Category: Water Pump

Dewatering in Construction

by vemcoblogs -
Kirloskar water pump dealer (1)

Excavation is a huge part of construction and water logging on the sites is a very common problem. To ensure smooth progress of the project, it is necessary that you manage the groundwater well. However, a number of different dewatering techniques are used, each suitable for a certain set of conditions and project specifications. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar water pump dealer in Mumbai, and in this blog, we tell you all you need to know about dewatering in construction.

Types of dewatering methods

  1. Subsurface drainage: 

This is a drainage method which helps remove water that has percolated into the subgrade. It is used in areas that have a very high water table or receive incredibly heavy rainfall. Subsurface drainage typically has a permeable base to remove water rapidly, a pipe collector system to convey the liquid away, and a filter layer to prevent the clogging of drainage.

  1. Sump pumps: 

This is one of the simplest and most cost-effective methods of dewatering. It involves digging pits in the drainage area to collect water which is then removed by using pumps.

  1. Wellpoint systems: 

A number of small wellpoints are installed around a site. These are connected with a central header pipe which has a vacuum function. Wellpoint systems are great for lowering the groundwater levels and facilitating construction work by creating a dry area.

Selection criteria for dewatering methods based on project specifics

The working conditions and project demands can vary from one construction site to another. The choice for dewatering methods must be made accordingly. For instance:

  • In conditions where there’s heavy rainfall, high water table or deep permeable soils, subsurface drainage can be the best option. It is also useful to drain heavy and poorly drained soils, or those that might have an impending layer at some depth, say clay.
  • In case of construction sites with shallow excavations and low-permeability, sump pumping can be the most feasible and cost effective method to remove water. However, it carries with it the risks of sudden collapse or erosion. 
  • In case of shallow excavations or fine-grained soils with low permeability, wellpoint systems can be the method of choice. It is quite cost effective and also easy to install. 

Environmental and safety concerns

Dewatering involves significant environmental and safety risks. For example, uncontrolled dewatering can deplete the groundwater of an area. Likewise, it can also cause increased sediment levels in waterways. In cases when seasonal conditions add more surface water to work sites, unmonitored dewatering can have an accidental impact on the environment.

Dewatering could be a dicey activity. To make sure environmental and safety risks are averted, builders must follow proper guidelines. For more on which dewatering method to choose for your construction site, and how to ensure environmental and personal safety, feel free to call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is one of the top-notch Kirloskar pump dealers in Mumbai with a rich industry experience of over 70 years. 

The Significance of Corrocoating in Industrial Applications

by vemcoblogs -

Corrosion is one of the most problematic issues with industrial equipment like pumps, valves, pipes and tanks. But corrocoating is one technique that can help you combat it effectively. Corrocoating has significant use in chemical and wastewater treatment plants as corrosion can drastically reduce the working life of equipment as they are exposed to moisture. VEMC is one of the leading industrial water pump suppliers in Mumbai, and in collaboration with Kirloskar Corrocoat, undertakes turnkey projects for coating a wide range of electromechanical equipment.

Types of corrosion

Here are the main types of corrosion found in electromechanical equipment.

  1. Uniform corrosion: This type of corrosion occurs over the entire surface of a metal. Although it is one of the most benign forms, nevertheless it requires prevention as well. 
  1. Pitting corrosion: Being hard to predict, detect and characterise, this type of corrosion can be highly destructive. As the name suggests, it leads to the formation of vertical holes or cavities on the surface of a metal. This type of corrosion can be caused due to local break or damage in protective coating. It can cause sudden failure of equipment despite relatively low loss of metal.
  1. Crevice corrosion: It is also a localised form of corrosion usually resulting from stagnant microenvironment with a difference in concentration of ions between two areas of a metal. It affects shielded areas like under washers, gaskets, bolt heads , etc., with limited oxygen supply.
  1. Inter-granular corrosion: It is caused by impurities present at the grain boundaries and occurs along or adjacent to these grains. While the bulk of the metal remains intact, it affects its mechanical properties.
  1. Galvanic corrosion: It is the degradation of metals near the joint which occurs when two electrochemically different metals are in contact in an electrolytic environment. 

Benefits of corrocoating

  1. Increased lifespan: With corrocoating, users can expect a longer lifespan for their electromechanical equipment which reduces the need to replace or repair them frequently. This also reduces the waste that entails due to replacement of old equipment and is hence in line with the concept of circular economy.
  1. Cost savings: By avoiding frequent breakdowns due to corrosion, users can save significant amounts of repair and maintenance costs.
  1. Reduced downtime: Corrosion can impact some of the most critical pieces of equipment in your business facility leading to sudden and unforeseen downtime. This can be successfully avoided with protective corrocoating.

