7 Common Causes of Cavitation in Pump Systems and How to Avoid Them

Pump Systems

If you hear your centrifugal pump making strange noises, there’s a high likelihood that it is struggling with cavitation. In simple words, this means the formation of air bubbles around the impeller. When these bubbles burst, they create high-energy shockwaves which travel across the fluid. As any Kirloskar pump dealer will explain, cavitation can cause not just noise and vibration, but also mechanical damage and performance deterioration in the long run. VEMC is one of the leading Kirloskar Pump Dealers in the country. 

In This Blog, We Explain To You The 7 Common Causes Of Cavitation And Ways To Avoid Them:

1.Insufficient NPSHA (Net Positive Suction Head Available)

When the liquid in a pump vapourises at low pressure, it causes cavitation in the pump. This happens when there isn’t enough pressure at the suction end or the pump has insufficient NPSHA. To avoid cavitation, therefore, it is important that sufficient NPSHA is available so as to ensure the liquid always remains above the vapour pressure. The pump manufacturer determines the NPSH required for each pump, and your Kirloskar pump distributor can give you all the information on this.

2. High Pump Speed Or Impeller Design

When an impeller starts to rotate at a high speed (high RPM), the flow rate and head pressure naturally increase. This causes vapourisation cavitation in the pump. To avoid it, reduce the motor speed, install an impeller inducer, or add a booster pump. Ask your Kirloskar Pump Authorised Dealer for more. 

3. Inlet Restrictions Of Blockages

This is one of the most common causes of inlet re-circulation cavitation. Regular check-ups of your pumps are necessary to find blockages. Remove any accumulation of debris that may be clogging the downstream filter. 

4. Vaporous Or Aerated Liquids

A vaporous or aerated liquid has the inherent properties of creating bubbles that can burst to cause cavitation in the pump system. As much as possible, avoid processing such liquids through your pumping systems.

5. High Fluid Temperature or Pressure Drop

High temperature or pressure drop inside the pump can also speed up the process of vapourisation of the liquid. This can again cause vapourisation cavitation. As your Water Pump Dealers would advise, it is always best to reduce (and keep under check) the temperature of your pump, its components and the liquid itself. 

6. Inadequate Npshr Margin

The NPSHR margin basically represents the safety factor by which the NPSHA must exceed the NPSHR so as to avoid cavitation. An inadequate margin means a lesser buffer and higher chances of cavitation. Speak to your Kirloskar pump dealer and ascertain all parameters to ensure the least possible cavitation. 

7. Pump Maintenance And Operation

Cavitation, like any other mechanical issue can aggravate in case the pump falls into disrepair. To ensure the pump is in the best working condition, and cavitation is minimum, regular maintenance is important. Inspect the components of the pump frequently to look for signs of cavitation.

Conclusion

For more information on cavitation and other mechanical issues, feel free to speak to our experts at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar pump distributor based out of Mumbai.

Kirlosmart by Kirloskar Brothers Limited: An IoT-Based Solution

Every Kirloskar Dealer in Mumbai today is beaming over the innovative and disruptive pumping solutions that Kirloskar Brothers Limited (KBL) is coming up with. The company was founded in 1888 and has an accumulated unmatched experience in the pumping industry. KBL has in recent times also earned a great reputation for innovation and out-of-the-box solutions. Much of this is thanks to their IoT-based solution Kirlosmart.

VEMC is a Proud Kirloskar Authorised Dealer and In This Blog, We Explain the Features of Kirlosmart:

What is Kirlosmart?

Any Kirloskar Pump Authorised Dealer can tell you about the wonders of Kirlosmart. It is an intelligent pump monitoring system that enables users to keep track of pump performance, maintenance and other parameters remotely. This avoids the need to physically check in on the pump every now and then, avoids downtime, and reduces inspection costs.

Kirlosmart operates through a path-breaking new Internet of Things (IoT) technology. This works by connecting devices and equipment to each other by streaming data and sharing critical parameters over an internet network.

Benefits of IoT-Based Kirlosmart

  1. Real-time monitoring: The pump can be monitored in real-time over the app. All the relevant parameters such as voltage or current, pressure and flow are streamed, which helps users keep track of the pump’s health. It also sends SMS and email alerts in case any parameter is fluctuating beyond the acceptable range.
  2. Predictive maintenance: With ample data available, users can make better-informed repair and maintenance decisions. In other words, they can somewhat predict when a component part will fall out of repair and pre-empt any breakdown.
  3. Improved efficiency and cost savings: If the pump is consuming energy beyond the expected range, it can quickly be rectified after observing the data stream on the Kirlosmart app.
  1. Easy integration with other pumping systems: Kirlosmart through its IoT-based technology makes it simpler to integrate one pump with the other. In a way, it creates a network of pumps that operate effectively and with greater efficiency in tandem with each other.
  2. Data security and privacy: Kirloskar understands the importance of client data security and privacy. The Kirlosmart system has therefore been made highly safe and secure.

