ABSTRACT
The significance of differences between offer and specification has to be evaluated in terms of technical acceptability and commercial worth. In moving to the assessment stage the basis of technical judgements changes. Generic evaluations are no longer appropriate. Particular data are always better than generic data. Ideally an offer to supply a centrifugal pump should fully cover all aspects of cavitation performance. The date when particular pumps have been supplied is very relevant. It indicates whether the design deficiencies that occur in every new model have had time to be worked through. Note also that because many lists are based on entries at the “order confirmed” stage some of the pumps referred to may not yet have been manufactured. The collapse of the market for the end product of a process plant or the rationalisation of plants following a company take-over can result in almost-new pumps being consigned to the scrap heap.
