Pump Performance Testing of Centrifugal Pumps

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Pump Performance Testing of Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps are performance tested to verify their design and ensure they match the standards of mechanical integrity. Under controlled conditions, a centrifugal pump is tested to prove its compliance with client and industry standards. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar pump authorised dealer based in Mumbai, and in this blog we tell you all you need to know about pump performance testing.

Key parameters measured during testing

The most important parameters checked during a performance test are:

  1. Flow rate: This simply represents the volume of the liquid that the pump is able to displace.
  2. Head: This is the pressure which the pump is able to generate and will naturally also impact the flow rate.
  3. Power consumption: Both flow rate and head are functions of the power consumption. While doing performance testing of centrifugal pumps, power consumption must be carefully tracked to keep electric bills at minimum levels.
  4. Efficiency: If the pump is operating with limited consumption of electricity, it indicates optimum efficiency levels.

Purpose and benefits of performance testing

  1. Testing mechanical integrity: Performance testing provides insights with respect to the mechanical integrity of the pump. This means that the tested pump has no mechanical problems, say due to high bearing temperatures, vibration levels or leakage of seals and gaskets.
  2. Checking the performance: The pump displays its ability to offer consistent performance. The performance curve is plotted between capacity (X) and head (Y) and enough data must be collected to complete the curve. Vibration is also observed at each data point to ensure it stays in control in real life conditions.
  • NPSH test: This determines the suction performance of a pump. As part of an NPSH test, pressure is reduced until the pump enters the onset of cavitation. Data is collected till the total head begins to decline while capacity is maintained at a constant rate.
  • Efficiency: As energy prices soar, it is necessary to keep energy consumption at a minimum level. This will improve operational efficiency and also to reduce the carbon footprint of the business.

Different test standards and procedures

Certain industry standards are to be followed when testing a centrifugal pump. These are:

  • Hydraulic Institute (HI) “Centrifugal Pump Tests,” American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/HI 1.6-2000
  • American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 610, 12th edition
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Power Test Codes (PTC), ASME PTC 8.2-1990
  • HI “Vertical Pump Tests,” ANSI/HI 2.6-1994

Different standards have different testing procedures. For instance, API pumps measure 6 points while undertaking performance testing:

  1. Shut off point
  2. Minimum continuous stable flow
  3. An intermediate flow (flow between the minimum continuous stable flow to BEP/ rated)
  4. Between 95% and 99% of rated
  5. A point between rated and 105% of rated flow, BEP (if rated flow  is not within 5% of BEP),
  6. A point at the end of the allowable operatio

Performance testing can clearly help unearth a range of pump issues such as efficiency deviations, cavitation, excessive vibration etc. To know more about pump performance testing, call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the leading Kirloskar dealer in Mumbai.

Pump Energy Audit: How to Save Big on Energy Consumption

Energy prices are skyrocketing everywhere and if you are a pump owner, you would appreciate how important it is to ensure your pumps operate at optimum efficiency. Whether you’re concerned about your rising energy bills or running a sustainable business, pump energy audits help you meet your energy saving goals big time. We at VEMC are the leading water pump dealers based in Mumbai, and in this blog we tell you all you need to know about pump energy audit.

How Pump Auditing Is Done

A pump audit is a comprehensive and end-to-end assessment of a pump’s performance and energy efficiency and also an exercise to unearth any issues or areas for improvement. The major steps in pump auditing are
System design evaluation: Ensuring the design of the pump satisfies its unique needs.

  1. Performance analysis: Parameters like flow rate, pressure, power consumption, motor efficiency , etc., are measured.
  2. Assessing energy efficiency: Energy consumption patterns are analysed using tools like Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) and other control mechanisms.
  3. Maintenance and reliability review: Lubrication, alignment, vibration analysis and seal integrity are evaluated to test pump maintenance and reliability.
  4. System control and automation: Sequencing, control methods and technology are analysed to detect potential problems.

Factors That Can Waste Energy

One of the main aims of pump auditing is to ensure that your pumps do not consume too much energy. The main factors that are known to waste energy are:

  1. Inefficient pumps: If your pump is old, worn out and has outdated design or technology, it is highly likely that it is inefficient and consuming extra energy.
  2. Improper sizing: Make sure your pump size is suited for the task at hand. If the pumps are too big, it can lead to wastage of energy.
  3. Control issues: Insufficient control methods of the pumps is also one of the leading causes for wastage of energy. Try and test a number of different control methods like VSDs to make sure no energy is wasted.

