Overview of how different sectors use air compressors

by vemcoblogs - July 25, 2024August 23, 2024

Air compressors are one of the most valued pieces of equipment across industries for their incredible ability to generate power. These are used in operations like air conditioning, pneumatic tools, healthcare, food processing, sandblasting, demolition and painting. VEMC is one of the leading ELGi air compressor dealers in Mumbai, and in this blog, we talk about how air compressors are used in different sectors of the economy.

Powering pneumatic tools

Air compressors are used to power pneumatic tools like impact wrenches, air nails and staplers, air sanders and grinders, spray guns, air drills, and air hammers and chisels. These find applications in automotive repair, painting, carpentry, construction and metal-working. Large pneumatic tools such as Jackhammers are also used in the demolition of concrete, asphalt etc.

Sandblasting

With air compressors, abrasive materials like sand are pumped at high velocities against rough surfaces to make them smooth. This principle is also used to polish surfaces, remove old paint or rust, and prepare the surface for a new coat.

Painting

Air compressors are widely used in the automotive sector to spray-paint vehicles. Several variants of sprayers such as conventional, airless and High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) sprayers are powered by air compressors depending upon the requirement of the operations. These sprayers are also used in industrial, domestic and commercial settings. Spray-painting using air compressors offers several benefits such as consistency, efficiency, versatility and high-quality finish.

Assembly lines

Thanks to the precision, reliability, speed and efficiency that air compressors offer, they are also used in assembly lines for several tasks. These include handling and positioning equipment, cleaning and maintenance, and automation and control systems.

Healthcare

In healthcare and medical operations, air compressors play a crucial role in many operations. These include supplying oxygen, generating vacuum systems for devices like catheters, powering ventilators, nebulisers, dental equipment, surgical tools, laboratory equipment, orthopaedic tools and dialysis equipment.

Mining

In the mining sector, air compressors provide support for several operations like blasting, powering rock drills, ventilation and cooling, powering conveyors, hosts and winches, operating pneumatic dewatering pumps and slurry pumps and core drilling.

Food processing

In the food processing industry, air compressors power conveyors, packaging machines, cleaning and sanitation, automatic sorting and packaging, and cooling and refrigeration. However, the quality of compressed air in the food processing industry is of critical importance to prevent spoilage by microbes or moisture.

Advancements in air compressor technology

As air compressor technology has improved and innovation has played its part, several advancements have been witnessed over the years. These include the use of Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), energy-efficient compression, smart control systems, heat recovery and predictive maintenance. Air compressors are also becoming increasingly lightweight and portable, oil-free, quieter and environmentally compliant.
For more about air compressors, 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 ELGi air compressor dealers in Mumbai.

Basic Working Principles of PICO

by vemcoblogs - July 22, 2024August 23, 2024

As energy costs rise globally and the energy crunch mars business processes, big and small, Kirloskar Brothers Ltd. (KBL) have found an ingenious solution for your small-time electricity needs. PICO is a cost-effective reverse-operated pump that can generate up to 10 kW of electricity and can be used to power villages, households and remote farms. VEMC is one of the leading solar consultants and in this blog, we tell you all you need to know about KBLs latest innovation, the PICO hydropower generator.

What powers PICO?

PICO hydropower turbine simply harnesses the natural flow of water to generate electricity. This can provide electricity to remote villages, isolated farms, tourist places, chemical and petrochemical plants etc. Since PICO is completely dependent upon water flow from small streams or rivulets, there is no input of fossils like coal or diesel. This makes PICO a highly sustainable and eco-friendly source of alternative energy.

Key components of PICO

Runner: It converts the kinetic energy of moving water into mechanical energy by rotating when water flows through it.
Inlet pipe: The water enters into the turbine through the inlet pipe. It ensures that the turbine receives a steady flow of water to keep the mechanism going.
Nozzle: It regulates the flow of water to the runner and ensures optimum efficiency by directing the maximum amount of water to the runner.
Turbine housing: The turbine is protected and enclosed by it. It is specifically designed to resist the force of flowing water.
Shaft: This connects the runner to the generator, and thus transmits the mechanical energy of the runner.
Generator: The mechanical energy transmitted by the shaft is converted into electrical energy by the generator. It consists of coils that rotate in a magnetic field and produce electricity.
Governor: The role of a governor is to control the turbine speed and regulate the output of electricity.
Outlet pipe: This discharges the water that has been used to generate electricity back into the stream or river while ensuring minimum environmental impact.
Support structure: This includes mounting points and other associated structures that ensure the stability of the PICO system.

