How dewatering pumps manage solid waste and debris

Kirloskar pump dealer

Solid waste in water could make users wary of clogging in piping as well as pumps. But with the right dewatering pump, there is simply no cause for worry. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar pump dealer based in Mumbai, and in this blog we talk about the challenges and possibilities of dealing with solid waste and debris using dewatering pumps.

Challenges of solid waste in dewatering

  1. Physical blockage: For starters, solid wastes like rags, wood or plastic bags can create physical blockage inside the pump, thus reducing its efficiency.
  2. Wear and tear: With repeated passage of solid waste especially abrasives like sand and gravel, the wear and tear of pumps may increase, reducing their working life.
  3. Pump capacity is reduced: Obstruction caused by solid wastes can reduce the capacity of the pump to displace water significantly.
  4. Rise in maintenance costs: Repeated wear and tear can cause breakdowns and result in rise of maintenance costs over a period of time.
  5. Higher downtime: Pumps that process solid wastes along with water always carry the risks of sudden and unexpected breakdowns. This can affect business operations that are directly dependent upon pumping.

Features of dewatering pumps that can help manage debris

While above challenges are quite realistic and can pose significant risks to your pumps, some features of your dewatering pumps can help manage the debris with ease.

  1. Capacity to handle solids: Dewatering pumps are specially designed to handle solid wastes in water. Pumps with large impeller passages or vortex impellers can be highly useful for this.
  2. Design features: Dewatering pumps have a unique non-clogging design (say using vortex impellers, built-in strainers and filters) which reduce the risks of clogging. 
  3. Lesser wear and tear: With their robust construction of cast iron or stainless steel, dewatering pumps can withstand wear and tear due to abrasion admirably.
  4.  Variable speed and flow: Some dewatering pumps can optimise their performance even with debris by adjusting their speed and flow. This can prevent clogging and improve efficiency.
  5. Self-priming: Pumps that are self-primed are easy to operate and maintain especially with high debris content in the water.
  6. Ease of maintenance: Dewatering pumps provide ease of access to their internal component parts, making it convenient to clean and maintain them regularly.

Pre-filtering water to minimise solid waste

While all the above features are a great add-on to your dewatering pumps, it is always advisable to pre-filter water before it reaches your pumps. It can add a significant layer of safety for your pumps and reduce the need for maintenance and regular cleaning, prevent system damage, and improve pump performance.

How to clear debris from your pumps

  • Inspect the intake visually to identify debris
  • Remove the debris manually while wearing protective gloves.
  • Flush the intake with clean water using a hose.
  • If the pump has intake screens or filters, clean them or replace them regularly.
  • Inspect pump components like impellers, volutes, seals etc.

For more on using your dewatering pumps for processing water full of solid wastes and debris, feel free to call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar pump dealer based in Mumbai.

PICO – An Innovative Product by KBL that uses alternate source of energy

PICO

As pressure on energy sources rises, there is a growing clamour for alternative and innovative sources of energy. These have the potential to offer electricity in emergencies or during sudden outage. One such alternative is PICO, a compact and innovative product developed by Kirloskar Brothers Ltd. VEMC is a leading supplier of solar rooftop systems and in this blog, we talk about this new and innovative product by KBL.

What is PICO?

PICO is a pump developed by the exceptional KBL engineers that can be operated in reverse to generate electricity. It is a cost-effective solution for offering alternative source of energy to industries that are sensitive to power-cuts and outages. It is the best alternative if your energy requirements are less and short-term.

Which applications can PICO be used for?

Given the above benefits as well as constraints, PICO can be used for the following applications:

  1. Villages: India’s deep rural hinterland often struggles with power connectivity. PICO acts as an effective alternative to provide electricity to such villages mainly for household lighting.
  2. Remote farms: Likewise, PICO can come in handy to power remote farms where electric infrastructure is weak.
  3. Battery charging and other intermittent requirements: PICO can be used quite effectively to charge your inverter batteries in times of long and unexpected power cuts.

