Month: October 2022

Debunking myths about compressed air systems

by vemcoblogs -

A lot misperceptions continue to prevail around the functioning of air compressor systems. Whether it is about their safety or the tasks that can or cannot be accomplished with them, myths around their use galore!

In this blog we debunk 7 of these major myths.

Myth #1: Compressed air can be used for cleaning dust and dirt from work spaces.

There is a fundamental difference between your domestic vacuum cleaner and an air compressor. The former sucks in air while the latter pushes compressed air with great pressure and speed. Quite clearly therefore, using compressed air for cleaning an office space will only result in dispersing the dust or waste particles wider across the floor, rather than being sucked in and vanishing into the compressor system.

A pneumatic tool operated using air compressors could in fact accelerate the debris particles and shoot them into people’s eyes causing severe injuries. Besides the particles could also land in vents, outlets and machinery causing blockage or damage.

Myth #2: To make the best of part–load performance, the most optimal solution is a variable–speed drive.

While it may make for a great sales pitch, air compressors cannot really be adjusted to suit different operations simply by changing their speed.Variable-speed air compressors are not really helpful across a wide range of applications.

Myth #3: Oil carryover is accelerated in variable speed drives.

In reality, speed drive has no impact on the rate of oil carryover. It is only aided by two factors, that is, heat and low pressure. In fact, lowering the air flow makes things more efficient by reducing the speed in the separator.

Myth #4: Flow controllers are unnecessary on air compressors with variable–speed drives.

Flow controllers enable most systems to offer their best possible performance simply by providing greater stability and pressure consistency. Flow controllers can even be beneficial in systems with VSD’s as they can help optimise their performance.

Myth #5: Synthetic air compressor fluids are all identical.

None of the synthetic air compressors are made of a hydrocarbon base. However, that’s where their commonality ends. These fluids otherwise vary drastically in terms of how they impact the performance of the compressors. Air compressor fluids are usually made of the PAO and PAG base stocks and each could have a unique effect on an air compressor system.

Myth #6: Aftermarket replacement parts are just as good as original parts sold by the manufacturer.

Original manufacturers design replacement parts keeping in mind the nuances of design and performance of your system. On the other hand, buying generic parts from an aftermarket manufacturer could impact efficiency, longevity and safety of the system. It is highly recommended to buy replacement parts from the original manufacturer only.

Myth #7: Compressed air is generally impure.

As opposed to common perception, compressed air is highly clean. In case there are any impurities, these exist due to poor maintenance, dirt in the ambient air or dirty system tubes and tanks.

VEMC is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company with more than 72 years of industry experience. We provide best-in-class solutions and customized support and are the authorised dealers of Elgi air compressors. Contact us at +919819907445 and allow us to help you determine the right air compressor for your needs.

Renewable Energy vs. Nonrenewable Energy – The Key Differences

by vemcoblogs -

One of the most widely discussed topics today on news media and social media is climate change, and how we ought to reduce our impact on the environment. We mostly hear experts advocate the use of renewable over non-renewable energy which release less or no emissions. In this blog, let’s try to understand the main differences between renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

What are renewable and non-renewable sources of energy?

A renewable source of energy is available to us infinitely. It replenishes itself naturally without any human intervention. This energy comes from natural sources such as sun, wind, water and organic matter.

On the other hand, non-renewable sources of energy are available in limited amounts. Once consumed, these cannot get replenished at all, or get replenished over a very long geological timeframe, in effect making them unavailable for repeated human use. Most of these are fossils such as coal, petroleum and natural gas.

