Ways to Save on Energy with a Pump
The right pump usually represents economic opportunities to lower energy consumption.
A pump is necessary when moving water. For this to be possible, energy is required. In typical facilities, electric costs are associated with the pumping systems, while drinking water systems consume more energy for distribution and treatment.
Since one can't avoid pumping water, here are some energy-conserving tips to consider:
Pick an efficient pump for specific applications
It is possible to boost pump efficiency. The pumps shouldn't be oversized to ensure efficiency. Oversized systems lead to high-flow and pressure parameters that are more than required. For greater efficiency, pump manufacturers and engineers must work together to pick an application-specific pump.
Pick the right pump size
The right pump usually represents economic opportunities to lower energy consumption. In many facilities, most energy goes to centrifugal pumps, which need significant maintenance. Adding too many safety factors in the design phase leads to oversizing and higher costs.
Impeller trimming
The impeller must be trimmed to a diameter shown in the manufacturer's pump curve. This is normally about 75% of the maximum impeller diameter. Affinity rules and pump curves offer valuable information regarding impeller trim changes and the affected performance. Impeller trimming reduces the chances of throttling losses closely associated with control valves.
Reduce system pressure drop
One of the main ways to reduce a pressure drop is pipe sizing optimization. Hydraulic friction reduces pressure from one end of a pipe to the other. The system pressure drop can be affected by fluid properties, pipe characteristics, pipe length, pipe size, and flow rate.
Get proper control valves
These valves control pressure and flow. They reduce energy loss over non-controlled systems like irrigation systems with multiple locations and fixed speeds. Control valves are responsible for bypassing or throttling flow. The latter reduces the flow while increasing pressure.
Implement variable speed drives (VSDs)
One can use drivers for variable speed or fixed speed operation. For some applications, energy saving is possible by implementing variable speed drives. Variable speed drives adjust the rotational speed to get the right head and flow for process applications.
VSDs are added to pump motor systems to slow the pump to meet actual requirements versus any theoretical requirements calculated at the beginning of a project. VSDs accommodate system demand changes and any expansion plans in the future.
Maintain the pumping systems
Regular pump maintenance will reveal weak areas or deteriorations that can be handled before the system fails. Qualified professionals should manage this maintenance to ensure it is performed correctly. Experienced contractors can make a system diagnosis and offer the best solution that can help lower costs associated with pumps.
Perry-Pump Repair Services is a water well repair company owned by a third-generation water specialist and manned by highly trained technicians who diagnose and repair low-pressure, no water, air on lines, and more. We offer commercial and residential customers in Lake Butler and surrounding areas wellhead extension and repair, jet pumps, deep and shallow wells, submersible pumps, booster pumps, sediment filters, constant pressure systems, contactless pressure switches, and irrigation pumps. Give us a call at (352) 474 - 7142.