Case in point: MCGM Complex Pump Corrocoating Project

VEMC has undertaken a number of large-scale corrocoating projects in the past. In 2015, we corrocoated the crucial Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) Complex Pump at Bhandup. The pump was affected by heavy pitting corrosion inside the casings. It was taken to KBLs Hydraulic Research Centre where it was blasted, coated and inspected. The corrocoating didn’t just ensure the protection of the pump from corrosion but also showed instant results in terms of better efficiency, input power and head.

Impact of Pump Performance Testing on Energy Consumption and Sustainability

by vemcoblogs -

Pumps play a crucial role across industries in a number of operations such as dewatering, displacing liquids, controlling the flow of fluids, mixing and blending chemicals , etc. However, their operations demand a lot of electrical energy. To make sure they keep performing at optimum levels without consuming excess energy, performance testing is necessary. VEMC is a leading Kirloskar pump authorised dealer based in Mumbai, and in this blog we talk about the impact of pump performance testing.

Benefits of pump performance testing

Pump performance testing offers a number of benefits:

  1. Identifying operational problems: 

Operational issues like misalignment can be identified from pump performance testing. These are often symptomised by excessive vibrations and noise.

  1. Determining energy efficiency: 

Drafting statistical reports help determine the efficiency of the pump. These statistics and graphs are useful in identifying energy-related issues like overconsumption of electricity.

  1. Compliance: 

Performance testing of pumps also helps ensure your pump is meeting all the important industry standards such as HI, ASME PTC and API. 

  1. Finding defects and malfunctions: 

Any defects and malfunctions can be unearthed using performance testing. It also ensures that the pump operates satisfactorily under varying conditions of temperature, vibration levels , etc.

  1. Documenting performance: 

One of the most significant benefits of pump performance testing is that performance of the pump is documented which can be of great value for future reference.

Overall, performance testing is a trusted way of reducing lifespan costs of your pumps as it helps improve their performance, reduces energy consumption and helps identify operational problems with the pumps.

How performance testing impacts sustainability

Performance testing also has a significant impact on sustainability of your pumps.

  1. It ensures that your pumps always operate on peak efficiency and offer highest performance levels while consuming least possible energy.
  2. Wear and tear, defects and malfunctions can be a source of poor performance and low efficiency of pumps. With performance testing, these issues can be unearthed and addressed.
  3. Keeping the pumps in prime working conditions also helps prolong their life-span and hence reduce excessive repair and replacement costs. This not only offers saving for the pump owners but also helps reduce waste.

Performance testing is not just valuable for pump owners but is also in line with the values of sustainability and circular economy. This is because it helps reduce energy consumption by the pump while at the same time prolonging their working life and reducing unnecessary waste of equipment and material.

If you are looking to get your pump performance testing done, get in touch with our experts by calling us on 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is one of the leading Kirloskar pump authorised dealers based in Mumbai with a vast experience of 70 years in the field of pumping. Besides dealing in a wide range of pumps for use across industries, we also offer on-site Annual Maintenance Contracts and Energy Audit services to our clients.

The Impact of Viscosity on Pump Performance

by vemcoblogs -

If you’re a pump owner, you would understand that transporting thicker liquids is quite a different experience. Viscosity represents the resistance that a liquid offers to the flow. It doesn’t only take longer to displace but also impacts your pump’s performance. 

VEMC is one of the leading Kirloskar pump distributors based in Mumbai, and in this blog, we explain how viscosity affects your pump performance.

Impact of viscosity on pump parameterspasted-image.tiff

(Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/pump-performance)

As your water pump dealer may explain, viscosity has an effect on some of the most critical pumping parameters. Let’s see how.

  1. Flow rate: To put it simply, with an increase in viscosity, there is a decrease in the flow rate of a pump. However, a number of other factors such as physical properties, geometry of the tubing, temperature and the distance of liquid from the pump may also play a moderating role.
  2. Head: Viscosity has an extraordinary and negative effect on pump performance. With an increase in viscosity, there is a dramatic drop in the head.
  3. Efficiency: While pumps may still be able to displace highly viscous liquids, they will inevitably hit a point of diminishing returns due to a drop in efficiency. This means you may require a more powerful pump which will consume more energy to move a more viscous liquid.

