Minimum Efficiency Index-An Important Criteria for Pump Selection

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. 

  1. Overall system design and type of the pump
  2. The efficiency of the pump components and spare parts
  3. Repairs and maintenance regimes of the pump
  4. Age of the pump
  5. The efficiency of pump control
  6. Medium being handled by the pump (liquid, semi-solid or solid)
  7. 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 After this threshold was established, 40% of pumps being sold in Europe before 2015 had to be withdrawn from the market.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.

Are Multi-Stage, Multi-Outlet Pumps the Most Appropriate Solution for Firefighting Pump Applications?

Multi-Stage Multi-Outlet (MSMO) pumps are widely used in offices, hotels, hospitals, residential or mixed-use buildings and tunnels, for fire safety. A number of features make these pumps highly suitable for firefighting, whether you are using them in sprinkler systems, deluge systems, hydrant systems, monitor systems, or even water curtains.

As The Leading Kirloskar Fire Pump Dealers, We Explain Why These Pumps Are The Most Appropriate Solution For Your Fire Safety Systems:

High Flow Rate

For starters, MSMO pumps have multiple impellers which generate more head and flow rate than a single impeller pump. An MSMO pump typically offers a head range of up to 500 metres and a flow rate of about 700 cubic meters/hour. This boosts the flow rate and makes them an obvious choice for tall buildings, especially in a fire emergency.

Efficient Energy Consumption

The power requirements of an MSMO pump are lower. Besides, with a single MSMO pump in place, there is no need to use multiple pumps at different levels of a high-rise building. As your Kirloskar Fire Pump Dealer will explain, a correctly sized MSMO pump has 7 outlets and can replace as many individual pumps. Their ring section diffuser-type construction eliminates the radial loads completely. These factors drastically reduce their energy consumption.

Reliability

The vertical execution of the pumps provides excellent mechanical stability to the MSMO pumps. This makes them highly reliable to fight fires, especially in high-rise building complexes. 

Flexibility

Kirloskar MSMO pumps can execute both horizontally as well as vertically which makes them highly reliable in times of a fire emergency. The suction or delivery piping can be fitted through 360 degrees at intervals of 90 degrees which makes fire fighting multidirectional and highly effective. 

Durability

As any Kirloskar Authorised Dealer will brief you, MSMO pumps have a high standard material of construction whether it is casing, impeller or shaft (cast iron, bronze and stainless steel respectively). These are available in both gland packing and mechanical seals. Good quality material ensures your MSMO pumps have a pretty long lifespan.

Regulatory Compliance

New global legislation, norms and standards discourage the use of pressure-reducing valves.  PRVs are often required to check the overpressurization of branches and sprinklers. However, Kirloskar’s MSMO pumps preclude the need to use PRVs making these pumps highly compliant to global standards.

Ease of Maintenance

The simplicity of design and accessibility that these pumps offer make maintenance easy and cost-effective. Kirloskar pump dealers such as VEMC in fact, offer complete pump audit maintenance services.

Cost Effective

The Kirloskar MSMO pumps are highly affordable in their class of products. Also, with these pumps, you do not need an extensive piping system or water storage tanks on the intermediate floors. This makes these pumps highly cost-effective.

Conclusion

For more information on MSMO pumps, their features, pricing and usage, give us a call at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are the leading Kirloskar Fire Fighting Pump Dealers and provide a range of services such as pump installation, maintenance, AMC and project management.

What is pump cavitation? How to get rid of it

What is pump cavitation?

Cavitation is one of the most common issues in centrifugal pumps. Often this surfaces as strange noise, vibration and reduced performance of the pump. Prevention of cavitation is necessary as this may otherwise impact the lifespan of the pump. But before talking about the ways to prevent it, let’s understand what cavitation really is.

What is cavitation?

Cavitation is simply the accumulation of bubbles around the pump impeller. Bubbles are formed in liquids of any viscosity and when these burst inside the pump, high energy shock waves are created inside the pump. This is analogous to the ripples created in a pond when you throw a stone into it. However, with the enormous number of bubbles exploding inside the liquid, cavitation can cause serious erosion of pump components over time.

How does pump cavitation occur?

When the pressure quickly drops below the vapour pressure, bubbles or voids are formed inside the liquid. When the same bubbles experience high pressure, they collapse and create small shockwaves in the process. These shockwaves create tiny holes in the pump components over a period of time. This is called “pitting”.

How to prevent pump cavitation

1. You can prevent pump cavitation most effectively by increasing the pressure upstream from the pump’s impeller. This pressure is called Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH). NPSH can be increased in the following ways:

  • By increasing the water level of the upstream reservoir
  • By adding an inducer to the pump inlet
  • By reducing the flow losses upstream
  • By operating the pump at lower flow rates

2. Even the smallest amount of air going into the pump can cause cavitation. Check and make sure all the joints and connections are sealed perfectly well. Check all the O-rings and any other mechanical seals regularly. Cavitation can also be caused by the bubbles created by a foaming liquid. In such a case, run the pump slower and remove all the contents periodically, including air.