Environmental and economic benefits of PICO

PICO is a product developed by KBL in view of the ongoing debate of environment, sustainability and climate change. Here are some ways in which PICO is great for the environment and is also an economic source of energy:

1. Renewable energy: PICO generates energy like a small-scale turbine and is therefore a typical source of renewable energy. This can contribute significantly to reduce the pressure on the grid and limit the reliance on conventional sources like coal.

2. Low emissions: With PICO, you no longer have to worry about emissions. This can help businesses lower their carbon footprint and contribute to the green economy.

3. Energy-efficiency: Small-scale power generators like PICO are more energy efficient as compared to large scale plants. These are located very close to points of use and there is very little loss in transmission. This makes PICO highly efficient and environment friendly.

4. Conserves resources: PICO operating in massive numbers over the years can reduce the pressure on our already dwindling natural resources, and help conserve them for a longer period of time.

5. Promotes a culture of sustainability: Little initiatives and inventions like PICO can contribute to fostering a culture of sustainability and circular economy. This can have a domino effect and inspire change across businesses, industries and societies.
The ideal user base for PICO is village consumers, households, small grid power plants, high-rise buildings and remote farms. To know more about PICO, get in touch with VEMC by calling on 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the leading solar rooftop system providers in Mumbai.

Preventive Strategies for Dewatering in Low-Lying Areas

industrial water pumps dealers in Mumbai

If you’re dewatering in low-lying areas, be prepared for some formidable challenges. Even a moderate amount of rainfall can cause significant water logging while stormy rains can inundate the areas completely and in a very short span of time. This calls for special preparedness. We at VEMC are one of the leading industrial water pumps dealers in Mumbai, and in this blog we talk about the preventive strategies you need for dewatering low-lying areas.

Difficulties of dewatering flood-prone areas

  • Dewatering flood prone areas requires you to be quick on your feet. This is because even a short amount of rainfall could quickly inundate the space giving you very little reaction time.
  • Due to high soil saturation, it can be quite difficult to drain away the water from the low-lying area.
  • Low-lying areas often have a high water table which can make it quite challenging to dewater it.
  • While dewatering the low-lying or flood prone area, there is a risk of continuous inflow of water from the nearby streams, lakes or rivers.
  • Dewatering a flood-prone or low-lying area can also have serious environmental concerns as it could lead to undesirable deposition of sediments in the nearby areas.
  • Finally, dewatering flood-prone areas is quite a costly affair as it requires the continuous engagement of men, material and equipment.

Proactive measures for dewatering

While the above difficulties may sound rather insurmountable, it is nonetheless possible to effectively dewater a flood-prone area. This is especially true if we follow a proactive strategies like French drains and sump pumps.

  • A French drain is made by using perforated pipe buried in a trench that is filled with gravel. It redirects water away from an area and prevents pooling in low-lying areas.
  • Sump pumps are effective in areas with a high water table. It is an equipment that helps remove water logged in a sump basin.

The right pumps to choose for dewatering

Dewatering a flood-prone area is quite challenging and hence your choice of pumps must be very careful. We at VEMC offer a wide range of dewatering pumps that can help you deal with the menace of inundation especially if you’re located in a low-lying area. Our Eterna CW/BW series for instance is a market leader thanks to its powerful performance, massive capacity and robust design. It offers a head of up to 70 meters and is specially suited for dewatering trenches, pits and foundations. It has especially found enormous use during the monsoon season, and has been a favourite of municipalities, builders and mall-owners.

However, in case flooding is frequent, it is best to go with permanent dewatering systems. These provide continuous drainage using systems like:

  1. Subsurface drainage systems
  2. Deep well dewatering systems
  3. Interceptor drains
  4. Tidal gates and flood barriers
  5. Stormwater management systems
  6. Retention and detention ponds

For more information on how to deal with flooding in your basement, parking lot or construction site, call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are the leading industrial water pumps dealers in Mumbai with years of experience and expertise in the field of pumping.