Difference between renewable and non-renewable energy

  • Non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels are created over millions of years under the surface of the earth or the ocean bed. But our rate of consuming this energy source is so fast that we could run out of them within a generation or two. Renewable energy comes from those sources of energy which cannot be exhausted even after repeated human use.
  • Non-renewable energy has a negative impact on the environment. Burning fossils leads to emission of carbon-dioxide resulting in the rise of global temperatures and subsequent environmental issues. Renewable energy is easy on the environment as it does not release any harmful gases or substances. On the contrary, by shifting towards renewable energy like wind, solar and tidal, and reducing the reliance on non-renewable fossils, we can slow down climate change and make a decisive move towards sustainable development.
  • Renewable energy has a high upfront cost. This is because the technology used in generating renewable energy like solar and geothermal power is still in its incipient form. With increase in research and development, and manufacturing of equipment in greater volumes in the future, the costs are expected to come down. On the other hand, non-renewable energy sources are comparatively inexpensive in terms of the upfront costs.
  • Infrastructure for renewable energy like solar or wind is not easily accessible especially in developing countries like India. These technologies usually require vast open areas like fields or building terraces to generate useful amount of energy. Such vast spaces and enormous number of panels may not be very economical for developing nations. On the other hand, non-renewable energy is lower on infrastructure costs or area requirements, and can therefore be utilised throughout the world with equity.

As a leading solar EPC company in Mumbai, VEMC has unmatched expertise in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. Whether it is solar panel installation, procurement, commissioning, net metering, or electrical connections, we are the leaders in solar solutions. For installation and support, reach out to us at 022 43436655 or mail us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We’ll be glad to offer you our customized support and services.

Keep Your Fire Pumps Ready for Action with Regular Inspection and Testing

by vemcoblogs -

Fire pumps come into use in the most dire of situations, that is, when a building or apartment is on fire. They form a highly critical component of your sprinkler systems. As soon as pressure drops on activation of sprinklers, fire fighting pumps are required to maintain the pressure and keep the water flowing. Building owners expect fire pumps to spring into action as soon as fire is detected so that minimum possible damage is incurred. This can only be ensured with regular checks and inspections.

Weekly Inspection & Testing Requirements

A weekly inspection and testing regime is must for both diesel and electrical fire pumps. In case of electrical pumps, this must also include the visual inspection of the pump house and the electrical system powering your pump.

With regard to the pump house, the main thing you need to look for is the temperature. The minimum temperature for both electrical and diesel pumps (with engine heaters) has to be 40 degree F. For diesel pumps without an engine heater, it has to be at least 70 degree F. Use an engine jacket water heater if you are unable to maintain the temperature. Other things to check while inspecting the pump house is whether there is any water pooling on the floor, and whether all the ventilating louvres are functional.

Inspection and testing requirements for the pump and its electrical system

As per the NFPA 25 standard, one of the most important tests for fire pumps is the weekly no-flow or “churn” test. Electric pumps must be run in a no-flow condition for a minimum of 10 minutes and diesel pumps for 30 minutes. In this test, the flow should not exceed 140% of the rated pressure. In case the risk analysis of a pump requires, this test can also be conducted more or less frequently than a week.

Apart from the churn test, some additional weekly tests to be conducted are listed below:

For electrical fire pumps:

  • Ensure the pump suction, discharge and bypass valves are fully open.
  • Look for any signs of leaks in the piping.
  • Check pressure to make sure the suction line pressure is within the acceptable range.
  • Make sure the water inside the suction reservoir is at the proper level.
  • Check if the wet pit suction screens are in place and unobstructed.
  • Make sure the water-flow test valves and hose connection valves are closed.
  • Ensure that the coupling guard is in place.

For diesel fire pumps:

  • Refill the tank if it is lower than two-thirds full.
  • Make sure the controller selector switch is in auto position.
  • Make sure the valve in the fuel supply lines from tank to driver filter or pump system is locked in open position.
  • Ensure all the alarm pilot lights are off.
  • Check if the water-jacket heater is functional.

VEMC is an authorised Kirloskar fire fighting pump dealer and also offers AMC services for pumps. With our thorough experience and unmatched expertise, we resolve diverse issues related to motors, engines and pumps. Feel free to give us a call on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in.

Have you got the right remote monitoring system for your pumps?

by vemcoblogs -

Having a remote monitoring system for your pumps enables you to keep tabs on various parameters that impact their performance and longevity. These factors include temperature, pressure, power fluctuations, etc. These are also important when it comes to preventive maintenance of the pump. A sudden spurt or drop in a metric may indicate some issue with the pump that warrants your attention. 

An incredible remote monitoring system that can effectively perform all these functions for you is Kirlosmart. Let’s find out what it is and how it makes your life simpler!

What is Kirlosmart?

