Minimum Efficiency Index (MEI) is one of the most widely used parameters in the pumping industry. To put it simply, MEI is the measure of a pump’s efficiency. VEMC is a top-notch Kirloskar Authorised Dealer
In This Blog, We Tell You All You Need To Know About Minimum Efficiency Index.
Definition Of Minimum Efficiency Index
As mentioned above, Minimum Efficiency Index or MEI is a measure of a pump’s energy efficiency. It has been expostulated by the European Committee for Standardization in 2015 under the standard EN 16480. This document provides an elaborate method to calculate the MEI and also set a threshold which pumps had to achieve before being commercialised.
Importance Of Energy Efficiency
Pump efficiency simply indicates how well a pump is able to convert electrical energy into pumping energy. It is naturally preoccupied with reducing the wastage of energy as much as possible. This wasted energy can manifest in undesirable forms such as heat and noise.
From the business point of view, however, greater efficiency means more savings! Inefficient pumps waste electricity in pumping the fluid, causing relatively higher consumption of units. With energy costs rising the world over, this is the last thing that a highly competitive business would want.
Besides, inefficient pumps also tend to have more wear and tear and their maintenance costs rise rapidly as they age. This also means more spare parts to repair the pump every year creating another drain on revenues.
Factors affecting MEI
As any Kirloskar water pump dealer will explain, a number of factors affect the efficiency and thus MEI of a pump.
- Overall system design and type of the pump
- The efficiency of the pump components and spare parts
- Repairs and maintenance regimes of the pump
- Age of the pump
- The efficiency of pump control
- Medium being handled by the pump (liquid, semi-solid or solid)
- Wear and tear of the component parts
Standardization of MEI
In 2015 the European Committee for Standardization set the minimum threshold for efficiency at 0.4 under Standard EN 16480. Pumps below this threshold would not be allowed to be sold. After this threshold was established, 40% of pumps being sold in Europe before 2015 had to be withdrawn from the market. The Standard EN 16480 provides an elaborate methodology to measure MEI including errors, uncertainty and tolerance levels.
Pump Selection Based on MEI
The minimum MEI threshold as already mentioned is 0.4. However, 0.7 is considered to be the highest MEI value and any pump exhibiting this level of MEI at a reasonable price is surely a great deal. Before purchasing a pump, ask your Kirloskar Authorised Dealer its MEI value.
Benefits of Using MEI
Given the thorough procedure that is followed to calculate MEI, it is the most reliable litmus test for pump efficiency. Greater MEI indicates higher efficiency levels, lower energy wastage, lower electricity costs, and more sustainable business overall. It also acts as a certificate and culls those pumps from the market which are low-grade, thus offering the consumer only the highest standard product.
VEMC is the leading Kirloskar Authorised Dealer with a vast experience in electromechanical products and services. For more, call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in.