The case of IIT Powai

Kirlosmart has been a massive success wherever it has been installed. In IIT Powai for instance, it has eliminated the need for manual intervention for monitoring the performance of pump sets. This reduced costs drastically and made pump monitoring highly efficient, effective and precise.

Future of Kirlosmart

Kirloskar is investing in a range of features when it comes to Kirlosmart. User-friendly and highly interactive interface, help in troubleshooting, documentation of reports, 4G and 5G compatible hardware, and excellent wireless service in hazardous areas are some exceptional features that are only expected to get better with time.

As the leading Kirloskar Pump Dealer, we are aware of how committed the company is to keep improving its products based on customer feedback. They follow the ‘customer convenience always first’ policy. If you’re worried about unexpected breakdowns, hectic and costly manual monitoring and inefficient pump operations, Kirlosmart is just the right solution for you.

Conclusion

For more on Kirlosmart and other innovative products, get in touch with VEMC at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the top Kirloskar water pump dealer based in Mumbai.

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.

Centrifugal Pump Types & Common Applications

Centrifugal Pump

Centrifugal pumps are used across sectors in a variety of operations. These include construction, chemical manufacturing, food processing, etc. The rapidly rotating impeller of the pump boosts the velocity of fluids and pushes them out with force. A specially designed casing ensures the fluid remains constricted within, directs it to pass through the impeller and controls the flow on its way out effectively. VEMC is one of the leading Kirloskar Pump Dealers based in Mumbai and in this blog, we tell you all you need to know about centrifugal pumps.

How A Centrifugal Pump Works:

Centrifugal pumps have a fairly simple way of operating, as any Kirloskar pump dealer can brief you. These pumps have one or two impellers attached to the shaft of a rotary pump. Once the shaft turns, impellers also start to rotate. This converts the mechanical energy into the kinetic energy of the moving fluids. The rotating impellers thus move the pumped liquids along the spinning vanes, enhancing their velocity.

Basic Parts Of A Centrifugal Pump

    • Impeller is the most basic part of any centrifugal pump. These have a series of curved vanes which are usually sandwiched between two discs. 

    • On the opposite side, the impeller is connected to a motor through a shaft. The motor rotates the impeller at a high velocity, boosting the liquid’s flow rate. 

    • The casing of the pump is another important feature of a centrifugal pump’s construction. This is of two types: volute and diffuser. Both designs aim to keep the flow under a controlled discharge rate.

Types Of Centrifugal Pumps

The two major types of centrifugal pumps are:

    • Axial

    • Radial

Axial and radial pumps have only one basic distinction –– their orientation. A radial centrifugal pump pushes the liquid out through a downstream piping. On the other hand, an axial pump generates the pressure through a lifting effect of the vanes. Both radial and axial centrifugal pumps are available with VEMC –– the leading Kirloskar Pump Distributor in Mumbai.

Single-stage, two-stage and multi-stage pumps. On the basis of the number of impellers in a pump, we have 3 types:

    1. Single-Stage: 

As the name suggests, this pump has only one impeller. The simplicity of design allows for easy maintenance. These pumps are best suited for low-pressure operations.

   2. Two-Stage: 

Twin impellers present within the casing rotate in tandem and process the liquid at a high speed. It is suited for medium-head operations.

    3. Multi-Stage: 

Three or more impellers are used in these pumps to boost the liquid at maximum efficiency. These are best for high-head operations.

Common Industrial Centrifugal Pump Applications:

A number of domestic and industrial applications make use of centrifugal pumps. Some of the most important operations where centrifugal pumps find the greatest use are:

    • Sewage disposal

    • Oil and gas operations

    • Chemical processing

    • Food and beverage processing

    • Fire safety systems

Conclusion

For more information on industrial water pumps in Mumbai, call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are the leading industrial water pump suppliers in Mumbai. We are also the top-notch Kirloskar submersible pump dealers in the country and pride ourselves on over 70 years of rich experience in pumping.

Why is it important to understand the difference between gauge and absolute pressure?

Difference Between Gauge and Absolute Pressure Measurement

Pumps and similar systems are built in a way so as to generate and retain pressure. In gas-based systems such as air compressors, the pressure is fairly low. This is because gasses when compressed incessantly makes air molecules huddle nearer to each other in the application of energy. This pressure doesn’t extend to the tubes or chambers of the compressed air systems.

In brief, pressure can be defined as a force acting over a certain area. It’s most commonly measured in pounds per square inch (psi).