Kirlosmart is an IoT-based product that helps you monitor the various parameters of your pump remotely, thus turning your conventional pump into a smart pump. These parameters include flow, pressure, vibration, voltage, current, energy consumption etc. Any erratic reading of these metrics may suggest a technical snag or sub-optimal performance of the pump. 

Why go for Kirlosmart?

Apart from the core benefit stated above, Kirlosmart helps convert ordinary pumps into IoT pumps by providing certain additional and allied benefits.

  • Apart from monitoring and analysing faults, it also provides suggestions for tentative actions to be taken if or when these faults arise.
  • It also send SMS or e-mails to the owner with all the relevant data on daily basis. This is crucial to analyse the performance of the pump over a longer time horizon.
  • By monitoring data continuously, it also bolsters your efforts towards predictive and preventive maintenance.

What makes kirlosmart an intelligent RMS?

Kirlosmart represents state-of-the-art technological innovation. It combines the benefits of robust pumping performance and the excellence of Information Technology. All in all, Kirlosmart is the most intelligent remote monitoring system you can come across.

  • It enables you to monitor your pump performance from anywhere.
  • It is the only product that has in-built ethernet and GPRS facility.
  • It allows you to monitor the performance of your pump live on your smartphone.
  • It gives timely information about wear and tear of spare parts, and notifies which ones are due for replacement.
  • The product also includes an in-built field sensor and a web portal.

How does it provide benefits to the customer?

The above given features are a clear evidence of the cutting-edge technology that Kirlosmart represents. The product was a big hit among customers during the pandemic when they could only monitor their pumps locked up from their apartments. 

But even in the post-pandemic world, Kirlosmart is proving immense convenience to customers who cannot afford to physically check in on their pump health every now and then, whether due to hectic work schedules or travelling away for work. 

By acting as an early warning system for imminent defects, it enables the customer to keep an authorised technician in loop for changes in spare parts or other maintenance work, thus reducing any prolonged downtime.

Kirlosmart is an absolute necessity for modern pumps. VEMC, an ISO 9001:2015 company is an authorised Kirloskar dealer that can help you find the best match based on your pumping needs. Feel free to call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in.

What is pump cavitation? How to get rid of it

by vemcoblogs -
What is pump cavitation?

Cavitation is one of the most common issues in centrifugal pumps. Often this surfaces as strange noise, vibration and reduced performance of the pump. Prevention of cavitation is necessary as this may otherwise impact the lifespan of the pump. But before talking about the ways to prevent it, let’s understand what cavitation really is.

What is cavitation?

Cavitation is simply the accumulation of bubbles around the pump impeller. Bubbles are formed in liquids of any viscosity and when these burst inside the pump, high energy shock waves are created inside the pump. This is analogous to the ripples created in a pond when you throw a stone into it. However, with the enormous number of bubbles exploding inside the liquid, cavitation can cause serious erosion of pump components over time.

How does pump cavitation occur?

When the pressure quickly drops below the vapour pressure, bubbles or voids are formed inside the liquid. When the same bubbles experience high pressure, they collapse and create small shockwaves in the process. These shockwaves create tiny holes in the pump components over a period of time. This is called “pitting”.

How to prevent pump cavitation

1. You can prevent pump cavitation most effectively by increasing the pressure upstream from the pump’s impeller. This pressure is called Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH). NPSH can be increased in the following ways:

  • By increasing the water level of the upstream reservoir
  • By adding an inducer to the pump inlet
  • By reducing the flow losses upstream
  • By operating the pump at lower flow rates

2. Even the smallest amount of air going into the pump can cause cavitation. Check and make sure all the joints and connections are sealed perfectly well. Check all the O-rings and any other mechanical seals regularly. Cavitation can also be caused by the bubbles created by a foaming liquid. In such a case, run the pump slower and remove all the contents periodically, including air.

3. Use a booster pump to reduce the pressure on your primary pump. Increase the liquid level around the suction area and if possible, reduce the temperature of the pump, liquid or other components.

Types of cavitation

Let’s try to understand two of the most common types of cavitation, that is, suction cavitation and discharge cavitation.