3. Use a booster pump to reduce the pressure on your primary pump. Increase the liquid level around the suction area and if possible, reduce the temperature of the pump, liquid or other components.

Types of cavitation

Let’s try to understand two of the most common types of cavitation, that is, suction cavitation and discharge cavitation.

1. Suction cavitation

Also known as classical cavitation, this happens when the pump is under low pressure or high vacuum conditions. Pressure is dropped instantly when the liquid being pumped enters the eye of a centrifugal pump. Bubbles or cavities are formed near the eye of the impeller which gradually move to areas of higher pressure.

2. Discharge cavitation

This happens when a pump discharge pressure is extremely high or the flow is restricted and cannot leave the pump. This results in majority of the pump fluid getting circulated within the pump. The bursting of bubbles creates intense shockwaves, resulting in premature wear and tear of the impeller.

VEMC is a Kirloskar authorised dealer and deals in swimming pool pumps, submersible sewage pumps, vertical turbine pumps etc. We also offer AMC services for pumps and resolve technical issues. Avail our services by giving us a call on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in.

Buying a Swimming Pool Pump? Here’s what you need to know.

A swimming pool pump passes the pool water through the pool filter and sometimes, a pool heater. A pump is effective when it passes the water through the filter once every 12 hours, also known as a turnover. The effectiveness is measured through the size of the pool and the turnover rate. It’s calculated by the gallons per minute (GPM) of water it passes.

What is a swimming pool pump?

It’s a common part of swimming pools that allows you to pump water through a filter, circulate it, and keep it clean. It’s an important component that ensures the pool water is cool and safe to bathe in.

Do I need a swimming pool pump?

Traditionally, pools were cleaned manually with skewers. While this helps remove large particles such as leaves, it’s not as effective for cleaning fine debris such as dust, sand, or dirt.

A swimming pool pump is ideal for cleaning the debris at the bottom of the pump to render the pool water dirt-free and ideal to swim in.

What are the key parts of a swimming pool pump?

A basic swimming pool pump has five different components. They are:

  • Water inlet – This allows the pool water to enter the pump. The diameter of the inlet directly impacts the flow rate of the pump.
  • Water outlet – The water exits the pump from this area. Again, the diameter of the outlet dictates the flow rate of the pump.
  • Filter – This is an important component since it captures the debris before the water re-enters the pool. They are also known as sand filters or strainer baskets and are built from high-quality, erosion-resistant plastic.
  • Impeller – This spinning component propels the water out of the pump. It sucks the water into the impeller face and expels the water through the side.
  • Motor – The motor is the force that runs the impeller, draws water into the pump and again out of it.

How does a swimming pool pump work?

At the heart of a good swimming pool is an effective pump. It circulates the water, disperses the treatment chemicals, and prevents the water from stagnating. It achieves this by pulling the water through an inlet, passing it through the filter, and then pumping it back out into the pool.

Why choose Kirloskar KPP swimming pool pump?

This is a high-performing pump that works silently.

It can be used for water circulation and filtration in various systems such as:

  • Hot springs
  • Swimming pools including suction sweeping
  • Spas
  • Water treatment systems
  • Landscape fountains
  • Light industries

Some of the features are:

  • Built-in thermal overload protection
  • Pre-filter basket
  • Quiet operation
  • Self-priming
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Mechanical seal
  • Dynamically balanced rotating parts

For more information on swimming pool 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 Kirloskar authorised dealer of pool 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. For inquiries, contact us at marketing@vemc.co.in.

Why Should You Purchase A Dewatering Pump With A Control Panel?

The control panel of a pump is used to automate the mechanics of motor control applications in water-based systems. It includes power components that determine how the pump motor works as well as several devices for operator control. There are also other sensors that help automate the machinery. 

A majority of the time, pump control panels are for use outdoors. In these cases, they are enclosed by a protective layer that allows you to install the panel near a supply of water such as a well so that there is no risk of water damage to it. This is why it is very helpful to buy a dewatering pump with a control panel.

A pump control panel comes in various types and has different features. They can be pre-packaged, for heavy-duty or medium-level use. They can be single-phase, three-phase, duplex, or simplex control panels. They come in different current ratings and voltages. For a dewatering pump, you must choose a pump control panel that serves the purpose adequately.

Determine whether you want your dewatering pump to be used in harsh industrial conditions and the scale at which you plan to use it. These factors will help you select the right pump control panel for it. 