Some Practical Tips For Optimising Pump Operation

  1. Avoid oversizing your pumps: While slight oversizing of pumps may be good for meeting future uncertainties, it is best to use a pump with capacity roughly equal to the demand of the task.
  1. Trimming the impeller: If your pump is oversized, it is a good practice to trim your impeller to reduce the pressure and flow produced.
  1. Using VFDs: Variable Frequency Drives help automate pump operations like flow and head to match the demand of the application.
  1. Parallel pumping system: Installing a second, smaller pump to match average demand of the application can be a good way to relieve the larger pump of a significant amount of burden.
  1. Limit pipework: Limiting the pipework in the system is a good way to reduce frictional loss and hence save energy. Make sure pipe diameter, length, layout , etc., are also given due consideration.

To know more about pump energy audits, feel free to call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are the leading water pump dealers based in Mumbai, with over 70 years of industry experience.

Introducing KBL’s DBXe

KBL’s DBXe

Introducing KBL’s DBXe

KBL (Kirloskar Brothers Limited) is a leading company when it comes to fluid management. Its capability spans industries such as water supply, power generation, irrigation, oil and gas, marine and defense etc.

The DBXe is KBL’s highly successful end suction pump mainly used for clean, low-viscosity liquids free from suspended impurities, available with any Kirloskar authorised dealer. The pump has a capacity of up to 550 cubic meters per hour and offers a head of up to 100 meters. 

VEMC is the leading Kirloskar dealer in Mumbai, and in this blog, we tell you all you need to know about the DBXe pump.

Key features

The DBXe is one of the most outstanding pumps available in the market and has some of the most competitive construction and operational features:

  • The delivery size of the DBXe is 32 to 150 mm.
  • The working pressure of the pump is 16 kg per square centimeter (MAWP).
  • It operates at speeds of 1450 & 2900 rpm and 1760 & 3500 rpm.
  • It can operate within a temperature range of -10 to 90 degrees C.
  • The pump casing is made of cast iron. It has centerline delivery with a self-venting design, providing smooth hydraulic passage, and ensuring utmost efficiency. 
  • The enclosed impellers are statically as well as dynamically balanced.
  • Anti-friction ball bearings support the shaft of the pump. Its critical speed is much above the operating speed. The shaft is machined and ground to maintain its concentricity and is protected from the liquid using an ‘O’ ring and a shaft sleeve.
  • The stuffing box is sealed using gland packing or mechanical seal.
  • The bearings are pre-lubricated and grease sealed.
  • The pump has a dry shaft design and rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed from the driving end.
  • The DBXe has a flexible jaw-type spacer coupling.
  • The pump can be driven using both an electric motor and an engine. 
  • Due to its back pull-out type design and interchangeability of components, repair and maintenance are easy and low cost. 

Applications and Industries

As mentioned above, the DBXe is used to process clean low-viscosity liquids (up to 20 cSt). The temperature range of the pumped liquid could be -10 to 120 degrees C. Some of the most common applications of the DBXe are:

  1. Water supply
  2. Sprinkling
  3. Swimming pool water
  4. Industrial water
  5. Firefighting
  6. Condensate
  7. Air conditioning
  8. Cooling water
  9. Clear juice
  10. Drinking water

An eco-friendly pump

KBL always puts a huge premium on designing environment-friendly equipment and the DBXe is no exception. With its centerline delivery and self-venting design, the pump is one of the most energy-efficient systems out there. The robust cast iron construction and anti-friction ball bearings mean utmost durability and reliability which precludes frequent repair and replacement of the pump. 
VEMC is an authorized Kirloskar submersible pump dealer based out of Mumbai. To learn more about the KBL DBXe pumps and find out whether they suit your needs, get in touch with our team of experts at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in.

5 Key Reasons You Need to Have a Robust Fire-Fighting Pump

Fire accidents can take anybody unawares and cause a colossal loss of lives and property. An automated fire safety system is therefore indispensable. Fire-fighting pumps have a well-established reputation for preventing major fire accidents. According to NPFA, fire sprinklers effectively control 96% of fires in which they operate. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar Fire Pump Dealer and in this blog, we give you 5 reasons why having a robust fire-fighting pump is necessary. 

