC so a 120VAC/12VDC power supply 40-50W would be required. Standard desk top style 120VAC/12VDC power supplies are relatively cheap and easily sourced. There is a Shurflo 120AC pump wire with a 3-prong plug (Shurflo model 8020-513-236), but is about $150 .
Hope this is of some help,
Neil
Steve,
Installing a fine filter at the suction does keep the fluid clean to the pump - but this a positive displacement pump and its uses a diaphragm to control valves to draw-in/discharge-out water and they are not as sensitive to debris as a centrifugal pump. The general recommendation for a pump suction strainer is one of 50 mesh - but that is equal to 300 microns - that is a pretty big particle. Small pump suction strainers have low pressure drop and are widely available - Amazon.com: SHURFLO (255-313) 1/2" Twist-On Pipe Strainer: Automotive if you wanted to install one - for raw water usage they are recommended. FYI - If you plumbed a centrifugal pump with those fine filters at the suction, the centrifugal pump would have cavitated and pretty much destroyed its self. Centrifugal pumps do not have much suction lift.
For others who may be reading this post - the Pentair Shurflo SLV Series Diaphragm Pumps | Pentair model SLV10-AA40 12V DC Pump (Flow 3.78 LPM) is widely available such as ShurFlo SLV10-AA40 12VDC Low Volume Automatic Demand Diaphragm Pump For Low Flow Spraying and Transfer, 1.0 GPM, 40 PSI, Pressure Switch, Self-Priming: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific. It’s a bit more expensive than the Bayite, but It is a commercial standard pump with good support and only has a 40 psi pressure head so limited risk of collapsing filters and has a ON/OFF switch. Like the Bayite, it is 12VDC so a 120VAC/12VDC power supply 40-50W would be required. Standard desk top style 120VAC/12VDC power supplies are relatively cheap and easily sourced. There is a Shurflo 120AC pump wire with a 3-prong plug (Shurflo model 8020-513-236), but is about $150 .
Hope this is of some help,
Neil