What does it mean if your pump is self-priming?

In several applications that require liquid to be pumped, the pump must be kept above the level of liquid. This lets air into the line, which can often create issues like overheating and pump failure. To avoid this from happening, a self-priming pump is used to empty out the air before moving the fluids. 

A self-priming pump is like other centrifugal pumps but is built with an outer casing that contains the fluid being pumped. The rotation of the impeller in this casing creates an area with low pressure at the impeller’s eye. This causes the fluid, along with the air, to get pushed up into the pump through the line of suction. Through its motion, the self-priming pump causes the air to separate from the fluid and get released from the casing. When all of the air has escaped, the pump allows the fluid to flow. Thus, a self-priming pump essentially removes any air pockets from the fluid to ensure smooth delivery by the pump. 

The main difference between a self-priming pump and a regular centrifugal pump is that there is no need to physically prime the former type, as its extra in-built mechanism is designed to do just that.

Practical uses

A self-priming pump can be used for anything that requires a standard centrifugal pump. This can include pumping water, sewage waste or other industrial applications. 

It is important to choose the right kind of pump for the task at hand, as well as the correct sized pump that matches the flow and head. Then, a net positive suction head (NPSH) calculation must be conducted to make sure there is adequate atmospheric pressure to sustain the required flow. Lastly, the speed of the pump must be high enough to be able to prime itself. The size of its line of suction too must be selected carefully.

Advantages of a self-priming pump

Because self-priming pumps are installed above the fluid source, the infrastructure needed to set them up is relatively less. They are easy to access due to their ground-level location. Maintenance and repair too, are simpler to conduct on a self-priming pump than on a regular centrifugal pump.

Self-priming pumps can handle a variety of liquids as well as slurries and suspended solids. They are also ideal for frequent pumping operations, as the steps involving pump priming at the start are eliminated. As well, they use less power and time to run than other centrifugal pumps. Self-priming pumps are also safer to operate, as hoists or cranes are not required for their use.

Limitations of a self-priming pump

Self-priming pumps have a limited suction lift. There are limitations in the NPSH and fluid temperature and can cause a loss of friction in the line of suction.

For more information on industrial pumps, motors, and other equipment, contact VEMC on +91 98199 07445. We would be glad to provide customized support for your requirements. We are well-established industrial water pumps dealers in Mumbai who deliver end-to-end project management services to our clients. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. 

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Modules – Forecasting Price Levels in India for 2022

The price of photovoltaic (PV) modules saw a substantial dip from 2010 to 2020 – of about 70 to 80%, thanks to the growth of PV modules and solar power technology both in India and the world. Witnessing a steady average growth of about 25% each year, India had installed more than 40 GW worth of solar energy by December 2020. Interestingly, 55 to 65% of the total cost of the solar project is on PV module solar panels. PV modules are the single most important component of a solar power plant, and through these years, there was a dramatic improvement in their technology. As a result, PV modules became more efficient (measured by the proportion of solar irradiation converted to solar energy), and had better output capacity. 

Trends in 2020

Many expected these downward trends in the industry to continue in the coming years. Several developers even bid for projects under government tenders based on the premise that the price of PV modules would keep declining. On the contrary, the opposite happened. PV module price rose by 7 to 10% over the second half of 2020! From US$0.21/Wp in 2020, it increased till US$0.33/Wp in 2021. This led to industry watchers questioning whether this was a result of changes brought on by the pandemic, or a more permanent tendency that would stay.

Reasons for the Deviation in PV Module Prices in 2020

To set the context, let’s look at some key facts in the solar power industry. For one, China controls over 80% of the world’s solar supply chain, particularly in important areas of raw materials like glass and polysilicon. With this in mind, let’s examine the factors leading up to the subsequent rise in PV module prices:

  • The sudden breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic shifted a major part of the demand from the first half to the second half of 2020.
  • There was a shortage in the supply of polysilicon owing to an accident at GCL- Poly Energy Holdings Limited, a large supplier in Hong Kong, and the outbreak of a new virus in China’s Xinjiang province, another significant supply market. This resulted in over a whopping 50% increase in prices.
  • The transition of technology and slowed down ramp-up capacity further led to a shortage of glass.
  • The price of other essential commodities like aluminium and silver were also driven up.
  • Cost of transportation went up thanks to restricted movement of ships and containers during the pandemic.
  • The US Dollar fell in value against the Chinese Yuan.

Predicting PV Module Prices in FY22

The above chain of events contributed to the surge in PV module prices, and it remains uncertain when the situation will reverse. Issues like the supply shortage of raw materials might get resolved soon, but only if we assume that the pandemic will end shortly. Trends in commodity prices will also influence module prices and have a more long-term impact.