Maintenance techniques for borewell submersible pumps

Kirloskar pump distributor

If you own a submersible pump, you have made a substantial investment in your fluid management operations. However, you must ensure to get the most out of it, and extend the benefits that accrue from it for as long as possible. For this, proper maintenance of your submersible pump is crucial. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar pump distributor based in Mumbai, and in this blog we talk about the maintenance of your borewell submersible pump.

Why pump maintenance is important

For starters, there are three main reasons why you must not neglect your pumps when it comes to regular and timely maintenance:

  1. Preventing downtime: A proactive preventive maintenance of all your pumps is necessary to avoid sudden breakdowns which can cause serious losses not in equipment, money and business terms, especially if a significant part of your operations directly depends on your pumps.
  2. Ensuring efficiency: Pumps that are maintained regularly tend to be more energy efficient. This means lower energy consumption, more savings and environment-friendly pumping operations.
  3. Extending lifespan: By maintaining your pump regularly you can extend its lifespan by a significant period of time. This means your pump will be in service longer, and will not require replacement sooner. This saves lump-sum costs for your business and bolsters your contribution to circular economy.

Key maintenance tasks

When it comes to maintaining your pump, have a checklist of the following important tasks ready:

  1. Check the pump overall for any leakages. In particular, check the gaskets and make sure they do not have any oil leakages.
  2. Check if the hydraulic governors are functioning properly.
  3. Clean the oil bulbs and level windows of the pump.
  4. Check if there has been any damage due to excessive pump vibrations.
  5. Inspect the suction, discharge and head of the pump.
  6. Do the overspeed test on the pump.
  7. Check the seal chamber for any pitting and scoring.
  8. Prevent corrosion by applying a rust-preventive coat.
  9. Inspect the axial float of the pump.
  10.  Check the coupling alignment of the pump.
  11.  Check the alignment of the pump shaft.
  12. Change oil in the bearing system.

Scheduling your pump maintenance

Some issues can be checked visually and resolved on a daily basis such as clearing debris on or around the pump or checking for leaks. However, pump maintenance must also take place over a longer time horizon, that is monthly, quarterly and yearly basis. Depending upon the conditions in which your pumps operate, make a checklist of daily, monthly, quarterly and yearly maintenance tasks for your pumps. This will balance out the cost and effectiveness of your maintenance effort.

Maintaining your pump by carrying out scheduled tasks could seem quite complicated. To gain more clarity about issues related to pump maintenance, feel free to get in touch with us by calling on 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are a leading Kirloskar pump distributor based in Mumbai with over 70 years of rich experience in pumping.

Effective solutions for dewatering high-rise building basements

In areas with high water table, constructing a building can be quite challenging due to nuisance seepage. In fact flooding of basements could also cause some very serious issues like instability and even the collapse of the excavation. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar water pump dealer based in Mumbai, and in this blog, we take you through the effective solutions for dewatering high-rise building basements.

Challenges of dewatering deep basements

  • There could be sudden flooding due to inflow of water from layers of rocks or soil.
  • Seepage erosion or instability of the excavation site could pose serious risks.
  • Base heave or piping failure could result due to groundwater uplift pressures.
  • The retaining structures of the excavation such as concrete walls could come under pressure due to excessive hydrostatic loads.

Factors to consider when choosing dewatering pumps for high-rises

  1. Gravity and friction: To determine the pump size, consider where the water is to be pumped from and where it is going. Your pump must overcome both gravity as well as the frictional force along the length of the pipes.
  1. Longevity: Consider whether the pump will be able to perform consistently in conditions of floods. While ordinary pumps may crumble under pressure, dewatering pumps are typically highly water resistant and tend to have low wear and tear.
  2. Portability: For dewatering the excavation site fully, the pumps need to be moved around and hence must be portable. This can often result in rough physical handling which can only be survived by pumps with robust construction and design.
  3. Maintenance: Dewatering basements takes an enormous amount of time and effort, and also requires the engagement of dewatering pumps for prolonged periods of time. This naturally makes it difficult to maintain these pumps. When choosing a dewatering pump, prefer the ones with low maintenance requirements.