Which pump is suitable to move your liquid type?

When selecting a pump on the basis of fluid properties, there is no one-size-fits-all. Now that it is clear that higher viscosity affects a pump’s performance negatively, let’s take a closer look at which pumps are best suited for moving your viscous liquids.

While centrifugal pumps are good enough for low viscosity liquids like water, their performance and efficiency may reduce significantly for more viscous liquids. These pumps may draw more power when transporting thicker liquids causing wastage of energy and piling up of electricity bills. For such liquids, the best pumps are positive displacement pumps such as diaphragm pumps, hose pumps, vane pumps and gear pumps. These can operate at lower speeds and at variable flow rates, delivering a constant flow of the fluid at desired speed. 

Viscosity is an important factor to consider when selecting the right pump, and also the size of instrumentation, piping, valves and filters. Appropriate selection of these items is necessary to account for friction loss due to viscosity. 

For more information on which pump is best to displace the liquid at your home or business facility, speak to our experts on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are the leading Kirloskar pump distributors based in Mumbai with a rich industry experience of over 70 years. 

Benefits of Implementing Kirlosmart for Predictive Pump Maintenance

by vemcoblogs -

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.

How Pumps are Helping Combat Water Pollution

by vemcoblogs -

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

by vemcoblogs -

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

by vemcoblogs -

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.

10 Ways PMI (Positive Material Identification) Inspection Prevents Pump Failures

by vemcoblogs -
10 Ways PM Inspection Prevents Pump Failures
Kirloskar pump distributor

As a pump owner, if there’s one thing you’re always concerned about, it’s sudden breakdowns. Depending on the functions your pump is performing, sudden breakdowns can lead to serious business consequences due to unexpected downtime. One of the most effective ways to prevent this is positive material identification or PMI for short. 

VEMC is the leading Kirloskar pump distributor, and in this blog, we talk about how PMI prevents pump failures.

What is PMI?

PMI is an analytical test of a material (generally an alloy) to determine the composition in percentage terms of its constituent elements. The most common methods for carrying out PMI are optical emission spectrometry (OES) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). One of its greatest benefits is that it is a completely non-destructive method.

PMI has an important role to play in pumping, where it is used for safety compliance and quality control. It also enables you to meet the legal and regulatory requirements set by local governments. But most importantly, it can prevent pump failure and its subsequent business costs.

How PMI prevents pump failures

Let’s now try to understand how PMI prevents pump failures across industries.

  1. With PMI testing, businesses can ensure every single component of the pump meets quality specifications, and critical parts are especially made up of the right grade of alloy. 
  1. PMI helps avoid the pump or its parts’ potential failure during the manufacturing process.
  1. PMI helps find potentially mixed-up alloys. This can be the single most important criterion for buyers to decide which pumps to choose and which sellers to trust.
  1. It enables buyers to determine whether the welded components have used the right filler material.
  1. With failure analysis PMI, you can unearth the root cause of a pump failure to avoid it the next time around.
  1. PMI ensures that the metal used in a pump meets the correct standards and specifications as per regulations and that it is safe to use for the customer.
  1. PMI testing reduces the risk of company liability, thanks to documented safety standards. It comes in handy when the documentation for the equipment is lost.
  1. Besides testing the composition of the alloys, it helps find out if the wrong material has been used in the construction of a pump or any of its parts.
  1. Due to its non-destructive procedure, it is beneficial in case of metals or materials that are too expensive to break down.
  1. PMI is also the best way out in situations where a part cannot be taken for a sample test.

Quite clearly, PMI is a remarkable novelty in pump testing. This is especially because of its cost effectiveness as no pump part or material is destroyed. Besides, the testing requires simple hand-held equipment, which requires no special training for employees.

For more information on how PMI can be useful, get in touch with VEMC at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the leading Kirloskar pump dealer, based in Mumbai.

Retrofitting as a cost-effective alternative to replacement

by vemcoblogs -

Pumps are usually designed to meet specific needs and expectations such as de-watering, supplying oil and petrochemicals or irrigation. However, over a period of time, the requirements may change and pumps may be needed for new operations altogether. Besides, the old pumps may undergo wear and tear especially in the chemical industry where there is a high likelihood of corrosion. All this can leave the pumps ill-equipped for taking on new tasks. This is where retrofitting comes in as an easy and cost-effective alternative to meet performance and reliability expectations. 

VEMC is a leading Kirloskar pump distributor in Mumbai and in this blog we talk about retrofitting of pumps.