Technology Advancement in the Solar Power Industry

New technologies like bi-facial and 500+ Wp modules are emerging rapidly and will be likely to become mainstream over the next few months. As well, governments are expected to incentivize local manufacturing both globally and in India. These might result in a return to the previous trend of decreasing PV module prices. However, if governments decide to impose trade barriers like duties, prices may increase again. 

Although short-term factors make PV module prices somewhat unpredictable, these are overridden by the more long-term implications of solar power as the most sustainable option of energy. In the long run, PV module prices are likely to diminish to support the mainstream implementation of solar energy.

VEMC is a pioneer in electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment and services and is ISO 9001:2015 certified. With decades of industry experience, VEMCO Solar is a market leader in solar energy consulting services. Contact us at +91 98199 07445 for any requirements in the space.

Process Pumps: A Must-Have for Handling Industrial Fluids

What is a process pump?

A process pump transports liquids and semi-liquids from one place to another. It is an essential tool for several industrial applications which involve moving water, slurries, mud, chemicals, or oil.

Parts in a process pump

Although there are a few different kinds of process pumps, most of them are made up of the same main components. These include the primary mover which powers the process pump which can be a motor or an engine, a V-belt or direct coupled drive to help slow it down, and a gearbox. 

Types of process pumps by Kirloskar Brothers Limited (KBL):

  • AT

The Kirloskar Air Cooled Thermic Fluid AT series of process pumps come with a back pull-out design. This allows easy removal of the rotating unit of the pump for inspection and repairs without disturbing the suction and delivery pipe connections.

  • ROMAK

Kirloskar’s Romak (RM) process pumps are used for handling various types of chemical liquids and make for leak-free transportation. They are manufactured to close tolerance and are of rigid construction. The Romak pump is a magnetic drive pump.

  • GK(P)

Kirloskar GK(P) pumps are used for handling different types of liquid chemicals. These are also manufactured to close tolerance and with rigid construction. The complete range of GK(P) process pumps is covered by four driving units, thereby reducing inventory and achieving interchangeability.

  • i-CM

Kirloskar i-CM process pumps are mainly used for chemical and process handling applications, which are free from suspended solids particles. i-CM process pumps are ideal for pumping corrosive and noxious fluids.

  • i-CP

Kirloskar i-CP pumps are horizontal, radially split, single-stage, centrifugal end-suction volute with top centerline delivery. The impeller is of an enclosed type. The bearing housing is fitted with a support foot. The pump shaft is supported by pre-lubricated anti-friction sealed bearings as a standard scope of supply. i-CP pumps come without any mechanical seal or gland packing arrangement and yet ensure zero leakage from the stuffing box. This feature is achieved by the innovative design of the shaft sleeve, expeller, and fluid arrester.

How can you choose the right process pump for your purposes?

Some factors you should consider when selecting the size and kind of a process pump are the type of fluid to be moved, its temperature, specific gravity, and viscosity. You also need to take into account your specific pressure and flow requirements for the task, as well as the type, diameter, and length of the piping.

VEMC is an authorized process pump dealer that supplies a range of different Kirloskar process pumps in Mumbai for various industrial uses. We offer a diverse range of pumping solutions, including water pumps and process pumps. For more information on our products and help with selecting the most suitable ones for you, please contact us on +91 98199 07445. We would be happy to provide customized support. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

KirloSmart — A Revolution in the Pump Industry

KirloSmart is an intelligent remote monitoring solution that, enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT), allows you to manage and control your pumps without being physically present at the site of operations. Designed by Kirloskar Brothers Limited (KBL), a forerunner in innovative technology, KirloSmart has been in-built with advanced analytics and spare management modules to monitor pump health in real-time. It keeps you informed of your pump’s condition and sends you alerts in the event of any issues with its functioning. 

KirloSmart has revolutionized the industry of pumps. A unique product that is the first of its kind, it served as a boon to industries during the COVID-19 pandemic when the lockdown brought physical operations to a halt and made visiting the site regularly very difficult. KirloSmart’s user-friendly technology continues to help streamline pump operations and bring about increased efficiency with its convenient nature. It is accessed from across devices like mobile phones and tablets, and even flags a potentially grave situation before it escalates.

You can leverage KirloSmart by implementing smart pumps in your facility. An automated system to monitor pump conditions would optimize energy efficiency, minimize downtime, and reduce labour requirements.

The KirloSmart software is capable of monitoring an extensive number of parameters remotely. These include pressure, flow, power, voltage, current, frequency, pump and motor bearing temperature, pump and motor bearing vibrations, motor winding temperature, and pump running hours.