1. Enhanced fire-fighting capabilities and fast response time

In the unfortunate incident of a fire breakout, time is highly critical. A minute here or there could lead to a life-and-death situation. A fire-fighting pump has immediate activation on the outbreak and fast extinguishing by cooling and removal of oxygen. The sprinklers activate automatically and VEMC’s MSMO pumps can execute vertically and horizontally, making them highly reliable and effective. 

2. Ability to handle high-pressure requirements in fire-fighting situations

If you are using VEMC’s MSMO pumps, rest assured, you will certainly be able to meet the high-pressure expectations. As expert Kirloskar fire-fighting pump dealers, we can assure you of the highest possible head and flow rates. This is due to the multiple impellers that our pumps have, which typically provide a head of up to 500 metres and a flow rate of about 700 cubic metres/hour.

Essential for compliance with fire safety regulations and insurance requirements

As any Kirloskar Authorised Dealer will tell you, fire-fighting pumps have become the new norm in fire safety regulations across the world. In many countries, these are mandatory equipment to comply with laws. Fire insurance companies may even refuse to provide cover unless you have fire-fighting pumps installed.

Increased protection for property and life

Your property is the result of years of hard work, and the lives of your workers and colleagues are too precious to lose in a fire accident. When you invest in firefighting pumps, therefore, you are not just buying a piece of safety equipment, but also some peace of mind. By limiting the spread of fire, these firefighting pumps can prevent widespread damage to assets and raw materials. This is all the more critical for those areas of the buildings which have limited access to fire hydrants or sources of water. Reliable firefighting pumps simply mean increased protection for both life and property.

Cost-effective investment in long-term fire safety measures

If you’re purchasing Kirloskar’s MSMO pumps for firefighting, you have made the most farsighted investment in fire safety. These pumps are highly affordable upfront but apart from that, their energy efficiency further reduces your running costs. No extensive piping system or storage tanks are required either. All in all, these pumps are the most cost-effective investment in long-term fire safety measures.
For more information on fire-safety pumps, get in touch with our experts at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar dealer in Mumbai and prides itself on its unmatched experience in pumping.

Unleashing the power of Eterna CW: Applications and Benefits in Various Industries

If you live in Mumbai, you would be well aware of the enormous problems of water logging and flooding during the monsoons. Every year, this causes the loss of innumerable man-hours due to traffic congestion and damage to roads and property. But Kirloskar has the ultimate answer to this problem: The powerful Eterna CW and VEMC is the leading Kirloskar Pump Dealer based in Mumbai.

In This Blog, We Tell You About All The Benefits of this Extremely Versatile Pumping Equipment:

Meet Eterna CW

Available with all Kirloskar pump dealers, Eterna CW is a sewage de-watering submersible pump. It is a robust pump built completely out of cast iron (except for the pump shaft which is made of carbon steel). It provides a head range of up to 70 meters and a discharge range of up to 4800 LPM. Quite clearly, it is one of the most powerful and sturdy pieces of pumping equipment out there.

Applications Across Industries:

As all water pump dealers will tell you, Eterna CW is put to use in operations across industries. It is used in mines, construction sites, basements, multi-storey shopping malls, godowns, foundations, trenches and pits. So basically anywhere you need to get rid of water logging, Eterna is the solution for you. But apart from that, it is also highly suited to sewage treatment industries.

Benefits

  • The energy consumption of the Eterna is incredibly low in its class, which largely has to do with its innovative design and construction at a state-of-the-art plant. This boils down to significant savings for the clients.
  • The powerful Eterna processes liquids and semi-solid sludge at an exceptional head range of up to 70 metres which makes it quite productive.
  • As any Kirloskar Authorised Dealer will brief you, its robust design and easy maintenance help avoid sudden breakdowns and prolonged downtime.
  • Further cost savings accrue due to low maintenance requirements. The pump can be easily repaired by semi-skilled technicians and the interchangeable parts are universally available. The dynamically balanced rotating parts protect components from damage and ensure consistent performance.
  • The heavy-duty construction of the pump makes it highly reliable, especially during challenging conditions like monsoon floods. Every Kirloskar dealer in Mumbai can vouch for Eterna’s uninterrupted performance during these testing times. 
  • Due to its effective handling of semi-solid sludge and debris, the Eterna is also capable of dewatering sewage effectively.
  • As energy costs rise by the day, the Eterna due to its efficient design can stand out as a highly environment-friendly pump. It has also been designed keeping in mind the safety of the operators.