Suitable applications of PICO

As mentioned already, PICO generates up to 10 kW of electricity. This makes it most suitable for meeting small-scale demands or filling in for short-term disruptions or outages. However, the most outstanding feature of PICO is its compact size and portability. This makes it highly suitable for off-grid locations deep into the interiors with minimum connectivity such as remote villages and farms. PICO can therefore be a game-changer when it comes to improving the socio-economic standards of remote rural and agrarian communities, especially in the context of a developing country like India.

For more on the remarkable PICO system, 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 one of the leading solar consultants in the country and take immense pride in our innovative endeavours to transform this industry.

The Impact of Energy-Efficient Pumps on Building a Sustainable Economy

by vemcoblogs - July 20, 2024August 23, 2024

Pumps shoulder a substantial portion of the fluid management burden across industries. This means they also consume significant amounts of energy. As the prices of electricity rise globally and sustainability becomes an increasingly crucial conversation, energy-efficient pumps are going to play a central role. VEMC is a leader in pumps, valves, air compressors and solar rooftop systems, and in this blog, we talk about the impact of energy-efficient pumps on building a sustainable economy.

Environmental and economic costs of inefficient pumps

Pumps come at an initial as well as a lifecycle cost. The latter is incurred mostly due to over-consumption of energy, maintenance or damage to the environment.

As most of the electricity generation continues to depend upon fossil fuels, inefficient pumps don’t just raise your electricity bills but also lead to higher emissions, greenhouse effect, climate change and resource depletion.
Inefficient pumps generate too much heat which could be dissipated in local ecosystems like water bodies, leading to undesirable changes in them.
Inefficient pumps could cause improper distribution of water, wastage and depletion of water resources.
These pumps tend to deliver lower levels of productivity, have higher chances of breakdowns, and cause business losses especially where critical processes rely directly on the pumps.
These pumps often have high lifetime costs as they are prone to wear and tear, downtime and high maintenance.
In a lot of countries where strict compliance laws for energy efficiency exist, such pumps can put owners at risk of fines, penalties and punitive action.

How energy-efficient pumps help reduce energy consumption and operating costs

Energy-efficient pumps offered by VEMC are up-to-date when it comes to meeting the demands of today’s resource and energy crunch. Here’s how these pumps fit your bill:

Higher motor efficiency: Due to better designs and lesser losses while converting electrical energy into mechanical energy, energy-efficient pumps reduce energy consumption significantly.
Bridging the demand-supply gap: Using Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), energy-efficient pumps accurately match the pressure and flow supplied to that needed, thus reducing the wastage of energy.
Better pump designs: Thanks to their improved internal pump designs, energy-efficient pumps reduce friction of internal parts and related losses.
Lower lifecycle costs: While energy-efficient pumps may come at higher initial costs, these incur lower lifecycle costs in terms of energy consumption and maintenance needs.
Compliance: Energy-efficient pumps are designed keeping in mind various compliance standards which enable owners to steer clear of penalties, and on the contrary may even help qualify them for incentives.
Environment-friendly: Energy-efficient pumps reduce the pressure on fossils leading to the emission of significantly lower levels of greenhouse gases. This pays rich dividends for the environment.

For more on which pumps will suit your needs the best, feel free to get in touch with our experts by calling on 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is the leading dealer of pumps, valves, air compressors and solar rooftop systems, based in Mumbai.

5 key benefits of installing a screw air compressor over a reciprocating air compressor

by vemcoblogs - July 16, 2024August 23, 2024

If you’re planning to buy a new air compressor, you must wonder which one suits your requirements better. Air compressors are after all a hefty investment in your operations and the decision must be made after careful planning. While both screw and reciprocating air compressors find utility across industries, the former has some well-established benefits over the latter. VEMC is the leading ELGi Screw Compressor dealer based in Mumbai, and in this blog, we take you through 5 key benefits of installing a screw air compressor over a reciprocating air compressor.