Different dewatering system configurations

  1. Wellpoints: In this configuration, wells are dug all round the excavation site and submersible pumps are installed in the shaft of each well. These pumps are then connected to a header pipe and groundwater is drawn up and discharged.
  1. Deepwells: Quite simply, a single or multiple wells are dug and submersible pumps are installed in each shaft to draw up water. These are best suited for deep excavations which require the removal of huge volumes of water.
  2. Flood control: This is a set of techniques which are used to prevent flooding of a basement or excavation site. It could mean digging tunnels or mine work. Site managers must have a range of pumps which can displace high volumes of water.

Dicharge management and environmental regulations

When dewatering a site, it is necessary to have an effective and well chalked out Dewatering Management Plan (DMP) for successfully dewatering the site while obeying the environmental regulations. Discharge monitoring for instance is the systematic measurement of quality and quantity of water being drawn and released into the environment. It could contain harmful pollutants like chemicals, heavy metals and suspended solids.
To know more about the effective dewatering solutions, get in touch with us by calling on 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are the top-notch Kirloskar water pump dealer based in Mumbai.

5 reasons to choose LD series direct drive reciprocating air compressor

While most people are aware of rotary screw compressors and piston air compressors, there is another classification on the basis of how these are driven: Belt-driven and Direct Drive air compressors. The former has a V-shaped belt to drive the compressor through a pulley system while the latter are pulled directly by a crankshaft connected to the motor. VEMC is a leading air compressor dealers in Mumbai, and in this blog we talk about the 5 top reasons to choose the LD series Direct Drive reciprocating air compressor. 

  1. Direct drive compressors are better any day

For starters, direct drive air compressors have fewer component parts as compared to the belt-driven compressors. This means lesser wear and tear, lower costs of maintenance and a longer lifespan. These can also handle a much wider range of temperature as compared to belt-driven air compressors.

  1. ELGi LD series offers longer lifespan

The ELGi LD series is known for its long lifespan, thanks to its robust construction. It has a unique integrated drive with compact top block design and is built with cast iron and forged steel components. The optimised design of piston and wings offers a longer life. Its stainless steel valve plates are maintenance-free and ensure the pump is highly reliable.

  1.  Energy savings 

The pump has a common cooling fan which improves the efficiency and saves energy significantly. With the provision of running the top block independently, the pump is able to provide compressed air based on demand. The low operational speed produced using the highly efficient IE2 6-pole motor also contributes significantly to energy savings.

  1. Better safety and heat management

ELGi LD series compressors ensure safety by using the ASME designed receiver tank. It is also equipped with a starter and pressure switch with proven reliability. The larger aluminium inter and after coolers offer 44% more heat transfer and thus better cooling of the air compressor.

  1. Sustainable and environment-friendly

ELGi LD series compressors are in tune with the spirit of sustainability in a number of ways. Longer lifespan, energy efficiency and lower service costs are some prime features which substantiate its sustainable claims. However, the compressors also produce low noise levels which makes these a favourite, whether on the factory floor or in residential areas.

ELGi’s LD series compressors are clearly a pathbreaking innovation in the evolution of air management. These are highly suited for applications in rubber, metal, garage, plastics and woodworking industries, which typically required high-performing piston compressors to meet fluctuating air needs.
If you need more information on the ELGi LD series or any of our other air compressors, feel free to get in touch with our experts by calling on 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are one of the leading air compressor dealers in Mumbai with a proven track record of high quality air management solutions. No matter which industry you are in, VEMC is one electromechanical brand you can always rely on.

Benefits of using water level sensors and alarms with borewell submersible pumps to prevent dry running and potential saving

If you own a submersible pump, you must be aware of the risks of running it dry. It can potentially damage the mechanical seal, the motor and the other internal parts of a pump, besides raising your energy costs significantly. This makes it important to keep tabs on the water levels inside your pump and makes water level sensors and alarms highly useful. We at VEMC are one of the leading water pump dealers based in Mumbai, and in this blog we talk about how sensors and alarms can prevent dry running and accrue potential savings from your pumping operations. 

What is a water level indicator sensor?

