Benefits of Implementing Kirlosmart for Predictive Pump Maintenance

Internet of Things (IoT) is taking businesses by a storm. At present, there are over 14 billion connected IoT devices across the world. IoT enables devices to be connected at all times and share actionable data. Thus without human intervention, devices can communicate with each other through internet connectivity. This has implications for monitoring, maintenance, predictive analysis and much more. 

There is no reason why IoT must leave pumping untouched. VEMC is one of the leading Kirloskar pump dealers based in Mumbai, and in this blog we take you through some of the topmost benefits of Kirlosmart for your pumps.

What is Kirlosmart?

Kirlosmart is a technology developed by KBL to keep track of pumps using the IoT technology. It enables pumps to stay connected with the users by sharing real-time data such as flow, voltage, vibrations etc. over the internet. The data then appears on the owner’s smartphone through the Kirlosmart app which offers a smooth, easy and interactive user interface.

Key benefits of Kirlosmart

By sharing real-time pump data with the owners, Kirlosmart offers a host of different benefits. Some of these are:

  1. Reduced downtime: 

With Kirlosmart in place, users can access all the critical pump information at their convenience. They are also alerted through SMS, email and push notifications as soon as any parameter shows significant deviation. This indicates the pump needs repair. A continuous stream of data enables users to schedule their maintenance regime. This bolsters pump reliability and reduces the likelihood of unplanned downtime significantly.

  1. Improved pump efficiency: 

Kirlosmart displays the data which indicates if the pump is operating at peak performance and efficiency levels. This ensures cost savings, higher operational efficiency and excellent productivity.

  1. Extended pump lifespan: 

By keeping a track of all the critical pump parameters, users can successfully avoid unexpected pump failures. The smooth operation of the pump and reduced wear and tear ensures extended pump lifespan.

How Kirlosmart offers a great ROI

Kirlosmart is a great investment when it comes to your pump health and longevity. For users who wonder why take on the added burden of investing in its implementation, Kirlosmart offers a great ROI. This is because of the following reasons:

  1. It enables users to avoid pump failures through problematic issues that wouldn’t have surfaced without continuous monitoring. This avoids unexpected downtime and loss of business associated with it.
  2. Kirlosmart ensures that your pumps are running at peak efficiency levels at all times. This means the pumps operate at highest possible productivity levels while ensuring significant energy savings.
  3. With Kirlosmart you no longer need to hire additional labour for monitoring and inspection of pumps. You do not need a have a specialist or train an in-house resource to run the system either. The simple, user-friendly and interactive app interface enables any user to operate it with ease.
  4. Overall, Kirlosmart contributes to longer pump life by facilitating an effective predictive maintenance regime. This means lesser Capex on pump replacement and reduced wastage of material.

For more on Kirlosmart, get in touch with VEMC by calling on 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the top-notch Kirloskar pump dealer based in Mumbai.

Sizing your solar system: finding the perfect balance for your energy needs

Having a solar power system is a smart way to meet your electricity needs at home and business. However, to make sure that you are able to fulfil your needs without wasting any energy, sizing your solar system is necessary. This allows you to avoid over or underinvesting in your solar system and getting just the perfect one suited for your needs. VEMC is the leading solar panel installation company in Mumbai and in this blog, we tell you how to perfectly size your solar system.

Factors to consider in sizing

  1. Consumption: 

Higher the levels of usage or consumption, more will be the size of the solar power system required. This means a bigger solar power system will be needed in a business or industrial setting as compared to a domestic one.

  1. Location: 

Where you live also impacts the sizing of your solar power system. If you live in a tropical region that gets plenty of sun all year round, even lesser solar panels will produce good amount of energy. However, in temperate regions, you my require bigger solar systems to make up for the low sunlight during the winter season.

  1. Climate: 

Although climate is largely a function of geographical location, some places neverthess are too cloudy or rainy due to other factors like altitude, monsoons etc. If you experience too much of overcast weather during the day, this will also necessitate installing a bigger solar power system.

