Basic Pump & System Training / January 29, 2026 / Virtual Live Training

Basic Pump & System Training 

Pump Systems, Pump Types & Performance Curves, Varying Operation, Motors & Drives, and Installation & Maintenance

 Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET 
PDH Credits: 7.0

Overview:

Basic pump and system training is designed to be the starting point for learning the fundamentals of pumps, their components and construction, and how pump systems are operated and controlled. Attendees will leave with an understanding of typical pump components, construction, installation, and maintenance considerations, as well as a detailed understanding of the pump curve and its interaction with the system curve.

For newer individuals, or those looking for a refresher, this training covers all of the topics within PSC - Level 1 to prepare you to sit for the PSC – Level 1 Certification Exam. This live course is virtual-live mode of instruction.  Attendees of this course will leave with increased pump and system knowledge and essential skills needed to pave the way for career growth through certification. To ensure that key concepts are understood, attendees will receive seven (7) hours of instruction.

Learning Level - Basic:

Basic level training is designed for individuals who are new to the subject matter. It covers basic concepts, skills, and practices. Participants acquire a foundational understanding of the topic and develop basic competencies. Knowledge of basic algebra is required to complete basic pump system calculations. 

This course will cover some introductory content; attendees should have introductory knowledge and are encouraged to complete the Introductory Pump & System On-Demand Training.

Audience:

Engineers, sales, and other technical positions. Operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel with requisite introductory knowledge and have a desire to advance and broaden their knowledge.

Learning Objectives:

• In-depth knowledge of pump curves, system curves, and their interaction.
• Identifying all types of pumps along with the extended pump product.
• Understanding the basic operating theory of both rotodynamic and positive displacement pumps.
• Recognizing major pump components, terminology, and understanding their purpose.
• Performing basic pump industry calculations, such as power calculations and annual energy consumption.
• Understanding different fluid properties.
• Describing and applying basic concepts of variable speed pumping and control.
• Understanding the causes of common operating problems.
• Understanding basic installation, maintenance, and operation principles.
• Determining typical application considerations.
• Basic understanding of vibration analysis.
• Understanding pump curves as a tool to troubleshoot pump performance issues.

Course Materials Included:

• Virtual Live instruction.
• Course instruction, the equation, and the reference sheet.
• Downloadable Slide Deck (PDF) (see Handouts tab after registration).

SKU: VLC 801L

Section 1: Pumps, Performance Curves, Power Consumption, and Markets

• Domain 1: Introduction to Pumps 
  • The Pump, Pump System and Major Components. 
  • Pump Classifications.
  • Rotodynamic Pump Types, Classifications, and Application Considerations.
  • Positive Displacement Pump Types, Classifications, and Application Considerations. 
• Domain 2: Pump Performance Curves and Power Consumption  
  • Pump Performance Curves.
  • Behind Pump Performance Curves: Understanding the Basics and Information Plotted.
  • Power and Efficiency.
  • Affinity Rules.
• Domain 16: Markets and Applications 
  • Pump Industry Market Segments and Applications.

Section 2: Pump Systems

• Domain 3: Pump Systems
  • Pumps and Pumping Systems.  
  • The System Curve and Operating Point.
  • Fluid Properties Affecting Pump Performance. 
  • Pressure and Head.
  • Friction Losses.
  • NPSH and Cavitation. 
  • Factors that Affect the Pump AOR.

Section 3: Rotodynamic and Positive Displacement Pumps

• Domain 4: Rotodynamic Pump Designs and Types 
  • Rotodynamic Pumps and Specific Speed. 
  • Characteristics of Rotodynamic Pump Types.
  • Common Rotodynamic Pump Components.
• Domain 5: Positive Displacement Pump Designs and Types
  • Positive Displacement Pump Types and Performance.
  • Reciprocating Pumps.
  • Rotary Pumps.
  • Performance and Power.
  • Application Considerations.

Section 4: Drivers & Drives

• Domain 7: Drivers and Drives 
  • Pump Drivers.
  • Electrical Parameters and Applicable Driver Standards.
  • Motor Types, Enclosures, and Frame Sizes.
  • Motor Starting Methods and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).

Section 5: Pump Components, Accessories & System Design Considerations

• Domain 6: Pump Components and Accessories 
  • The Pump Nameplate and Static Sealing Methods.  
  • Compression Packing and Mechanical Seals.  
  • Bearings and Bushings.  Couplings, Drive Shafts, and Gears.  
• Domain 8: System Design Considerations 
  • System Design Standards and Major System Components.  
  • Pump System Controls and Instrumentation. 