Working principle of screw air compressor vs reciprocating air compressor

First, let us look at how a screw compressor is different from a reciprocating air compressor.

Rotary screw compressors simply work by compressing air using helical screws known as rotors. This forces the air through the chambers and compresses it into a smaller space. With this mechanism, as the rotors turn, the air gets continuously compressed. Reciprocating compressors on the other hand work by using pistons which move back and forth. This reduces the air mechanically, leading to an increase in pressure.

Benefits of screw air compressors over reciprocating air compressors

Consistent output and high volume: Screw compressors operate continuously unlike reciprocating compressors. This gives a smooth output that can be crucial in tasks that need consistent air pressure. For tasks which require higher volumes of compressed air, screw air compressors are better suited than reciprocating air compressors.

Efficient, compact and silent: When it comes to energy consumption, screw compressors are more efficient than reciprocating air compressors. This helps reduce operation costs over time. Screw compressors are also more compact which makes them adaptable to various environments. They’re usually noiseless and are thus better suited for residential areas and other noise-sensitive settings.
Lower maintenance needs and longer lifespan: Screw air compressors do not have pistons, valves or any other moving parts. This reduces the levels of friction, wear and tear, maintenance needs, and downtime. Due to this, screw air compressors tend to have a longer working life than reciprocating air compressors. Their downtime is also lesser and lifespan costs are under control.
Higher quality of air: Since screw air compressors operate with sealed chambers and have better filtration systems, they tend to offer a higher quality of air as compared to reciprocating compressors.
Adaptable: Using Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), screw air compressors can easily adapt the supply of compressed air to the fluctuating demand. This saves energy and ensures efficient operations.

Due to the above-mentioned benefits, screw air compressors are used in a diverse range of industries and applications. These are usually preferred in industries like manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, power generation, mining, chemicals and petrochemicals. For more on screw air compressors, feel free to call us on 02243436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are the leading ELGi Screw Compressor dealer based in Mumbai.

Importance and procedures of testing fire-fighting pump

by vemcoblogs - July 12, 2024July 15, 2024

It is important that your fire pump is reliable, performs to its best levels and has a short response time to a breakout. Prior testing of the fire-fighting pumps is therefore crucial. VEMC is a leading Kirloskar fire pump dealer based in Mumbai, and in this blog, we take you through the importance and procedures of testing your fire-fighting pumps.

Legal requirements for regular fire pump testing

In India, fire safety is mandated at various levels of governance. The National Building Code (NBC) makes a provision for fire safety through pump installation and testing in section 4. Likewise, many states have their fire safety laws which provide detailed requirements for fire safety in buildings. Even at the municipal level, fire safety bylaws provide for fire pump testing intervals, standards and compliance checks.

Importance of fire pump testing

Fire pump testing is important to ensure preparedness in times of fire emergency. It can make the difference between life and death. So here’s why testing your fire pumps is necessary:

Checking reliability: With regular fire pump testing, you can ensure the highest levels of reliability. Check for leaks, malfunctions, or any mechanical issues that can affect the pump’s performance regularly.
Performance testing: Just having a functional fire pump is not enough. Your pump should be able to deliver an adequate amount of pressure and flow rate at the time of a fire emergency.

Response time: Time is of critical importance in fire emergencies. How quickly your pump responds to a breakout could be decisive in preventing damage to property and loss of lives.
Preventive maintenance: Regular testing and preventive maintenance of your fire pumps can help unearth mechanical issues or problems that can eventually cause malfunction when you need them to work the most.
Compliance purposes: Laws across the world codify fire pump testing as an important fire safety measure. It is thus also important for building owners to carry out regular testing to meet compliance standards and avoid penalties.