What is pump retrofitting?

When pumps reach their wear and tear limit, retrofitting can give it a second life. It involves restoring an old pump by salvaging its component parts and if required fitting new ones to make it functional again. Retrofitting is highly economical and also has positive implications for the environment as it avoids unnecessary wastage of material. Retrofitting in other words offers a quick, efficient, cost effective and nature-positive overhaul for old pumps.

Cost effectiveness of pump retrofitting

Pump retrofitting can be immensely beneficial for companies looking to save not just on their Capex but also on Opex in the long run. Retrofitting also has implications for the environment and reduces your carbon footprint significantly. Here are some of the top benefits owners can expect from retrofitting their pumps.

  1. Avoiding Capex: The most outstanding benefit of retrofitting your pumps is that you get to avoid shelling out a huge sum at once. Buying a new pump can actually be quite expensive and make a dent in your finances. With retrofitting however, you get an opportunity to salvage your old pumps and prolonging their working life. 
  2. Improved reliability and performance: Equipment and component parts in critical business areas need to be up and running at all times. Once you retrofit your old pumps, its reliability and performance improves significantly. This avoids unplanned downtime and the business costs associated with it.
  3. Lower operating costs: To reduce your operating costs, it is important that your equipment is operating at peak efficiency levels. Operating cost throughout a pump’s service life is many times more than the initial Capex. With improvements in hydraulic design, your retrofitted pump can offer better performance, higher efficiency and lower power consumption.

Retrofitting maximizes revenue generation

A retrofit is a cost-effective way to deal with high demand and throughput without the cost and time needed to install a new pump. A retrofit also has the additional benefit of maintaining existing piping and foundations, further minimizing costs and downtime, and boosting revenue significantly.

Retrofitting is a great way to breathe new life into your old pumps. For more information on retrofitting, 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 based in Mumbai.

4 Common Misalignment Issues in Pump Sets and Their Impact

by vemcoblogs -

As your pumps get older, they will likely develop misalignment issues. This is due to the persistent movement and vibrations that make the shaft deviate from the desired position. Conversely, misalignment can cause further deviation by changing angles and orientations of the pump. 

VEMC is one of the leading industrial water pump suppliers in Mumbai, and in this blog, we talk about the 4 common misalignment issues in pumps, their impact, and ways to correct them.

Coupling misalignment

This is one of the most common types of misalignment and takes place due to a build-up of heat in bearings as a result of persistent friction. This causes wear and tear on the bearings, resulting in a reduced lifespan. In case of carbon journal bearings that are lubricated by the pumped liquid, the wear and tear could take place elliptically, thus sharply reducing the pump’s functionality. In extreme situations, coupling misalignment can lead to fractures in the casing, increased noise, and shaft failure.

Shaft misalignment

In case of misalignment in coupled shafts, the shafts are forced to rotate eccentrically. This leads to an excessive consumption of electricity, creates vibrations, increases the stress on the shafts and couplings. This reduces the mechanical seal life, causes fatigue and failure, and in extreme cases, could even lead to a complete breakdown of the pump.

Misalignment in piping

This can be caused due to incorrect installation and engineering. This often takes place when fixed pipe-work is connected to a smaller pump. In this case, misalignment could take place as a result of excessive nozzle loading. Besides, if the piping is not supported sufficiently, the weight of the fluids and the self-weight of the pipe could cause it to sag. Likewise, flow of hot liquid through the pipes could cause it to expand, forcing the joints apart and leading to misalignment.

Misalignment due to foot issues

Often one or more of the pump feet aren’t making enough contact with the base. This is known as a “soft foot” situation and is common for most rotating equipment. This is often detected when the pump is rocking, but very often it may not be detected at all until it has caused complete failure or breakdown.

How to correct pump misalignment

Pump misalignment is clearly a serious problem and can be dealt with in a number of ways. Here are some of the common ones:

  1. Simply realign the pump along the centrelines of its shafts. 
  2. Loosen the motor’s bolts to shift it to one side (horizontal adjustment) or add/remove shims under its feet (vertical adjustment).
  3. Support the piping carefully throughout the pump system.
  4. Use a Laser Shaft Alignment (LSA) to easily and quickly realign couplings and shafts.

For more on how to correct misalignment, feel free to give us a call on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are one of the top-notch industrial water pump dealers in Mumbai.

When to Repair vs. Replace a Pump

by vemcoblogs -

Whenever any of your equipment breaks down, you are required to make a choice between repairing or replacing it. This applies to industrial pumps as well. However, several variables come into play when making the repair vs. replace decision. Some of these are skills of the technician, current technology and of course the costs involved. 