For dewatering purposes, you will probably have to use a pump that can drain waterlogged pits, floods, or entire floors in your industrial site. When you use it is also a significant factor. For example, draining floods in the monsoon will be a heavy-duty job, so it is important to take cognizance of this. The control panel you choose must support these operations properly by protecting the pump from water and other damage at all costs — its main function. It must be designed in a sturdy way that will enable it to hold up to the task. 

Look for a control panel that is easy to install and has an entry point at the bottom for the times that the power supply is running underground

After you have identified your needs and observed the environment where you require the pump control panel, you will be ready to select a suitable control panel. Note that if a pre-packaged pump control panel will not meet your needs, you can always get a customized pump control panel tailored according to your preferences.For more information on industrial pumps, motors, and other equipment, please contact us at +91 98199 07445. We would be glad to help you find the best match for you based on your requirements. VEMC is a Kirloskar authorised dealer and provides complete 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.

Methods, Tips & Precautions for Construction Dewatering

Dewatering is the removal of water, where it is drained out by pumping from a particular location. Basically, dewatering provides a dry foundation to work on by reducing the ground water table of the site. Whether you are constructing, running sand, or repairing sewers, dams, buildings, tunnels, or a basement, dewatering can prove very useful.

Choosing the right method for your project is very important. There are four main methods of dewatering — the well point method, eductor wells, open slump pumping, and deep well point method. Let’s take a look at them.

Well Point Method

In the well point method, the groundwater is channelled by the pump through the header pipe before getting discharged. This is a fairly, flexible and cost effective method under a wide variety of soil conditions.

Educator Well

This dewatering method is a lot like the well point system, but instead of a vacuum, high-pressure water is used to draw water into the well points. This method can be an effective in soils that are less permeable.

Open Slump Pumping

In the open slump pumping method, slumps and drains are constructed at one or more points of the excavated pit. These then collect the groundwater. This is one of the most convenient and cost-efficient methods.

Deep Well Point Method

The deep well point method is appropriate for a deep excavation when a large amount of groundwater needs to be removed.

Precautions to Take in Dewatering

  • Make sure to conduct the process under special supervision and look out for any signs of instability or soil erosion.
  • Do not pump the water directly into slopes.
  • Used a wooded buffer if you can.
  • Choose an appropriate area to discharge the water, ideally a forest buffer zone.
  • Ensure that the channels used for dewatering are stable and covered by vegetation or grass if possible.
  • Avoid dewatering during heavy rains.
  • When removing water that is contaminated with chemicals, grease or oil, do not discharge it directly. Use an oil-water separator before disposal.
  • Make sure you have all the relevant permits and licenses for dewatering before discharging water.
  • Check and verify the state of the water table at the location of dewatering. If it is too close to the surface, the plan may not work.

VEMC, a Kirloskar authorised dealer in India, supplies industrial water pumps in Mumbai for different industrial applications. We offer a diverse range of pumping solutions including water pumps. For more information on our products and assistance selecting the right ones for you, please reach out to us at +91 98199 07445. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

Opt For Kirloskar Industrial Valves – Quality Matters!

Industrial valves are a critical part of the process industries used to regulate the flow of the media within the system. They are designed with the sole purpose of controlling the inflow and outflow of water, powder or slurries within the system. There are various types of valves available even for isolating the flow and diverting the flow. These valves are categorised based on the specific need of the industry. Whatever the need is, it is ultimately the quality that matters when it comes to industrial valves. Since the presence of an industrial valve can prove to be of great use, it becomes important to find valves of the finest quality suiting your purpose. Kirloskar valves have stood the test of time and have been regarded as the best across different industrial segments. Let’s look at why Kirloskar valves are top-rated.

Why choose Kirloskar valves?

  • Variety of options to choose from

There are a wide variety of valves available ranging from 50 mm to 400 mm depending upon their application in the industry. While ball valves and gate valves are used mainly for isolating the flow, globe valves are designed for flow control. Kirloskar offers a vast portfolio of industrial valves catering to every purpose.

  • Manufactured in accordance with national and international standards

These valves are designed in line with the best-in-class standard regulatory guidelines. This guarantees the safety of the product in its application without loss of life or damage to property. Backed by ISO 9001 certification, it is better placed in terms of quality assurance and safety.

  • Suited for every industry

These valves are quite versatile and are built to perform various functions based on the demand of the industries. It is used in diverse industries including water and sewage treatment, mining, electricity production, agricultural irrigation, oil, gas, and petroleum processing, food processing, chemical and plastic manufacture, and many more. Kirloskar valves are known to meet every set of requirement of these industries.

  • Customised as per your need

Customisation is possible with Kirloskar valves which makes it a valuable asset for industries. These valves can be manufactured in both cast iron as well as cast steel on the basis of particular requirements. The functional design of these industrial valves can change and be tailored to the needs of the customer.