There are multiple systems to measure pressure. Two of the most common ones are absolute and gauge pressure. There are quite a few differences between the two that have considerable impact on their use and measurement. Once the purpose behind measuring pressure is identified, the next step involves choosing which system to use: gauge or absolute pressure. This is a crucial decision since choosing the wrong system can severely impact the accuracy of measurements.

The pressure inside a compressed air system is comparatively lower. Hence, even minor deviations such as 10 psi or 20 psi can lead to major operational issues.

Here are the differences between the two systems in great detail:

Gauge Pressure

It’s one of the most commonly used systems of measurement and uses atmospheric pressure as its base value. So, any chamber will equalize based on the atmospheric pressure, when vented. This makes it easy for calculations and tests since the atmospheric pressure doesn’t have to be subtracted.

Also known as effective pressure, gauge pressure is signified by BARG or BARE and PSIG or PSIE.

Absolute Pressure

Comparatively, absolute pressure is used less frequently, since it signifies zero pressure or a perfect vacuum. A good example of the measurement of absolute pressure can be that of barometric pressure.

Absolute pressure is commonly signified by BARA and PSIA.

Choosing the right system: gauge or absolute pressure

The most fundamental difference between gauge and absolute pressure is that gauge pressure uses atmospheric pressure as its base or zero point whereas absolute pressure uses absolute zero as its base or zero point.

So, if the idea is to measure a type of pressure influenced by atmospheric pressure, it’s best to use a gauge pressure. It will help measure the pressure minus the atmospheric pressure. This is the system used to measure the output of pressure of air compressors.

Again, if the idea is to measure a type of pressure not influenced by atmospheric pressure, absolute pressure is used as a reference. An example of this can be leak testing a sealed container.

VEMC, an authorised Kirloskar pump dealer in Mumbai, supplies centrifugal and industrial water pumps that are ideal for both commercial and industrial operations. We provide the best end-to-end project management services to our clients. For more information on industrial pumps, motors, and other equipment, feel free to contact 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.

How Can You Benefit From KirloSmart Technology For Your Pumps?

KirloSmart is a unique Internet-of-Things (IoT) based software technology that enables users to monitor their pumps remotely from smart devices such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones. No matter where your pumps are located, you can monitor their health and operational behaviour from the comfort of your own location, on a screen. 

The key indicators of a pump’s operating performance are electrical parameters, flow, pressure, temperature and vibration. If the parameter defined range of either is too high, it will indicate that you need to adjust them. With KirloSmart, you have at your fingertips an automated system that is simple, easy to access, and allows you to monitor the pump conditions constantly. 

Here are the pump parameters that the KirloSmart software is capable of monitoring remotely:

  • Pressure
  • Flow
  • Power
  • Voltage
  • Current
  • Frequency
  • Pump and Motor Bearing Temperature
  • Pump and Motor Bearing Vibrations
  • Motor winding temperature
  • Pump run hours 
  • Power factor

With KirloSmart, you can take the route of implementing smart pumps in your facility. An automated system to monitor the pump conditions should ideally increase energy efficiency, minimise downtime and enhance overall operation. Enabling these modern pumps through the KirloSmart technology can offer users a plethora of benefits. Let’s take a look at what these are.

Flexibility: Of course, the ability to monitor the pumps from anywhere opens up a world of possibilities, and allows you to be flexible with regards to your own location.

Reduced operational cost: The cost of both repair and labour can be cut down significantly.

Reduced unplanned breakdown: Since the pump health conditions are monitored constantly, it becomes easier to cut down the number of times that an unplanned breakdown occurs. 

Improved plant and process efficiency: The state of a plant is easier to manage and maintain, and workflows are made even more efficient with the use of IoT pumps. 

Optimized safety and reliability: Remotely monitoring pumps makes the whole process more reliable and safer.

Longer lifespan of equipment: With KirloSmart technology, all the equipment that you use in your plant will gain a longer shelf life through less wear and tear. 

Improved equipment efficiency: All the equipment used in the process will become even more efficient through automation.

Reduced downtime: With labour being conserved and the entire monitoring system automated, equipment downtime can be reduced.

Reduced cost of assets: The cost of items like modems, servers and computers will further be saved.

So, for effective remote management of your pumps, KirloSmart is the smart solution. What’s more, KirloSmart can be deployed for any type and make of pump! The solution was developed indigenously and can cater to customer requirements across segments.

For more information on industrial pumps, motors and other equipment, feel free to contact us on +91 98199 07445. We would be glad to assist you in finding the best match for you, based on your requirements. VEMC is a solar energy company in Navi Mumbai which provides end-to-end project management services to its clients. VEMC is 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.