Section 6: Pump Selection, Testing and Operations

• Domain 9: Varying and Pump Operating Point 
  • The Operating Point. 
  • Affinity Rules for Speed and Impeller Diameter Changes. 
  • Control Methods to Vary the Pump Operating Point. 
  • Impeller Trimming. 
  • Pump Performance Curve Shapes.
  • Parallel and Series Pumping.
• Domain 10: Pump Selection & Specification 
  • Pump Selection Process. 
• Domain 11: Testing 
  • Factory Performance Testing. 
  • Additional Tests – NPSH, NPIP, and Hydrostatic. 
  • Factory Performance Test Acceptance Grades. 
  • Typical Factory Performance Test Arrangements. 

Section 7: Pump Installation, Commissioning, Startup & Maintenance

• Domain 12: Pump Installation, Commissioning and Startup 
  • Site Drawings.  
  • Pump Manufacturer’s IOM Manuals.  
  • Basic Installation, Priming, and Startup.  
• Domain 13: Maintenance 
  • General Safety Considerations and Calibration of Instrumentation.
  • Basic Maintenance Practices.

Section 8: Pump System Analysis & Troubleshooting

• Domain 14: Troubleshooting 
  • Troubleshooting Common Operating Problems. 
• Domain 15: Pump System Optimization and Analysis 
  • Life Cycle Cost (LCC). 
  • Pump System Optimization (PSO).  

Registration Fees:

Members, Associate Members, Standards Partners, and Training Partners of the Hydraulic Institute (HI) receive 25% discount on all available PSM training. Employees of Members, Associate Members, Standards Partner, and Training Partner organizations must log-in with their company email address in order for the discounted registration fee to apply. Industry Partners and Academic Partners receive 5% discount on all PSM training. Click here to learn more about HI membership.

Membership Question?  Call us at 973-267-9700, email us, or view the HI website for more information.

Refunds & Cancellations:

All refund requests must be made in writing to training@pumps.org.

Course Platform:

Courses are hosted on the Microsoft Teams platform. Prior to joining the LIVE course, Click here for instructions on how to test your browser and install the desktop app (optional).

Course Instructions:

1. Click the Contents tab and select "View Live Session".  After the session is completed, return to the Contents tab.
2. Click "Complete Quiz for Live Course" to answer quiz questions. You will have unlimited attempts and must get at least 80% correct to proceed. After completing the quiz, return to the Contents tab.
3. Click "Complete Course Evaluation" to provide your feedback on the course to PSM. Scroll down to view all feedback questions, there are questions that expand past the size of the window. 
4. Click the button “View/Print Your Certificate” in the box titled “Claim Credits & Certificate to save or print your certificate of completion. If you ever lose your certificate, you can come back to the PSM website and view it on your transcript (found in the Dashboard).
5. During the Q&A portion of the training sessions, questions are welcome that relate to the material presented and the instructor will do their best to address them within the context of the training provided. If time does not permit addressing questions received, we’ll make our best effort to provide an answer via email.
6. Please note that the instructor is not able to provide consulting advice or interpretations of standards; therefore, these types of questions will not be addressed by the instructor. 

Q&A During Course: During the Q&A portion of the session, questions are welcome that relate to the material presented. The instructor will do their best to address them within the context of the training provided. If time does not permit addressing questions received, PSM staff will make our best effort to provide an answer via email. 

NOTE: Please note that the instructor is not able to provide consulting advice or interpretations of standards; therefore, these types of questions will not be addressed by the instructor.

Need Assistance?

If you are experiencing any log in issues, cannot access a course, need assistance claiming credit, or have other questions or concerns, please e-mail training@pumps.org.

Continuing Education Credits:

Upon the successful completion of this day and passing the required quiz, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. 7 PDHs | 0.7 CEUs | 7 CONTACT HOURs

Note: 1.0 PDHs is equivalent to 0.10 CEUs or 1.0 Contact Hours

Licensed Professional Engineers:

Continuing professional development is a vital component of the engineering licensure process. Most state licensing boards require continuing professional development as a condition for licensure and renewal of the license to practice engineering. The acceptance of continuing education as it applies to fulfillment of the state licensing requirements for professional designations is at the pleasure of the individual state licensing boards. It is the responsibility of the individual participants to be knowledgeable about their state requirements. Pre-approval of training providers and courses is not required by most state licensing boards, except for the following:

Florida Board of Professional Engineers

Pump Systems Matter is a board-approved continuing education provider for the Florida Board of Professional Engineers: License # CEA361.

New York State Board for Engineering, Land Surveying, and Geology

Pump Systems Matter is approved as a sponsor of continuing education for professional engineers in New York State: NYS Sponsor # 241.