  • Top manufacturer of all kinds of valves

Kirloskar is amongst the leading manufacturers of industrial valves with a large product line. It has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation with years of experience in the designing and manufacturing of fluid management systems. Trusted by many across the globe, Kirloskar is considered to be a world-class manufacturer of industrial valves.

VEMC is an authorized Kirloskar butterfly valve dealer. For more information on industrial valves or any of our products, please contact us at +91 98199 07445. We would be happy to assist you in finding the right products and services based on your requirements. As one of the leading valve dealers in the country, VEMC provides seamless end-to-end services to its clients. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

Watering VS Dewatering Pumps: The Basics

What is a water pump?

Water pumps are mechanical devices used mainly to transfer water from one place to another through a motor converting rotational or kinetic energy into hydrodynamic energy (for fluid flow).

Water pumps usually have three primary parts. These are an inlet, a pump system, and an outlet.

The water gets drawn into the pump from the inlet side when a difference in pressure forms within the pump system. The water is led from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure, which is then used to move the water to the side of the outlet through the pump, then into a hose, and finally towards the water tank.

What are the uses of a water pump?

Applications of a water pump range from irrigation in agricultural farming systems to water extraction in construction sites. They can also be used in supplying water to residential, commercial, or industrial sites.

What is a dewatering pump?

A dewatering centrifugal pump, just like the name implies, is mainly used to remove water from a particular place and move it to another location.

A dewatering centrifugal pump functions just as any other pump does. It uses an impeller with a blade to begin and continue the movement of the water. The water goes into a smaller part of the impeller called the impeller eye. The flow of the water is then collected from there and directed to the diffuser, which is a conical-shaped discharge nozzle. This is when the velocity of the water is reduced and the energy of the water flow is changed to pressure energy.

After the process described above, the water is then removed from the pump at an angle of 7 to 10 degrees for optimal efficiency. This is the stage of dewatering. To help this process along, mostly an electric motor is used. However, some pumps may use different types of motors.

What are the uses of a dewatering pump?

A dewatering pump finds several applications across various industries including construction, mining, mills, and municipal operations. Any place that needs to be kept dry and clean, such as roads and worksites, will benefit from having a dewatering pump to work smoothly with. During the monsoon season especially, a dewatering pump comes in extremely handy thanks to its effective flood control, groundwater removal, inland wastewater management, and prompt drainage functions.

For more information on 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 both Kirloskar watering and 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. For inquiries, contact us at marketing@vemc.co.in.

How Autoprime Dewatering Pumps Come to the Rescue During Floods

With the monsoon season come heavy rains and more often than not, the likelihood of flooding. An industrial, construction, or manufacturing site becomes particularly vulnerable to the effects of flooding, as pits and crevices in the local area get clogged and waterlogged from the constant rains pouring down into them. If your factory or site faces similar problems in rainy weather, you will be all too familiar with such a scenario. High downtime and damages caused by flooding can set you back for hours, prove costly, and lead to unnecessary losses in revenue. This is where an autoprime dewatering pump can be a saviour and take care of the issues brought on by rain and flooding. Let’s take a look at how it does this.

An autoprime dewatering pump is mainly used to remove water from a particular place and transfer it to another one. It has multiple uses across industries including construction, mining, mills, and municipal operations. In fact, any site that needs to be kept clean and dry like streets and worksites will benefit from having an autoprime dewatering pump to help keep it so. Thanks to its effective flood control, inland wastewater management, prompt drainage functions, and self-priming attributes, an autoprime dewatering pump truly comes to your rescue in the thick of the monsoon.

What is an autoprime dewatering pump?

How can an autoprime dewatering pump help in draining flood water?

Smart autoprime pumps are specially designed to provide a quick dewatering solution for flooded areas. They are portable and at the same time, high-performing. In times of dangerous levels of flooding, the autoprime pump comes to the rescue by restoring functionality and ensuring that the flooding does not hamper regular activities nor put a hold on people’s lives. The autoprime dewatering pump is also suited for pumping large volumes of water, raw sewage, and industrial wastewater.

An autoprime pump can provide a safe, efficient, and cost-effective solution for pumping larger liquid volumes. It is portable, simple to use, sturdy, and ideal for pumping water when suction is difficult. It can also be used to pump a variety of liquids (of different viscosities) apart from water.

All in all, the advantages of an auto prime pump include ease of use, high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, protection from flooding and similar emergencies, portability and reliability.

What are all the applications of an autoprime pump?

Autoprime dewatering pumps have a wide array of applications including groundwater control, wellpoint dewatering, sewage over pumping, flood relief, pipe relining, mine dewatering, industrial sludge pumping, tank sediment clearing, marine ballasting, and emergency dewatering services.

For more information on industrial pumps, motors, and other equipment, please contact us at +91 98199 07445. We would be glad to help you find the best match for you based on your requirements. VEMC is a Kirloskar authorised dealer and provides complete 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.