  1. Efficiency: 

Highly efficient monocrystalline solar panels produce plenty of energy over a limited surface area. This also plays a role in determining the size of your solar system.

A step-by-step guide on sizing

  1. Calculate your usage: 

For starters, you must be aware of your annual energy usage. You can find this from your electricity bill which may also exhibit the peaks and valleys of energy consumption. Find out the average usage of electricity per day.

  1. Find out your peak sun hours: 

The peak sun hours vary according to your location and climate. To make the most of your solar power, find out your peak sun hours using a sun hours chart.

  1. Calculate the size of your solar power system: 

To find out the size of a solar power system that would be most suited for your needs, divide your daily energy requirement (in kWh) by your peak sun hours. This will give you a kW output. Divide this by your solar panel’s efficiency and you’ll get an estimate of the number of panels you’ll need.

Alternatively, if you know the “efficiency factor” of the solar panels (lets say 0.2), here’s the formula to find out the size of your solar power system:

(Daily kWh / Average sun hours) x 0.2 = Size of solar system

Proper sizing of your solar power sytems is very important to ensure optimal performance and cost effectiveness. For consultation on sizing your panels, call our experts on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is the leading solar installation and consulting company in Mumbai. Get in touch today!

10 Solar Energy Hacks for the Next-Generation Solar Power User

If you own a solar power system, you would want to get the maximum out of it. Luckily, there are plenty of hacks to enhance the efficiency and output of your solar panels. These range from choosing the right type of panel to maximizing their exposure. VEMC is the leading solar power company based in Mumbai, and in this blog, we share 10 solar energy hacks that every next-gen solar power user ought to know.

  1. Use monocrystalline grade A panels

How well your solar panel performs depends a great deal upon the quality of the panels. Monocrystalline Grade A panels are by far the best when it comes to efficiency and productivity.

  1. Increase efficiency using anti-reflection coating

These allow cells to absorb more rays rather than reflect them back. Without these, upto 30% radiation is wasted. 

  1. Get a professional to install your solar panels

Ensure that the installer you have hired possesses the required skills and certifications. Do a background check and find out what others are saying about their past installations.

  1. Ensure the right orientation

In the northern hemisphere, the best orientation for maximum exposure is the geographic south. On the other hand, if you live in the southern hemisphere, it is best to have your panels face the north. If thats not possible, have them face the west as the last resort as this is the direction of the sunset. You can expect more value from energy collected later in the day.

  1. Track the sun with your panels

Trackers enable you to follow the sun as it passes across the sky. While these are most common in commercial solar farms, smaller ones can also be used domestically.

  1. Don’t use too many devices simultaneously

Use your stored power for a longer time period by avoiding too much drain in a short span. As much as possible, stagger your usage over a longer time horizon.

  1. Clean with plain water and sponge 

Dust and debris can block the solar radiation from reaching your panels. To wipe it away, use clean water and a non-abrasive sponge. This will avoid unnecessary scratches on the cell surface. Also, do not use pressure washers to avoid damage. In case there is any stuck-on grime, just use some dish detergent and water.

  1. Use LED bulbs

LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy as compared to incandescent bulbs. By installing LED bulbs in your house or facility, you can reduce energy consumption and prolong the supply significantly.

  1. Use maximum utilities during the day

When you’re using your devices such as dishwashers during the day, you mostly use solar energy. This enables you to avoid the costs of power from the grid.

  1. Use solar power for innovative devices

Besides the usual solar panels, use your solar power in innovative ways. These include having solar cookers, solar geysers, heaters etc. This will allow you to take a huge burden off your conventional supply.

For more information on how best to use your solar energy, feel free to get in touch with VEMC by calling on 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the best solar company based in Mumbai.