Using KirloSmart to monitor your pumps provides a host of advantages. Here are some of them:

Convenience: The ability to monitor the pumps from anywhere allows you to be flexible with regard to your own location.

Predictive maintenance: KirloSmart offers predictive maintenance of your pumps. This means that any issues can be fixed before they exacerbate, which costs far less than conducting repairs on existing damages.

Minimized operational costs: With KirloSmart, both repair and labor costs are slashed, which leads to a reduction in your operating costs.

Minimal downtime: Since the pump health conditions are being monitored constantly, it becomes easier to cut down the number of times that an unplanned breakdown occurs at the facility. 

Improved plant and process efficiency: The site becomes easier to manage and maintain, and workflows are made even more efficient with the use of IoT pumps. 

Optimized safety: Remotely monitoring the pumps facilitates safer, more reliable processes.

Longer lifespan of equipment: With KirloSmart technology, all the equipment that you use in your plant will benefit from increased shelf life through reduced wear and tear. 

Improved equipment efficiency: All the equipment used in the process will become even more efficient through automation.

All in all, KirloSmart is the smart solution for the most effective remote management of your pumps.

For more information on industrial pumps, motors, and other equipment, feel free to contact us on +91 98199 07445. We would be glad to assist you in finding the best match for you based on your requirements. VEMC is a leading industrial pump supplier in Mumbai that provides end-to-end project management services to its clients. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

India’s Solar Energy Market in the Past, Present and Future

The Past 10 Years – An Overview

India has proved to be a major player in the solar energy industry. In the past decade alone, it has seen an exponential increase in its capacity for solar power. By the end of 2020, the nation had installed a collective base of over 40 GW of solar power, with an annual growth of about 25%. Global factors like reduced cost of PV modules, rising demand and production, and a united commitment to slash carbon emissions also contributed to the growth of India’s renewable energy sector.

Most importantly, regulatory guidelines like duty-free import of Chinese PV modules, minimal duty on quality components from across the world, and the removal of subsidies on commercial and industrial business further led to the opening up of the renewable energy sector. Investment into the green energy industry increased.

Challenges in Solar Energy Today

India’s target of 175 GW Renewable Energy by 2022, (100 GW solar power, out of which 40 GW is powered by rooftop solar) was originally an ambitious but achievable target. Today, our installed rooftop solar capacity is only between 5 and 6 GW.

India had originally set a target to achieve 100 GW in solar energy by 2022, out of which 40 GW was to be powered by rooftop solar. However, its rooftop solar capacity stands at only 5 to 6 GW.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions in the supply chain, and while these are likely to be resolved in the near future, it fuels uncertainty in the present-day scenario.

India’s commitment to the Paris Pledge by 2030 takes a 3-pronged approach: 

  • 33 to 35% reduction in emissions intensity of the GDP
  • 40% of installed electricity capacity to be renewable energy or nuclear
  • 2,000 to 3,000 MtCO2e of an additional cumulative carbon sink

According to a 2018 report released by the World Health Organisation, a staggering 9 out of 10 most polluted cities in the world are in India! By 2021, the country was found to be the most polluted region in the world. This makes national objectives like transitioning to clean energy, electric mobility and improved energy efficiency not merely idealistic goals, but absolutely necessary measures that must be taken.

What’s Next

India is one of the most rapidly growing economies in the world, and its demand for energy aptly reflects this. Going forward, policies need to include practices that minimize climate risk and improve classification standards to help investors, financial institutions and investors gauge market potential and system-wide risks better.

Some measures that can be implemented to promote the growth of the renewable energy sector include:

  • Removal of cap on net metering
  • The freedom to choose between net or gross metering
  • Standardized long-term open access norms across states 
  • A unified renewable energy policy across the country
  • Minimal time taken for approvals related to connectivity, and net metering

Moreover, technological advancements in the sector like floating solar and solar-wind hybrids are likely to propel the industry further.

VEMC is a well-established solar energy company with solar power consultants in Mumbai. It is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. Please contact us on +91 98199 07445 for inquiries and we will be happy to assist you.

The Importance of Reading a Centrifugal Pump Curve

A centrifugal pump is used to transport fluids by converting rotational kinetic energy into hydrodynamic energy. It finds common applications across the food and beverage, dairy, and pharmaceutical processing industries. Reading a pump performance curve is important when choosing the pump that best fits your requirements.

A pump performance curve predicts the performance of a pump in terms of its flow and pressure head and being able to read it is imperative to a pump’s performance in the long term. Also, when selecting a centrifugal pump for a new application, you need to consider its composite curve so that its performance matches the one that is most suitable for the system. Generally, a composite curve consists of pump performance and horsepower curves, as well as the required NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head).

