Understanding Armstrong Twin, DualArm, and Tango Pump Options

Understanding Armstrong Twin, DualArm, and Tango Pump Options

Armstrong's multi-motor pump configurations offer unmatched flexibility for HVAC and hydronic systems that require redundancy, energy savings, and space efficiency. These configurations feature two motors in a shared casing with a single inlet and outlet. Whether you need duty/standby operation, parallel efficiency staging, or a serviceable solution without system shutdown, Armstrong offers three primary product families:

  • Twin Pumps (4312, 4392)
  • DualArm Pumps (4302, 4382)
  • Tango Pumps (4322, 4372, 4332)

Each supports Sensorless Control, with many offering Parallel Sensorless Pump Control (PSPC) for Best Efficiency Staging, delivering up to 30% improved energy performance over traditional methods.


Twin Pumps

Overview

Armstrong Twin Pumps provide two motors in one casing. These are cost-effective, compact, and ideal for simple redundancy. Unlike DualArm or Tango, Twin Pumps do not include internal check or isolation valves.

Note: Where possible, Armstrong Tango Pumps are often the superior choice. They offer more advanced controls, opposite motor rotation for reduced vibration, internal check valves, and — in the case of the 4332 — full isolation valving for live service. When energy savings, reliability, and long-term service access are a priority, Tango pumps are generally recommended.

Models

Model

Flow (USgpm)

Head (ft)

Power (hp)

Size

4312 (Split-Coupled)

Up to 1250

Up to 250

1 to 40

2" to 6"

4392 (Close-Coupled)

Up to 1100

Up to 100

1 to 7.5

2" to 6"

When to Use

  • Mid-size systems where external isolation valves are available
  • Scheduled downtime is acceptable
  • Applications needing basic duty/standby redundancy
  • Limited budgets and space constraints

DualArm Pumps

Overview

DualArm pumps include internal diverter or check valves and built-in isolation valves, allowing either motor to be serviced live. Models vary in capacity and power range to meet both large and mid-size commercial needs.

Models

Model

Flow (USgpm)

Head (ft)

Power (hp)

Size

4302 (High Capacity)

Up to 1250

Up to 250

1 to 75

1" to 8"

4382 (Mid-Range)

Up to 1000

Up to 140

0.33 to 7.5

1" to 8"

When to Use

  • When service without shutdown is needed
  • Ideal for schools, multifamily, and commercial systems
  • Sizing flexibility for both small and large GPM ranges
  • A good fit where internal valving simplifies installation

Tango Pumps

Overview

Tango pumps add high-end performance features, including opposite motor rotation for vibration reduction, built-in check valves, and in the case of the 4332, suction and discharge isolation valves.

New Tango Enhancements:

  • Brand new valve design for full leak-proof operation
  • Permanent Magnet (PM) Motors achieving IE5 efficiency for superior energy savings
  • Optimized envelope designs, resulting in a smaller footprint compared to most competitors

Models

Model

Flow (USgpm)

Head (ft)

Power (hp)

Size

4322 / 4372

Up to 900

Up to 160

0.25–10

1" to 3"

4332

Up to 2000

Up to 180

15–40

4"

When to Use

  • Systems that benefit from vibration reduction and space savings
  • Projects requiring built-in live service capability (4332)
  • Great for retrofits, tight mechanical rooms, or full parallel control

Sizing Strategy: Duty/Standby vs. Parallel Pumping

Armstrong dual-motor pumps can be configured for two primary strategies:

1. Duty/Standby

One pump operates while the other is idle. The standby pump activates during failure or planned rotation. This strategy ensures uptime but doesn't take advantage of energy savings during part-load conditions.

2. Parallel Pumping with Best Efficiency Staging (via PSPC)

Parallel Sensorless Pump Control (PSPC) is Armstrong’s advanced control strategy that stages pumps based on wire-to-water efficiency, not just speed. It continually evaluates which combination of pumps and speeds delivers required flow at the lowest total energy use.

Here’s how it works:

  • Each pump monitors its own speed and power consumption.
  • A master controller calculates the most efficient staging—deciding how many pumps should run, and at what speed.
  • As system demand changes, PSPC dynamically turns pumps on or off and adjusts speeds to keep the system operating in the optimal part of the efficiency curve.

Even in a configuration with two pumps sized at 50% of total system horsepower, if one pump fails or drops offline, the system can still deliver approximately 80% of the flow and 95% of the heat transfer—thanks to the non-linear relationship between horsepower, flow, and heat exchange.

Key benefits include:

  • Up to 30% more energy savings compared to conventional staging
  • More stable performance, fewer on/off cycles, and extended equipment life
  • No external pressure sensors required (sensorless)
  • Efficient redundancy: two 50% pumps for energy savings, or two 100% pumps for full backup

PSPC is ideal for variable load HVAC systems that operate well below peak most of the year, allowing your pump system to stay efficient across all load conditions.


Model Comparison Table

Model

Flow (USgpm)

Head (ft)

Power (hp)

Size Range

Internal Valves

Live Serviceable

Best For

4312 Twin

1250

250

1–40

2"–6"

No

No

Basic redundancy, large commercial

4392 Twin

1100

100

1–7.5

2"–6"

No

No

Budget-friendly, compact installs

4302 DualArm

1250

250

1–75

1"–8"

Yes

Yes

Full serviceability, high flow systems

4382 DualArm

1000

140

0.33–7.5

1"–8"

Yes

Yes

Smaller systems needing redundancy

4322/4372 Tango

900

160

0.25–10

1"–3"

Yes (check only)

No (except 4332)

Compact & efficient HVAC, sensorless apps

4332 Tango

2000

180

15–40

4"

Yes (full ISO)

Yes

High flow, premium redundancy & access