VEMC is the leading Kirloskar dealer in Mumbai and in this blog, we talk about the repair vs replace dillemma that every pump owner has to face at some stage.

The repair vs. replace decision

The repair vs. replace discussion is often held whenever breakdown maintenance of a pump is being carried out. The decision is routed through a number of variables such as:

  1. What is the problem that caused the breakdown?
  2. Can it be fixed either internally or outsourced to an experienced technician?
  3. How much will it cost to fix the issue?

The first step is identifying the problem which in itself can be quite challenging. Often pumps break down due to more than one issue. To zero in on the problems requires plenty of expertise, skill, experience and even some amount of luck. In case an internal team-member is unable to resolve the problem, it may be better to outsource it to a third-party technician. 

At any rate, what really matters is how much cost will be involved in solving the problem. This is where the owner must figure out whether it would be more affordable to repair the pump, or simply to replace it with a new one. As a thumb rule, if the repair costs exceed half the costs for replacement, the pump should be replaced.

Age and performance history of the pump

If your pump is old, it is very likely to have undergone a significant amount of wear and tear. Plus, its technology has possibly become outdated which means it will be difficult to find spares for it. In terms of energy efficiency as well, the pump may not be performing up to the mark.

Another factor to look out for is how the pump has performed over the years. If it has had multiple breakdowns which has resulted in costly downtime, that makes another reason for you to consider replacement.

The environmental angle

Environmentally, it is always desirable that you prolong the lifespan of your equipment as much as possible and avoid frequent replacement. The latter causes unnecessary emissions and wastage of precious resources. However, if the outdated equipment has poor energy efficiency, it can be a heavy burden on not just the business but the environment as well. The eco-conscious pump owner is thus required to walk the tightrope between these two alternatives.

The repair vs. replace dillemma is one of the most confounding business decisions that any pump owner has to make. If you’re confused about what course of action to take on pump breakdown, let us help you navigate this uncertain territory. Call VEMC, the top-notch Kirloskar authorised dealer, on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. 

Importance of Conducting Pump Performance Testing

by vemcoblogs -

Pumps are expensive pieces of equipment, and to keep them going, continuous monitoring is important. With time, there will inevitably be wear and tear, which will cause deviations in performance. In other words, your pumps will gradually lose capacity and efficiency over time.

VEMC is one of the leading Kirloskar pump dealers based out of Mumbai, and in this blog, we tell you why regular and frequent performance testing is important.

Establishes mechanical integrity

Performance testing enables you to verify the design and establish its mechanical integrity. It helps prove compliance with industry standards and regulations. A mechanical run demonstrates that a pump runs without causing any mechanical issues such as leakage, high temperature, or vibrations.

Detection of issues

Performance testing is carried out under a range of different conditions. This essentially demonstrates the uniform performance of the pump in both hot and freezing temperatures without developing any faults or defects. A bearing temperature test is important to find out the levels of temperature at which pumps perform well. Temperature is measured before the start of the performance test and the minimal allowable rise of temperature above ambient levels is 70 degrees F. Likewise, as vibration levels increase, pumps may become more susceptible to leakages in gaskets, seals, etc. Performance testing ensures none of this takes place.

Finding operational problems

Performance testing can also be an opportunity to find out if a pump has any operational issues. These include misalignment or excessive vibration. These issues, if left unresolved, could cause serious and long-term damage to the pump, thus having an impact on its lifespan. Get in touch with any Kirloskar pump dealer to find out how to get these issues resolved.

Testing energy efficiency

A very important aspect of operating a pump is the level of energy it consumes. This is important as energy prices are soaring and any waste or increased consumption can raise costs significantly. Statistical reports that are received after performance testing demonstrate the level of energy efficiency of a pump.

Compliance testing

Your pump must comply with industry standards as well as government regulations. They need to comply with several standards, such as Hydraulic Institute (HI) vertical pump tests and ANSI/HI 2.6-1994. Non-compliance with any of these standards could attract severe penalties.

Testing the pump’s performance

Finally, and most importantly, the role of performance testing is to find out whether the pump is providing the performance that it promises. For this, the NPSH test is performed using two methods –– vacuum suppression and suction valve throttling. 

Pumps are expensive assets that you wish to make the most of for an extended period. This makes it very important that you keep a regular eye on how it is performing. For more information on performance testing, feel free to get in touch with VEMC by calling 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the leading and most reputed Kirloskar pump dealers in Mumbai.