Steps of testing your fire fighting pumps

Preparation: Gather the pump manual and other documents, and inform all the stakeholders about the upcoming testing to minimise disruption of operations.
Visual inspection: Visually check the pump and its surroundings for any indications of a failure. Check the valves, gauges and controls and ensure they’re in good working condition.
Electrical and control system check: Make sure all electrical circuits, switches and panels are working.
Suction piping inspection: Check the suction piping for any leaks, blockages or corrosion, and make sure it is correctly aligned.
Flow and pressure testing: Use a flow meter to check the rate and pressure offered by the pump at various points.
Operation testing: Run the pump, listen in for any unusual noise or vibration, and check its performance over a specified duration.
Shut down and inspect: Shut the pump down and check for any post-testing issues.
Documentation and reporting: Finally, record and document all the parameters tested. Prepare a detailed report including recommendations for the future.

For more on fire pump testing, call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are the leading Kirloskar fire pump dealer based in Mumbai.

Methods for protecting borewell submersible pumps from damage caused by sand and other abrasive particles in water

by vemcoblogs - July 8, 2024July 9, 2024

Borewell pumps find application in several tasks in households, businesses and industrial settings. However, their maintenance can be a challenge due to the abrasive nature of sand and other particles found in the water that they pump. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar water pump dealer based in Mumbai and in this blog, we talk about the methods for protecting these pumps from damage to prevent wear and tear and prolong their working life.

How sand and abrasive particles can cause damage

Wear and tear of pump components: Sand and other abrasive particles can act as sandpaper on the internal components of a pump over time, and cause gradual but significant erosion, thus reducing the working life of the pump.
Blockages: By clogging or blocking the pump intake, sand and other particulates can lead to reduced efficiency, overheating, and cavitation.
Higher maintenance costs: With a greater amount of particulates present in the water, there is a proportional increase in maintenance frequency and costs. This could be due to frequent breakdowns due to abrasion.

Methods to protect the pumps

Several measures can go a long way in protecting the pumps from damage caused due to abrasion by sand and other particulates:

Use filters and screens: Make use of filters or screens to prevent the sand and other particulate matter from reaching the pump. Choose them as per the size of the particles you’re trying to block, and clean or replace them from time to time.
Install a gravel pack: You can use a gravel pack around the pump to prevent fine sand particles from entering it.
Regular inspections: Establish a schedule for regular inspection of your pump, and clear any sand or debris accumulated. Also, look for signs of abrasion of parts and ensure timely preventive maintenance.
Proper positioning of the pump: Pump alignment and positioning can reduce the damage due to abrasion. It also reduces the risks of wear and tear between parts significantly.
Well design: Bring experts on board and consider a suitable design for the well that reduces the likelihood of particulates entering the pump.
Look for resistant material: While choosing your pumps, look for the material that has gone into making its casing, impeller, and other parts. A pump made of robust material is more likely to withstand abrasion.

VEMC pumps are designed for abrasive environments

It is quite clear that some features of the pumps, like robust construction, can help prevent abrasion significantly. VEMC’s borewell submersible pumps are made of stainless steel and have cast iron components. This makes them highly resistant to abrasion and the resulting wear and tear.
If you’re looking for a borewell submersible pump that can withstand the various pressures of pumping water in harsh conditions, get in touch with VEMC by calling 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the leading Kirloskar water pump dealer based in Mumbai.

How solar energy can provide affordable and reliable electricity access in developing countries

by vemcoblogs - July 5, 2024July 30, 2024

Developing countries often lack sources of affordable and reliable electricity. This is mostly due to weak infrastructure, geographical challenges, lack of technical expertise, and limited financial sources to build a robust electricity base. For such countries, solar energy could come as a huge boon. We at VEMC are one of the leading solar panel consultant and installers in the country, and in this blog, we see how solar energy can become a game-changer in the developing world.