A centrifugal pump passes energy onto the fluid and possesses certain flow and head qualities. The pump needs to overcome a necessary level of pressure, and this is what determines where the performance point should be on the curve, and how much flow will be produced. The value of the pressure is inversely proportional to that of the flow. As pressure increases, flow decreases. This shifts the performance point to the left of the pump curve. Conversely, as pressure decreases, flow increases, and the point shifts to the right of the pump curve.

As a rule of thumb, when analyzing a pump curve for a new requirement, it is best to stay as close to the BEP (Best Efficiency Point) as possible. This is the operating point on the performance curve that shows the highest efficiency point for the pump’s impeller diameter. 

There are 8 main pieces of information that you will need to be able to identify on a centrifugal pump curve. They are as follows:

1. Title Box

This contains the pump model, size, speed, and other characteristics of the pump. 

2. Flow

The horizontal axis of the pump curve indicates the flow, so identify the amount needed from the pump.

3. Head

The vertical axis on the pump stands for the head. 

4. Impeller Trim

In some cases, performance points cannot be met with the maximum impeller size alone. This is why centrifugal pumps accommodate trimmed impellers. On the pump curve, the impeller diameters are to the left and the performance for each trim is represented as a bold line across it.

5. Horsepower

The horsepower is displayed as a dotted line across the pump curve.

6. NPSHR

Net Positive Suction Head Required (NPSHR) is the minimum amount of pressure on the suction side of the pump to overcome losses in pump entrance. (This is not to be confused with Net Positive Suction Head Available or NPSHA.)

7. Efficiency

On the pump curve, the efficiency is the ratio of energy delivered by the pump to the energy supplied to the pump. The higher the efficiency, the less energy required to operate for a specific performance point. Pump efficiency numbers of 60-80% are normal.

8. Minimum Flow

A centrifugal pump needs a minimum flow moving through the pump to dissipate the heat that is generated. On the left side of the curve, the minimum flow is indicated by a vertical bold line. Operating to the left of the minimum flow line is detrimental to the shelf life of the pump and is not advisable.

For more information on industrial pumps, motors, and other equipment, contact us on +919819907445. As leading industrial water pumps dealers in Mumbai, we would be happy to assist you in finding the best match based on your requirements. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

Five Mistakes Not to Make When Choosing an Industrial Air Compressor

Choosing an industrial air compressor for a specific application is an important task. It is a seminal step, and although it can be complex, it is crucial to get right for smooth operations. Here are five mistakes that are necessary to refrain from making when selecting an air compressor:

Choosing the wrong compressor technology

There are several different compressor technologies in the market including centrifugal, screw, piston, and scroll compressors, and making the right choice best can be confusing. Here’s a guide to help you select the one that fits your requirements best.

  • Piston compressors are ideal to operate in a relatively smaller space where the daily hours of running are low and duty cycles are shorter. If you are looking for a compressor in these conditions that comes with an affordable initial cost, this may be the right compressor for you.
  • Screw air compressors are highly energy-efficient, make less noise, and are easier to maintain. If your tasks are going to need long duty cycles, and the number of hours of running each day will be higher, these can be suitable for you.
  • Scroll air compressors make minimal noise and maintain a fully oil-free environment. They are appropriate for use in places like hospitals and universities.

Picking the wrong compressor size

Selecting the right size for the compressor is crucial for efficient operations. It helps to know the exact measures of operating pressure and the flow of volume in the air compressor for your processes. This will then help you determine the correct size that you need the air compressor to be.

Ignoring your air quality requirements

The application of the air compressor may have a standard air quality requirement. For example, in pharmaceuticals, you may need the air quality to be completely oil-free, while in other industries, the rules may not be as stringent, such as in manufacturing. You can consult an air compressor expert for help with identifying yours.

Not considering the lifecycle costs of the compressor

When choosing an air compressor, bear in mind that a majority of its lifecycle costs are due to energy consumption. This is why it is important to choose a machine that is energy efficient for use in the longer term. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating the total lifecycle cost of the air compressor.

Going with the wrong service provider

Choosing the right compressed air service provider is as important as choosing the right air compressor machine. Make sure to go with a reputed provider that not only supplies OEM parts but also offers quality maintenance and emergency support.

Follow the above tips and avoid costly mistakes when selecting an air compressor!

VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and is a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. We are a well-established industry leader and an authorized compressor dealer in Mumbai. Contact us on +919819907445 and we would be happy to help you determine the right air compressor for your needs.