What is the Allowable Operating Range (AOR)?
The allowable operating range, or AOR, is the portion of a pump curve determined by the pump manufacturer where the pump can be operated continuously without significantly affecting the performance or life of the pump.
The AOR is determined by the pump manufacturer through engineering analysis, testing, and experience. It is the range of operating conditions that the manufacturer considers to be acceptable. While a pump may be operated intermittently for short periods of time outside of the AOR, the large majority of operation should be maintained within the AOR.
The AOR, in contrast to the POR, is defined by the pump manufacturer and not by a standard specification such as the Hydraulic Institute Standards or API 610.