1. Suction cavitation

Also known as classical cavitation, this happens when the pump is under low pressure or high vacuum conditions. Pressure is dropped instantly when the liquid being pumped enters the eye of a centrifugal pump. Bubbles or cavities are formed near the eye of the impeller which gradually move to areas of higher pressure.

2. Discharge cavitation

This happens when a pump discharge pressure is extremely high or the flow is restricted and cannot leave the pump. This results in majority of the pump fluid getting circulated within the pump. The bursting of bubbles creates intense shockwaves, resulting in premature wear and tear of the impeller.

VEMC is a Kirloskar authorised dealer and deals in swimming pool pumps, submersible sewage pumps, vertical turbine pumps etc. We also offer AMC services for pumps and resolve technical issues. Avail our services by giving us a call on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in.

Why powering your industry with solar energy will be the best investment decision you can make?

by vemcoblogs -

As we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and other conventional sources of energy, solar energy is emerging as a leading renewable source. India being a tropical country has enormous potential to tap solar energy. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India receives a total of 5000 trillion kwH per year and most parts receive 4-7 kwH per square meter per day.

This can contribute significantly to most sectors of our economy, and a diverse range of industries can benefit from it.

Here are 9 reasons why solar energy can be your best ever investment decision.

1. Reduced electricity bills

You can reduce or completely remove your dependence on the power grid by switching to solar. This can be all the more beneficial in the wake of fluctuating power tariffs and will entail healthy savings for your business. 

2. Renewable energy

Solar being a renewable source of energy, your business will be doing its bit to remove the pressure from non-renewable conventional sources of energy like coal and petroleum. 

3. Increased value of energy-efficiency

The efficiency of solar panels at present is about 15-20% but it can go significantly higher upto 42% in some cases. Overall, with the improvement in the material of the PV panels, and greater research and development, solar energy is bound to become more efficient every passing year.

4. Reduced Carbon emissions

By reducing your reliance on fossils, solar allows you to become an eco-friendly business. This is becoming increasingly crucial not just for the planet but for your own company as well. It will enable you to save on some critical carbon tax going forward and also meet your CSR goals effectively.

5. Easier monitoring of your ROI

After investing in a solar power system, you would want to ensure it is working optimally and getting you healthy returns. Monitoring the output of your solar panels is very easy. A number of companies are already providing services to analyse data related to your solar energy supply and also point out any discrepancies or slack in performance. 

6. Low maintenance costs

Solar panels are by and large a one-time investment. These are hassle-free installations made from durable materials with a life-span of around 25 years and very low maintenance costs.

7. Self-consumption of electricity

The electricity generated by solar panels is utilised on site which keeps the transmission losses at a bare minimum, and reduces or excludes the dependence on the utility grid.

8. Company image

As consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about climate change, they are preferring brands known for having the least impact on the environment. Switching to solar will be an evidence of your commitment towards reducing emissions, making you a favourite among eco-conscious consumers.

9. Stay ahead of the game

Lastly, survival of businesses depends upon how quickly they are able to adapt to changing times and reinvent themselves. By phasing the conventional energy out, and adopting the energy of the future, you can stay ahead in your industry and beyond!

VEMC is a leading solar EPC company in Mumbai and has unmatched technical expertise in the field of solar O&M. For installation and support, call at 022 43436655 or mail us at marketing@vemc.co.in. 

Success Story : The Supply & Commissioning of Horizontal Split Case Pumps & Valves at BARC

by vemcoblogs -

A case study on how we powered the New Mandala water pump house at Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai with our domestic pumpsets including foot valves and accessories.

In 2020, VEMC won the tender to supply equipment and construct a pump house at BARC located in a suburban Mumbai locality called New Mandala, Anushakti Nagar. The purpose of this pump house was to transfer fresh water to the campus at a faster rate. It was a project worth over Rs. 11 lakh and was carried out between July and November 2020. The scope for VEMC was supplying Horizontal Split Case (HSC) pumpsets, valves, foundations, suction and delivery pipeline.

Carrying out the project successfully required tackling each of the administrative, technical and logistical challenges effectively. We started off by taking the requisite permissions from BARC officials and submitting all the relevant documents like medical certificates for fitness and ID proofs of the personnel. Soon after this we got all the construction material supplied to the site to begin the construction on time. Finally, the pump foundation was constructed as per the established BARC guidelines. At each and every step, the progress and quality of the work was inspected by the BARC officials. At our own end, we made sure that each installation was tested minutely for all the functions to leave no room for any technical issues later.