Here are Four Reasons why Choosing VEMC as your Pump Supplier is a Good Choice

by vemcoblogs -
Why Choosing VEMC as your Pump Supplier
Why Choosing VEMC as your Pump Supplier

When it comes to industrial water pump dealers in Mumbai, VEMC is one name that stands out. This is thanks to our years and years of rich experience in dealing with clients across industries. But experience aside, VEMC has also been flexible enough to reinvent itself and meet new challenges effectively. The best part however, is its ability to understand clients’ needs and establish long-term trustworthy business relationships with them. 

We Give You Four Strong Reasons That Should Make Vemc Your Pump Supplier Of Choice.

Years of experience

VEMC has humble origins. It was established in the year 1948 in Mumbai, with a vision to offer reliable and endearing electromechanical solutions. During the 1950s it joined hands with Kirloskar Brothers Ltd. for selling Peter fielding engines. As of date, it has gathered over 70 years of experience in electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. VEMC’s clients include hotels, universities, hospitals and municipalities. Over the years, it has trained its human resources and created a robust talent pool to meet the challenges of the dynamic technology landscape and provide the highest quality of service. Today, the company has evolved from being a pump dealership to a full-fledged solutions provider.

Gets you the right pump for the job

VEMC believes in forming strong bonds with its clients and understanding their business thoroughly. Whether it is for dewatering the streets or displacing water from a construction site, VEMC has a solution for every challenge. This availability of vast options coupled with its rich experience in pumping makes VEMC the most obvious choice for getting you the right pump for your needs every single time.

Clients can count on VEMCs service

As mentioned already, VEMC has seamlessly evolved itself from a pump dealership to a full-fledged service provider of choice. Their service begins as soon as a client gets in touch with them for a pumping solution. What follows is a fully planned and executed end-to-end project management service that installs the pumps and gets them running. Besides, VEMC also provides repair, restoration, and maintenance services anywhere across India. This makes the company the most reliable partner in the client’s fluid management journey. VEMC also offers energy audit services for pumps that help minimize energy wastage and improve clients’ operational efficiency.

Your success is our number 1 goal

Finally, VEMC believes in business partnership rather than salesmanship. Our business approach is the most crucial strategic decision for us. Our goal is not just to sell more pumps to clients, but helping them meet their business goals and partner with them along their journey. This unique approach of doing business makes VEMC stand out as one of the leading industrial water pump suppliers in Mumbai.
If you are looking for industrial water pumps in Mumbai, feel free to give us a call on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the leading Kirloskar pump dealers and take pride in being the best pump service providers out there.

How do you Address Pump Cavitation

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Pump Cavitation
Address Pump Cavitation

To put it simply, cavitation is the creation and collapse of bubbles in a liquid flowing inside a pump. Bubbles are created due to the drop in pressure in the pump or the supply lines. This can create loud, gravelly noises inside the system. Cavitation is a serious problem for pumps as it can cause corrosion of internal components like motors, seals, and impellers. We at VEMC are the leading industrial pump suppliers in Mumbai, and in this blog, we tell you how to address pump cavitation.

Causes of pump cavitation

  1. The most common cause of pump cavitation is piping. Either the inlet pipe from the source of water is too short or too long causing pressure variations.
  2. The use of equipment like strainers or valves can also cause pump cavitation by blocking the free water supply into the pump.
  3. If the water supply is coming from a tank, less reserve liquid can cause a drop in pressure which in turn causes cavitation.

Signs and symptoms

  1. Users will usually complain of a loud sound inside the system, somewhat like gravel or coffee beans passing through.
  2. If your pump is producing lower pressure levels, it could also indicate cavitation.
  3. Cavitation can also cause unexpected vibrations not accounted for by the equipment used or liquid being pumped.
  4. Cavitation has a severe impact on your pump impeller. Any pieces or eroded parts of an impeller inside the pump system indicate cavitation.
  5. Erratic power consumption can indicate cavitation. This happens because bubbles form around the impeller or the impeller itself has begun to fail due to which the pump needs to draw more electricity to move the liquid.  

Negative impact of cavitation

When water bubbles form and explode inside the pump, these release latent heat of condensation. The pressure jet created due to this hits the nearby solid surface causing damage to it. While one or a few instances may not cause any significant impact over time the pump can get seriously damaged due to persistent cavitation. Since cavitation takes place when water enters the pump, the first component that bubbles impact is the impeller.