Conclusion

So no matter which industry or operation you are related to, if your problem is water logging or sewage disposal, there is no better solution than Kirloskar’s submersible Eterna CW pump. For more information on the product, get in touch with our experts at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is one of the leading Kirloskar pump dealers and ELGi air compressor dealers in Mumbai.

Cutter Pump VS Grinder Pump: What’s Best for Sewer Systems?

Cutter Pump VS Grinder Pump

Your choice of pump has to depend on the operations you want to perform with it. Today, there is a wide range of options available, each pump suited for the right kind of task. When it comes to sewage pumps, two options that clearly stand out are cutter pumps and grinder pumps. Both essentially perform the same function of cutting down solid or semi-solid waste to prevent clogging. Only the technique differs. In this blog, we take you through the various aspects of both these options you need to consider before choosing it for your facility.

Clogging problems in sewage treatment

Flushable products like wet wipes, toilet paper, and scrub pads are offering a great deal of convenience to consumers these days. However, these also pose serious problems to city drainage systems as they lead to severe clogging. This can be extremely difficult to handle and can lead to an enormous amount of expenses for the repair and restoration of the drains.

Centrifugal pumps are unable to deal with this flushable material as they are designed with a rotating impeller. This has critical tolerance which makes it extremely difficult for solids to pass through. Thus, old rags, ropes, clothes, and cans can get stuck in the drains. As flushable products are fast becoming a part of our urban life, cutter or grinder pumps have also become indispensable.

Cutter pumps

These use a sharp cutting blade made of tungsten carbide that is attached to the impeller and cuts down solid or semi-solid sewage into smaller pieces of nearly 25 mm each. They can deal pretty well with rags, toilet paper, plastics, and cleaning products, thus preventing clogging of your drainage.

Grinder pumps

As opposed to cutter pumps, grinder pumps follow the mechanism of grinding the waste. A blade rotates inside a cutting ring that has multiple teeth. This way, solid or fibrous matter is ground down to finer pieces that can then be easily discharged out of the drains. These pumps can typically handle larger and more diverse materials as compared to the cutter pumps.

Cutter pumps vs Grinder pumps

These are energy efficient and low-costThese are expensive and less energy-efficient
These can deal with smaller sewageThese can cut down larger pieces and more diverse material
These are suitable for industrial operations as well as municipal useThese are best suited for large industrial purposes where sewage may be tougher and more voluminous
These have a wider head and flowThese have a narrower head and flow
Oil and grease can pose some difficulties These consume too much energy and may require screening of solids

The best choice to deal with clogging is Kirloskar’s CWC cutter pump. It is a robust, multipurpose pump that is well-suited for industrial and municipal purposes. Kirloskar cutter pump is also highly energy efficient and causes a minimum environmental impact. The maintenance is easy and highly inexpensive. 

For more information on pumps for sewage treatment, get in touch with us at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is an authorised Kirloskar pump distributor with a rich industry experience of over 72 years.

Centrifugal Pumps are Energy Guzzlers. How does Pump Energy Audit Help?

Centrifugal Pumps

A centrifugal pump can seriously raise your energy costs if you’re not keeping tabs on its efficiency levels. It is necessary that you take timely measures to eliminate inefficiencies or replace the pump altogether as the last resort. The most effective method in this regard is a thorough energy audit that can bring forth all the irregularities or issues with the pump’s performance. It can also give an estimate of energy savings if you switch to a different pump. In this blog, we talk about how an energy audit of your centrifugal pump can contribute to significant savings and cut down on costs.

Costs of Pumping

Pumping is a rather expensive affair across the world and more so in an energy-strapped developing country like India. According to some estimates, pumps consume 10% of power across the world, and switching to a more efficient water pump could save up to 4% of electricity globally. 

The main reasons behind the high costs of pumping could be an inappropriate selection of pumps, old inefficient design, improper layout, etc. By switching over to a more energy-efficient pump, you can reduce your bills, increase productivity, boost profits and enhance business competitiveness.

Centrifugal Pumps Consume a Lot of Power

Centrifugal pumps consume anywhere between 25% and 60% of a plant’s electrical motor energy. This can be made worse if the pump is improperly sized or poorly performing. Lack of maintenance and poor condition of the pumps is other reasons for the spike in running costs of a pump. This requires proper matching of a pump of the right capacity with the operation at hand. Likewise, a properly scheduled maintenance regime is a must to eliminate inefficiencies and overdrawing electricity over the lifespan of the pump.