However, the project offered its fair share of formidable hurdles and roadblocks. For instance, the space available for the construction of the pump house was inadequate. We initially decided to overcome this problem by skipping the foundation work altogether which would have enabled us to lay the suction and delivery pipeline. But then we thought against this alternative and instead decided to puncture the wall for laying suction and delivery pipeline. Although the BARC officials were unwilling to proceed with this alternative, we eventually persuaded them and were able to execute it successfully. Apart from this, the foot valve had to be installed at a depth of around 18 feet below the surface which turned out to be rather challenging for the technicians. We also had to carry out core cutting of the water tank for successful installation of the suction line.

Nearly all of these issues required specialised knowledge and skill to handle. Hence we did not shy away from hiring the services of skilled experts to meet these formidable challenges, even at the cost of some extra funds. To ensure the safety of our staff and technicians throughout the project, they were provided with hand gloves and safety shoes for every task.

The project was not just a commercial undertaking for the team but also a great learning experience. The key takeaway was right planning followed by careful execution. Planning tools like bar charts came in handy and helped execute the project smoothly. Thanks to this pump house project, the BARC has realised some substantial benefits, most important of which is saving time and effort that was earlier dedicated to storing water in the tanks.

For more information on any of our other products, feel free to contact us on +91 98199 07445. We will do our best to introduce the right solution based on your requirements. As one of the leading valve dealers of the country, VEMC provides unmatched piping and supply service to its clients. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

5 Benefits of Regularly Changing Compressed Air Filter Elements

by vemcoblogs -

The enormous amount of focused energy that compressed air is able to produce is used for a wide-ranging set of activities. These include drilling, combustion, metalwork, filtration, chemical processing and moulding. While performing these operations, plenty of dust and particulate matter could get stuck in the compressor. In the short run, this impacts the performance of the compressor, while over the longer horizon, it could even affect its longevity due to wear and tear, or over-exertion. Air filters are therefore necessary to maintain the health and performance of your compressor.

Why air filter elements must be changed regularly

A compressed air filter typically has a coalescing filter, a dry particulate matter element or both. The former is used to pull and cohere water droplets or oil from the air while the latter helps trap dry particulates and microbes. Both use removable filter element. This is because in a typical industrial setup, these filters are under serious strains due to pressure and temperature fluctuations, corrosive chemicals, varying air speeds, extreme humidity etc. These require a change at regular intervals.

Let’s understand in detail the 5 benefits that arise from regular replacement of air filter elements:

1. Safety

By regularly changing your air filter, you’re committing yourself to particulate-free air on the factory floor. This will protect your employees from exposure to dust particles and microbes, where air compressors are being used for air conditioning. Besides this will also prevent accidents from unwanted overheating or system malfunction.

2. Cost control

By replacing the air filters regularly, you are reducing the risks of sudden breakdown and also the costs associated with it, such as downtime and expensive repairs. A saturated air compressor which doesn’t have a fresh air filter has to work harder causing more wear and tear, and also consuming more energy.

3. Efficiency

By enabling easy flow of air through your compressor, fresh air filter elements are highly useful in ensuring greater efficiency and productivity in your facility. The adsorption dryer beds for instance can work with maximum efficiency when new filters are used.

4. Boosting longevity

Filters are generally manufactured using borosilicate glass. If air filters are not replaced regularly, this glass can develop tiny holes causing accelerated contaminant flow. Overall, the regular replacement of air filters can help in ensuring longevity of the compressor system as it helps avoid the mechanical wear and tear, damages and corrosive glitches.

5. Reassurance

Having regularly replaced air filters can give you and your employees a sense of reassurance that the environment of the factory floor is safe, and the air is healthy to breathe. There are also lesser chances of breakdown and downtime, which could be a cause of serious business loss.

VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. With more than 72 years of industry experience, we provide best-in-class solutions and customized support in this field. We are the authorised dealers of Elgi air compressors. Contact us at +919819907445 and we would be happy to help you determine the right air compressor for your needs.