Preventive measures

So here are some ways to troubleshoot your pump cavitation on your own:

  1. Pump cavitation is usually caused by a drop or imbalance of pressure in the pump. This can be a result of clogs on the suction or discharge side. Make sure you check the filters and strainers for any blockage.
  2. Make sure your pump is operating at its best efficiency levels by using a pressure gauge or a flowmeter.
  3. Reconfigure your pipe designs. Pipe designs with inverted U’s on the suction side can trap air. Likewise, pipe designs with a 90 degree right before the pump can cause turbulence inside the pump. Both can cause cavitation.

To know more about cavitation and ways to prevent it, feel free to give us a call at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are the leading Kirloskar pumps distributors based in Mumbai having more than 70 years of pumping experience.

The Top 5 Reasons Why Modern Markets Demand Energy-Efficient Pumps and Valves

by vemcoblogs -
Modern Markets Demand Energy-Efficient Pumps and Valves
water pump dealers 

Some of the biggest business concerns in modern times are costs of energy, environment, compliance, etc. Just like competitors, these factors constantly act upon your business and shape your strategy. VEMC is one of the leading water pump dealers based in Mumbai.

Top Five Reasons Why Modern Markets Demand Energy Efficient Pumps And Valves

1. Cost reduction

Due to rapid economic growth leading to a rise in consumption, there is growing pressure on our conventional sources of energy. The demand pressures are thus causing a significant rise in energy costs per unit. However, energy-efficient pumps and valves can help reduce energy bills significantly by reducing over-consumption and wastage.

2. Sustainability

Climate change has become the single greatest danger to humanity globally. Even a marginal increase in global temperatures has the potential to wreak havoc through natural disasters such as storms, floods, and landslides. To keep a check on carbon emissions, the least businesses can do is reduce the demand-side pressure on conventional sources of energy especially fossils such as coal. As your Kirloskar water pump dealer will tell you, energy-efficient pumps and valves can be a great step in this direction. By reducing energy consumption, these pumps and valves can lower our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

3. Compliance

Climate change is also shaping the legislative landscape across national boundaries. Governments and authorities are becoming increasingly proactive in checking pollution levels and waste of energy. Businesses are expected to comply with these legislations and regulations. Flouting these can make them liable to hefty fines, reprimands, and penalties from regulators. This makes it all the more important for businesses to use energy-efficient pumps, valves, and other equipment.

Apart from all the energy and environment-related benefits, one simple and straightforward advantage of energy-efficient pumps is optimum performance. With limited intake of energy, these pumps can provide the highest levels of productivity in terms of flow, pressure, and overall fluid handling. More efficient pumps and valves can in short enable businesses to accomplish tasks and meet business goals at significantly lower costs.

4. Eliminating losses

Control valves or bypass loops cannot be possibly used everywhere in the fluid network. These in fact are indicative of unbalanced processes or oversized pumps. As your Kirloskar pump authorised dealer will explain, pumps and valves which are innately able to control fluid flow can also help eliminate losses due to wastage of energy.
If you are looking for the best-in-class pumps and valves for your business facility, feel free to reach out to VEMC by calling 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the leading Kirloskar pumps distributors based in Mumbai, and deal in a wide array of pumps, valves, and other electromechanical equipment. We also offer repair, maintenance, and pump energy audit services which help our clients maintain the highest levels of operational efficiency.

IoT: The Next Big Game Changer in the Pump Industry

by vemcoblogs -
IoT: Pump Industry's Game Changer
Kirloskar pump dealer

The Internet of Things or IoT is a revolutionary new technology that is driving change across industries. Whether it is healthcare or manufacturing, automation with IoT is setting the tone for a new transformation. 

IoT is simply when devices automatically connect with each other, stream live data, and respond to the data without any form of human intervention. The enormous amount of data generated, conveyed, and stored in the process can be analyzed to unearth patterns for better decision-making. 

IoT has also begun to impact the pump industry with a number of remote monitoring technologies coming into play. VEMC is a leading Kirloskar pump dealer. 

We tell you how IoT is becoming a game-changer in the pump industry

Remote pump monitoring and operation

Kirloskar pump dealers are often flooded by frequent questions about pump automation from their industrial clients. In 2016, Kirloskar launched the first-of-its-kind hardware and software solution to monitor and operate pumps remotely. This solution, known as KirloSmart, is the prime example of IoT in the pumping industry. With KirloSmart, a pump is enabled to continuously stream data to KBL’s web-based portal and smartphone app from where the user can access it with ease. Both have an exceptionally simple, interactive, and intuitive UI/UX. 