Benefits of solar power for developing countries

Decentralised source of power: Developing countries often struggle to establish conventional electricity networks in their vast interiors. Solar energy on the other hand provides decentralised supply which brings communities in such parts on the grid, significantly improving their living standards.
Reduces reliance on fossils: Many developing countries, owing to their lack of electricity infrastructure, depend on fossils such as coal and petroleum for their energy. This is not just expensive or exhausting but also damages the environment. Solar energy can significantly reduce their reliance on such sources of energy, benefiting communities, towns, and whole countries at large.
Employment generation: Solar energy once established grows into a multi-pronged industry. It has the potential to create jobs in various parts of the solar value chain such as manufacturing, installation, operation, and maintenance. This can help create employment and boost the economies of developing countries.
Low-cost energy source: Developing countries are often cash-strapped which puts their energy security at risk. Over the years, the cost of solar energy has declined appreciably and solar has emerged as a cost-effective source of energy especially in tropical countries which get abundant sunlight. This can reduce the burden on end-users, communities, and businesses, while also helping preserve the financial resources and precious foreign exchange for governments.
Technology advancement: Solar energy offers an unprecedented opportunity for developing countries to advance to the next tier of technological advancement in terms of energy production. This is extremely critical with rising pressure on conventional sources of energy and their overall rising prices.
Sustainability: Conventional energy sources are often quite damaging to the environment. These do not just include coal-based thermal electricity but also hydro-power plants which are seemingly clean but come at humongous environmental and human costs across the developing world. Solar energy on the other hand is one of the most preferred sources of energy in terms of sustainability.
Buffering energy shocks: Conventional sources of energy are often prone to disruptions due to shortages of fossil fuels like coal, or natural calamities. Solar energy can act as a great cushion to prevent blackouts during such emergencies and keep at least the critical parts of the economy running.

Solar energy quite clearly is a godsend for the developing world! For more on how it can change the energy scenario for your business, get in touch with our experts at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are one of the top solar panel consultants and installers based in Mumbai.

Proper procedure for priming a centrifugal pump to prevent and ensure smooth operation

by vemcoblogs - July 2, 2024July 2, 2024

If you own a centrifugal pump, you would know the importance of priming it before use. It simply refers to filling the pump with a liquid to generate enough suction to operate efficiently. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar pump authorised dealer and in this blog, we talk about the proper procedure to prime your pump to prevent damage and ensure its smooth operation.

Dangers of running a non-primed pump

Cavitation: Without enough liquid for suction inside the pump, there are high risks of cavitation. This is caused by the creation of air bubbles which on bursting create tiny shock waves inside the pump body, leading to gradual internal damage over time.
Drop in performance: Without priming, a centrifugal pump tends to operate at lesser efficiency. It is unable to generate optimum pressure and flow rates.
Overheating: Without adequate fluid inside the pump, the rotating parts can get overheated. This can catalyze wear and tear, and also reduce the expected lifespan of the pump.
Damage to parts: Impellers, shafts, bearings, and seals could face excessive strain due to a lack of fluid inside the pump. This can cause severe damage to parts over some time.
Safety hazards: In some sensitive applications, not priming a pump could even lead to accidents, environmental hazards, and disruptions.

What are the different priming techniques?

Manual priming: Simply by opening the casing and suction pipe and letting the liquid flow in.
Flooded suction: By installing a pump below the level of the source of liquid, and thus using gravity to prime the pump.
Self-priming: Pumps create a vacuum to draw in the liquid automatically without any manual intervention.
Vacuum priming: Using an external vacuum pump to draw the liquid into the casing.
Recirculation: The pumped fluid is recirculated from the discharge side into the suction side. This is especially useful for low-viscosity liquids.
Using a priming pump: A separate priming pump or system is used to create a vacuum, evacuate air, and draw the liquid in.

How to prime a centrifugal pump safely

Make sure your pump is ready for priming. Check all the valves, fittings, and connections.
Check whether the pump has adequate fluid levels to cover the pump’s suction inlet.
Open the vent valve and allow the air to escape.
Fill the pump casing in case you are priming manually.
Close the vent valve once you have filled the suction line with fluid. This will prevent air from escaping.
If you’re using a self-priming pump, start the priming process at this stage.
Monitor the pump priming process throughout, to ensure proper operation.
Close the priming mechanism (if applicable) and start the pump.

For more on priming your centrifugal pumps, feel free to call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar pump authorised dealer based in Mumbai, with over 70 years of experience in the field of pumping.