Steps Involved in the Mechanical Seal Test Process

If you are a pump owner, you must be on top of all the processes and techniques of pump maintenance. One such crucial process is the mechanical seal testing. Mechanical seals control leakage of liquids in pumps and other rotating devices. The purpose of testing therefore is to analyse its effectiveness in preventing leakage at various speeds and sizes. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar dealer in Mumbai, and in this blog we tell you all you need to know about mechanical seal testing.

Testing process

  1. Preparation: 

Mechanical seals are tested in accordance with the API standard 682. This requires that all the seal types (A, B and C) be tested in all seal arrangements, single seal, pressure-less and pressurized dual seal. It specifies tests with diameters of 50 mm and 100 mm and speed of 3600 rpm. Further, each seal must be tested with four different media.

  1. Dynamic phase: 

The dynamic phase of the mechanical seal test is conducted at a constant pressure and temperature at the speed of 3600 rpm. The test has to be performed for more than 100 hours at base point conditions.

  1. Static phase: 

The static phase of mechanical seal testing takes place at constant pressure and temperature at 0 rpm for 4 hours.

  1. Cyclic phase: 

Tests are conducted at base point conditions at a speed of 3600 rpm till equillibrium is attained.

After this, the seal chamber pressure is dropped to 0 psi so as to vapourise the fluid. Base point pressure is then re-established.

Next, the seal chamber fluid temperature is dropped to 20 degrees C and then base temperature is re-established.

Finally, the fluid temperature in the seal chamber is raised to 80 degrees C, seal flush turned off for 1 minute and then the test is shut down (0 rpm) for 10 minutes.

Preventive measures to maintain the integrity of your mechanical seals

Leaking mechanical seals could be a source of serious housekeeping hazard, health concerns and business issues in your facility. To avoid repeated mechanical seal testing, it would be best to maintain it using some very simple but effective ways:

  1. Choose a mechanical seal based on your weather conditions. 
  2. The liquids being pumped are also vulnerable to changes in pressure, temperature etc. Although most liquids act as lubricants for your seals, nevertheless being aware of their nature helps you choose better.
  3. Be aware of the actual nature of leakage through a seal. This could be due to a shaft that has bent or bad bearings.
  4. Try to reduce pump vibrations as much as possible. Excessive vibration contributes to the cavitation of pump body and deterioration of component parts like seals.
  5. Finally, rather than running the pump dry, make sure you maintain proper lubrication.

For more on the maintenance and testing of your pumps’ mechanical seals, feel free to call VEMC on  022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the top-notch Kirloskar authorised dealer in Mumbai.

Elgi’s Global Footprint and Commitment to Sustainability in Air Compressor Manufacturing

Founded in the year 1960, ELGi is one of the most reputed names in air compressor manufacturing. Today the company has a presence in 120 countries across the world with a fast-growing distributor  base in each country. This is thanks to its high-quality products, exceptional service and prompt  customer support.

VEMC is one of the leading ELGi air compressor dealers in Mumbai, and in this blog we talk about how ELGi is taking on the global market while being committed to the goals of sustainability.

ELGi’s global footprint

With over 63 years of experience in manufcaturing air compressors, ELGi has reached the zenith of its business. The company has reached over 2 million installations all over the world. 

All of this is thanks to ELGi’s innovative product portfolio and a strong marketing and distribution network. The company has penetrated the lucrative markets of US, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and Australia through its spree of acquisitions in manufacturing and distribution. Everywhere ELGi goes, it maintains high product quality standards to build an unassailable reputation. Due to this, the company is getting a positive response from its distribution partners who are always more than willing to carry its products on their network.

For years, the company has focused on strengthening its back-end processes and is now replicating the same success in marketing and distribution. Going forward, the company aims at expanding through a two-fold strategy: diversifying its offerings and building more capacity in the international market. In 2018, 50% of ELGi’s revenues came from its international market and they hope to grow it further in the years to come.

ELGi’s commitment to sustainable business

ELGi believes in creating enduring value for all its stakeholders. These include employees, investors, suppliers, distributors and the society at large. This necessitates that the company uses high-tech products to provide best-in-class service while creating a positive impact on the environment.