With the rising awareness about monitoring your pump performance and health, sensors are becoming widely popular pieces of equipment. Submersible pumps typically have water level indicator sensors which indicates when water levels drop below a certain mark to require corrective action. Usually a combination of high and low sensors are used to indicate both high as well as low levels of water. With the advent of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, these sensors have become more reliable and real-time.

Water pump alarms

Submersible pumps are used across homes and business facilities. It is always important to keep track of the water levels that submersible pumps draw upon to prevent dry running and resulting damage to pumps. For specifically this purpose, pump alarms are used. They simply warn a user when the water has reached a certain level to turn off the pump well in time.

Risks of running a pump dry

Dry running is a situation in which a pump operates without adequate fluid present inside. 

  • Dry running can cause cavitation and serious damage to the internal parts of a pump such as gears, casings and seals.
  • It could cause leakage of the liquid being pumped.
  • There will be greater wear and tear of parts and thus a rise in maintenance and spare part bills.
  • Apart from all the wear and tear, dry running can lead to loss of energy, power, pressure and increased noise.
  • It also leads to an increase in sluggishness and a drop in pump performance.

How sensors and alarm systems lead to cost savings

It is quite clear, that running a pump dry can significantly raise the costs of operating a pump, whether in terms of drop in efficiency or increased maintenance costs. But having a good alarm system or sensor in place can effectively alert the user whenever the water levels in the pump are low. This will significantly reduce the incidence of dry running the pump, along with the costs associated with it.
For more information on pump sensors and alarm systems, feel free to get in touch with VEMC by calling on 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are one of the leading water pump dealers based in Mumbai, with vast experience in the pumping industry.

Difference between oil lubricated and oil-free piston and screw compressor

If you wish to purchase an air compressor, you could be faced with choosing between and oil-lubricated and oil-free compressor. Both have their pros, cons and suitabilities for different types of tasks and industries. VEMC is the leading ELGi screw compressor dealer in Mumbai, and in this blog, we tell you about the major differences between these two types of air compressors.

Piston vs screw air compressors

Before we go to the oil-lubricated and oil-free compressors, lets first talk about the difference between piston and screw compressors. The main difference lies in the way these compress the air. While a piston compressor use a piston driven by a crankshaft, a screw compressor uses two meshing helical screws. 

Role of oil in air compressors

Primarily, oil in air compressors acts as a coolant to dissipate the heat generated in the process of compression. It also acts as a lubricant as an air compressor has lots of moving parts which constantly rub against each other, causing friction and wear and tear. Thirdly, air compressor oil seals the compression chamber, thus also acting as a sealant. 

Pros and cons

Now that we know the role oil plays in an air compressor, lets jump to the pros and cons that oil-lubricated and oil-free compressors bring to the table.

Oil-lubricated compressors

ProsCons
1. These require very little maintenance and resolving technical issues is usually quite simple.1. These leave traces of oil which can cause problems in certain sensitive operations.
2. These tend to have a longer lifespan.2. These are often bulky, take up a lot of space, and are difficult to move around.
3. They produce very little heat or noise.
4. These are capable of performing heavy duty work and can be used in extreme conditions.

Oil-free compressors

ProsCons
1. They’re usually smaller in size and thus quite easy to move around.1. These generate more heat and noise.
2. They can deliver clean compressed air without any traces of oil.2. These compressors have more maintenance requirements.
3. These compressors require zero manual lubrication.3. They have a short lifespan as compared to oil-lubricated compressors. 
4. They are less costly than oil-lubricated air compressors.4. Unlike oil-lubricated compressors, these are not suited for heavy duty operations.

Which type of air compressor is best suited for your industry?

In operations and industries where slightest contamination can be problematic, oil-free compressors are the best choice. These include industries like:

  1. Paper
  2. Food and beverage
  3. Pharmaceuticals
  4. Electricals

However, in case there is no contamination risk as such, oil-lubricated compressors are any day a great choice, as these have low maintenance, longer lifespan, and produce less noise and heat.

Still not sure which compressor is the right choice for your business? Free free to get in touch with VEMC by calling us on 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the leading ELGi screw compressor dealer based in Mumbai.