KirloSmart receives data on a range of parameters such as pump vibration, voltage, flow, speed, etc. This can give a fair idea about the normal operation of the pump and also alert the user in case of any deviation. Naturally, it acts as an early warning system for scheduling pump inspections, troubleshooting, or preventative maintenance. It can also alert the user if the pump is consuming too much energy.

Through its alerts, KirloSmart can help users enhance the lifespan of the pump, reduce sudden breakdowns and downtime, and keep operations at peak efficiency.

Data security

A number of users these days are wary of data breaches in their networks. However, as any Kirloskar pump distributor will explain, KirloSmart ensures utmost data security as its cloud services are SOC (System and Organisation Controls) compliant. 

Energy savings and operational efficiency

Energy costs are fast rising in India and across the world. The clamour to save energy is further sharpened due to the ongoing debate around the environment, climate change, and sustainability.

The discussion around energy is echoing in the pump industry as well. It is estimated that around 75% of pump systems in India are oversized, and electricity costs account for over 40% of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of the pump.

In this context, IoT-based solutions like KirloSmart can play a huge role in keeping track of energy consumption and streamlining operations, inspections and maintenance to reduce wastage.
Due to its sparkling success, IoT-based KirloSmart is the leading topic of discussion with clients for any Kirloskar water pump dealer. If you wish to know more about how IoT is transforming the pumping industry, feel free to call VEMC on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the leading Kirloskar authorized dealer based in Mumbai.

Top 10 Trends in Pump Technology That Are Transforming Fluid Management

by vemcoblogs -
Top 10 Trends in Pump Technology

Technology and digitalization are playing a big role in transforming fluid management. Pumping no longer is about unresponsive mechanized equipment displacing water from one place to another. With the industry getting increasingly competitive, energy costs rising, and environmental pressures building up, pumps have to get smarter and more intuitive. Technologies like IoT and data analytics are playing a crucial role in all this. VEMC is a leading Kirloskar water pump dealer based in Mumbai.

Let’s Explore Top 10 Trends Driving The Pumping Technology Forward

IoT

The Internet of Things is a revolutionary new technology that connects devices with each other through sensors and with zero human intervention. IoT-enabled pumps keep streaming and sharing parameters like voltage, vibration, flow, etc. over WiFi networks, while apps such as KBLs KirloSmart enable users to monitor and operate them remotely.

Predictive maintenance

One of the most significant overheads in the pumping industry is repairs and maintenance. Besides, the sudden breakdown of pumps can cost businesses heavily. Predictive maintenance is a trend that enables pump owners to schedule inspections and repairs on the basis of critical pump parameters.

Smart design

An increasing number of water pump dealers are selling pumps with a smart design. A lot of thought is going into pump construction to avoid unnecessary vibrations, and the resulting wear and tear. At the same time, the pump components are highly accessible which makes them easy to repair.

Energy efficiency

As energy costs rise across the world, smart pumps can help reduce the waste of electricity by matching the speed and flow rates to the demand. Greater energy efficiency is the hallmark of modern-day pumping equipment.

Data-driven decisions

With a wealth of data available to pump owners, they can make more informed decisions with regard to maintenance, resource allocation, and process optimization. AI-based decision-making is going to have an increasing scope in the coming years.

Remote monitoring

Smart pumps are connected with users over the Internet. This enables them to keep track of their performance and respond quickly to any issues in the pump. Overall, this leads to more streamlined operations and maintenance without the physical presence of the owner.

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

AR and VR primarily help in the training and development of staff for dealing with breakdowns or troubleshooting the pumps. This can enable companies to create a more well-trained and thorough pool of technicians to deal with pump issues.

Optimized processes

When they are integrated into larger industrial systems, smart pumps contribute to optimized processes with their precision in fluid flow and pressure control.

3D printed pumps

With 3D printing, complex and customized pump parts can be printed and integrated to manufacture pumps. This can reduce the costs of manufacturing drastically, improve precision, and reduce the rate of faults.

Environment-friendly pumps

With greater efficiency and lower energy consumption, smart pumps have a much lower carbon footprint. As any Kirloskar authorised dealer may explain, a greater focus is being placed on reducing water leakage and wastage from the pumps. This makes them more sustainable as compared to conventional pumps.
For more information on the latest trends in pumping technology, speak to our experts at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar dealer in Mumbai.