Over the last few years, ELGi has made a conscious effort to streamline its ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) initiatives. The company has created a comprehensive sustainability framework that focuses on three pillars:

  • Always responsible
  • Always reliable
  • Always resilient

On the ground, this means ELGi is committed to responsible operations, offering reliable products and services, and ensuring the organization remains resilient especially in the wake of growing business challenges. 

When it comes to ESG efforts, the company has established the ELGi school for children from low-income families in Coimbatore. For the last 3 decades, the school has been providing access to quality education helping these students and their families realise their dreams. ELGi’s vocational training school provides technical training to hundreds of youth, especially from low income backgrounds, to finally employ them in its factories.

On the 50th anniversary of the World Earth Day in 2020, ELGi launched the ‘Steps for Change’ program to encourage its employees across the world to take small yet significant steps to make a difference to the environment. 

For more on how ELGi is helping transform the future through its sustainability efforts across the world, call VEMC on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the leading ELGi reciprocating compressor dealers in Mumbai.

The Role of Pumps and Air Compressors in the Circular Economy

As opposed to a linear economy which proceeds through the stages of ‘take-make-waste’, a circular economy is restorative and regenerative. The economic activity in a circular economy builds and rebuilds the overall health of the system. It aims at decoupling growth from the consumption of finite resources. The three most significant features of a circular economy are resource efficiency, waste reduction and closed-loop systems. A circular economy offers enduring benefits like environmental sustainability, economic growth and job creation.

VEMC is the leading air compressor dealer in Mumbai, and in this blog we take you through the role of pumps and air compressors in a circular economy.

Industries that rely on pumps and air compressors

A range of industries such as manufacturing, wastewater treatment and energy production rely on water pumps and air compressors. Here are some of the major functions performed by them:

By pumps:

  1. Transporting fluids such as chemicals, oil, water etc. from one place to another
  2. Removing pollutants and contaminants from fluids
  3. Providing the necessary pressure required for industrial processes
  4. Mixing and blending liquids

By air compressors:

  1. Pushing and propelling gases through pipelines
  2. Blow cleaning and spray painting operations
  3. Powering pneumatic tools such as drills, abrasive blast equipment etc.
  4. Shifting AC refrigerants

All the above-mentioned functions consume energy. To create and sustain a circular economy, it is important that energy efficient pumps and compressors are used, so that operations are performed at peak levels without wastage of energy.

Recycling and remanufacturing pumps and air compressors

Air compressors and pumps that are in use for a very long time will inevitably undergo wear and tear. This will affect their performance and energy efficiency. However, if these equipment are procured from trusted manufacturers like VEMC, you can expect longevity and consistent performance. This is not just great for your business as it avoids sudden breakdowns, loss of business and unexpected capex investments, but also for the circular economy as it avoids wastage of resources and lowers the carbon footprint. Besides, techniques like retrofitting can offer a second life to your equipment while enhancing their performance and efficiency.

Role of compressors and pumps in a circular economy

One of the most important aims of a circular economy is to reduce wastage and lifespan costs of equipment. This is ensured in three main ways:

  • Products like compressors and pumps which are designed keeping the concept of circular economy in mind, aim to extract maximum value out of resources. As soon as the products reach the end of their service life, their parts are salvaged and re-processed to leave as little waste as possible. 
  • Product design also ensures that as little wastage of material during operations (through friction) takes place. The simplicity of design to avoid as much metal-to-metal contact can help reduce lifetime costs of the equipment significantly. 
  • The product designs also ensure minimal consumption of energy and enhanced operational efficiency. This contributes to lower carbon footprint and energy savings throughout the service life of the product.

For more on how VEMC promotes the idea of circular economy through its air compressors and pumps, call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the leading pump and air compressor dealers in Mumbai.