Steps to Follow

An energy audit is the best way to keep the rising electricity costs in check. It is highly beneficial for business, society, and the environment at large. A pump energy audit is conducted by following these steps:

  1. Shortlist all the pumps for the audit
  2. Measure parameters like flow, pressure, and energy consumption
  3. Calculate the pumping efficiency
  4. Discuss the case with a specialist like an engineer or the maintenance staff
  5. Analyze data
  6. List recommendations and present them in the final report

How you can Save Energy

After an energy audit, you can get an in-depth understanding of the gaps, and the affirmative action that must be taken to fill them. With comprehensive data collection, analysis and modeling, it also gives you an idea about how much you can save by switching to a new alternative. In most industrial pumping systems, energy audits can help save up to half the energy costs!
VEMC can take care of the energy audit services of your pumps. We have all the expertise required to carry out Performance Measurement and energy optimisation of pumps and motors. Our team can provide a superior analysis of your current energy consumption and also the annual expenditure followed by a cost-returns-based proposal for different alternatives. For further information, feel free to call us at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in.

Pump Energy Audit Leads to Substantial Savings

Pumps are an essential resource for several verticals such as the industrial sector, the hospitality sector, the agriculture sector, and the medical sector. As a result, they are extensively used in operations across industries. This also means that they consume a lot of energy to run efficiently. For example, in agriculture, groundwater pumping consumes about 16×109 kWh of electricity and about 2,000 million litres of diesel oil in a year. 

Pump energy audits reveal that around 30-50% of the total energy consumed from pumps can be saved. This means that if you replace your old pumps with new, efficient pumps, you can not only save energy but also significant energy costs. With rising energy prices, getting an energy audit done by professionals is a prerequisite. 

What is a pump energy audit? 

A pump audit is an energy optimisation audit of your pump system. It helps analyse the efficiency of your pump system and identifies energy-saving options through switching to a new pump or pump line. Additionally, it also illustrates the monetary benefits of the switch for your company. 

There are several reasons why your pumps can have lower efficiency:

  • Undersized pipes (less initial cost but high frictional head loss and operational cost)
  • High delivery point (excessive height increases energy consumption)
  • Poor fittings (leads to leakage and losses)
  • Inefficient pumps (due to improper selection and mismatched prime movers)

Benefits of a pump energy audit

Investing in an energy audit can be beneficial for your company as well as the environment. Here are the advantages of energy optimisation for your organisation: 

  • Reduced energy bills (up to 40%)
  • Lower operating costs
  • Low pump failure rates
  • Shorter payback periods
  • Reduced need for fuel imports
  • Conservation of insufficient resources
  • Building a sustainable environment

VEMC’s check parameters

With VEMC’s energy audit, you can unlock hidden savings from your pump installation and bring down pump operational costs. The three parameters of energy optimisation that VEMC aims to help your organisation achieve are energy consumption, service maintenance, and purchase price.

Steps to achieve energy efficiency by VEMC

To unlock the hidden savings, VEMC does an energy check that comprises the following aspects:

  • On-site inspection – A 3-4 hour survey of pump installations with a focus on key parameters such as age, head, and power consumption. 
  • Energy check report – The findings from the inspection are documented in an energy check report. The report offers details on pump installation, recommendations, savings, investment, and pay-back period.
  • Savings – In this step, the report is presented and recommendations are discussed, along with a plan of action. This happens in a 1-2 hour meeting. 

How to save pump energy?

The various ways you can achieve energy savings for your pumps are:

  • Choose a pump with the right dimensions and avoid oversizing
  • Trim the impellers to reduce pressure and flow
  • Investing in variable frequency drives to control motor movements as per situations
  • Use multiple pump systems
  • Optimise the system pipework to limit frictional pressure drop
  • Carry out routine maintenance for your pump systems

Why choose VEMC?

VEMC’s energy audit helps you understand whether your pump system is working efficiently or not and offers solutions to help reduce your carbon emissions and operating costs. This helps build a “No Cost and Low Cost” culture. 

For more information on conducting an energy audit for your industrial pumps, motors, and other equipment, feel free to contact us at +91 98199 07445. We would be glad to assist you in finding the best match for you based on your requirements. VEMC is an authorized dealer of Kirloskar dewatering pumps and provides end-to-end project management services to its clients. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.