How Pumps are Helping Combat Water Pollution

Water pollution is one of the most critical issues in urban and industrial areas. It poses serious risks to everyone especially newborn children and the elderly. Water-borne germs can cause diseases like diarrhoea, dysentry, typhoid fever etc. In extreme cases, they can be a cause of serious neurological and reproductive disorders. Polluted water also affects the environment by altering the chemical composition of the soil, suffocating indigenous species of plants and animal, and causing algal blooms. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar water pump dealer based in Mumbai, and in this blog we talk about how pumps help combat water pollution.

Pumps in wastewater treatment

When it comes to wastewater treatment plants, there are three processes involved: primary, secondary and tertiary. While the processes differ according to municipalities and businesses, all of them require pumps to remove waste, treat the water and transport it from one point to another. By effectively treating wastewater, pumps play an important role in water conservation. Some of the pumps used in wastewater treatment are:

  1. Submersible pumps: These pumps are self-priming, quiet, vertical and available in a range of sizes. Most importantly, these are water-tight and work very well in wastewater treatment industry.
  2. Centrifugal pumps: These are the most commonly used pumps for wastewater treatment. They produce ample velocity to move the fluid through the treatment system. They’re simple to install and require very little space. Unless there is an issue with the impeller, these pumps do not clog easily. Their parts are also very durable due to which these pumps enjoy quite a long lifespan.
  3. Positive displacement pumps: These use impellers, gears and rollers to transfer the fluid. These pumps can handle a range of fluids in terms of viscosity and are hence well suited for wastewater treatment. These pumps also offer a consistent flow and speed.

Pumps in groundwater remediation

Groundwater could get polluted by industrial chemicals, fuel oil, solvents and metals that trickle down through the soil. This problem is especially severe in industrial, mining and refining towns. The water can however be treated using pumps. Groundwater is drawn up using extraction wells and pushed through an above-ground treatment plant to remove the dissolved chemicals. Cleanup methods such as activated carbon or air stripping is usually used to treat groundwater. As soon as the treated water meets the regulatory standards, it is then discharged for further use.

Pumps in stormwater management

Stormwater can carry mud, sludge, silt and a range of hazardous contaminants. These can affect crops as well as animals. Stormwater can also affect human habitations by causing infectious diseases which in extreme cases can assume epidemic proportions. With stormwater pump stations in place, all these calamities can be prevented as they enable transporting the excess stormwater safely away from fields and human settlements.

Pumps are of immense service to mankind as they play a great role in protecting our water resources from pollution. To know more, get in touch with VEMC by calling on 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the top-notch water pump dealers based in Mumbai.

Pain points of traditional pump monitoring vs. the advantages of Kirlosmart

Monitoring pumps regularly and continuously is important. This is because any deviation in parameters can cause serious wastage of energy, wear and tear and drop in performance. Traditionally, pumps have been monitored by physically checking the parameters at the pump site and taking readings. However, with the advent of IoT, pump monitoring has been transformed like never before. VEMC is one of the top-notch industrial water pump suppliers in Mumbai, and in this blog we take you through the pain points of traditional pump monitoring and how Kirlosmart has  successfully overcome these.

Challenges of traditional pump monitoring methods

  1. Physical monitoring: Traditional methods require physical monitoring of pumps using equipment like flow meters. This meant the technician had to personally go to the site and take readings.
  2. Costly: Traditional monitoring techniques were costly as these involved visit by a trained technician or training of an in-house resource for monitoring pump performance.
  3. Passive: Traditional monitoring is non-continuous in nature, in the sense that it takes place far and in between during the pump’s working life. Otherwise, it is done when the pump exhibits unusual behaviour such as noise or too much vibration.

Kirlosmart: Next-gen monitoring

When it comes to monitoring pumps, Kirlosmart is the next-gen solution. It operates using the cutting edge IoT technology which keeps your pumps connected to your laptop or smartphone device through WiFi at all times. This means a continuous stream of real-time data is being transmitted from the pump to your device and monitoring is going on 24×7. 

Any deviation in pump parameters such as flow, vibration, voltage etc. will quickly be indicated by the Kirloskar app to alert the user. Thus, a proactive intervention can be done to avoid any sudden breakdown of the pump.

With Kirlosmart app in place, you no longer need to physically visit the pump site, call a technician with his equipment and take readings of parameters. Everything is being recorded and transmitted online. This avoids the monitoring costs significantly.

Kirlosmart offers users an interactive app interface which includes pump statistics in an easy-to-understand graphic style. The app also keeps a record of past data which helps predict when a breakdown might take place, thus also facilitating the scheduled maintenance of the pump.

How Kirlosmart helped pump-owners brace the pandemic

Kirlosmart came as a godsend to Kirloskar pump owners during the pandemic years. This is because it enabled them to monitor their pumps without physically venturing out to reach pump sites. All the parameters were available on their screens in real-time and only in case of any deviations physical intervention was required. This kept the owners safe while keeping the operational and maintenance costs of the businesses in check.

Kirlosmart is clearly a revolutionary technology in the field of pump monitoring. To know more about this path-breaking technology, feel free to call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are the leading industrial water pump dealers in Mumbai.

Refurbishing Mechanical Pumps: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Replacement

Mechanical pumps, like any other equipment, are prone to damage and depreciation. This often leads to performance-related issues, drop in efficiency and even failure. These problems can compel an owner to take a decision as to whether to replace or refurbish the pump. 

VEMC is the leading Kirloskar pump distributor based in Mumbai and in this blog, we tell you why refurbishing your mechanical pump is a great alternative to replacement.

What is pump refurbishment

Refurbishment of a pump involves diagnosing a problem, designing a fix and delivering the right solution to eliminate the issue. This enables you to use the same pump for an extended period of time after proper repairs.

Why refurbish rather than replace

Refurbishment of pumps offers many benefits that replacement doesn’t:

  1. Cost savings: Often, minor issues with any of the components can cause a breakdown. Components like these can be easily repaired to restore the pump. This makes refurbishing the pump much more cost-effective as compared to replacement.
  1. Extended lifespan: Pumps are expensive pieces of equipment and owners always want to get maximum service from them. By refurbishing the pump, you can prolong its lifespan significantly ensuring more returns on investment.
  2. Improved efficiency: Refurbishing pumps addresses leaks, reduced flow and unexpected noise and helps restore their performance to peak levels. This helps improve efficiency and productivity, reduces energy costs and avoids downtime.

Process of refurbishing pumps

  • Refurbishment is done with complete overhaul of the pump, and after analyzing all the parts (bearings, gears, seals etc.), and the ones worn out are replaced with fresh ones. 
  • In case they’re not available commercially, these components are redesigned and re-manufactured. 
  • The pump is then re-assembled and final test done to check performance and efficiency. Clearly, refurbishing the pump requires a thorough know-how on the part of technicians and VEMC –– a top-notch Kirloskar pump distributor offers you just that!

Factors to consider for refurbishing/replacement

  1. Cost: For starters, the cost consideration should guide you as to whether the pump could be repaired or must be replaced. Investing in a new pump is always going to be costly, but at times, refurbishing a pump that is beyond restoration can also be heavy on your pockets, besides not giving satisfactory performance in the long run.
  1. Age of your pump: older pumps may be more susceptible to breakdown or have outdated technology. As such, finding spare parts for these pumps can be quite challenging. In such situations, it would be more practical to replace the pump with a new one.
  2. Expertise: Refurbishing a pump requires experience, expertise and know-how. Only when your maintenance team or a consultant technician have these, should you consider refurbishing the pump.

Besides having a business impact, refurbishing your pumps instead of replacing them also has  significant environmental implications, by avoiding unnecessary wastage of material, overproduction and emissions. If you need more advice on refurbishing your pumps, feel 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 Kirloskar water pump dealer in Mumbai.