VEMC-Blogs

A Guide To Select The Best Water Pump For Industrial Use In India

We need water for a variety of essential purposes — whether it is to cook, wash, clean, or perform industrial functions. This water comes to us from the source through a pump. When you are buying a water pump, there are a number of factors to consider before identifying the right kind for your application. Before we look at what these different factors are, watch this video to get an idea about how to select a water pump:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i_c-LBEXkw&ab_channel=VijayEngineeringandMachineryCompany

Flow rate

Given in cubic metres per hour (m3/h) or litres per minute (l/min), the flow rate of the pump measures its efficiency, that is, how much water it can pump out within a certain period of time. For industrial applications, this flow rate should ideally be on the higher side, of at least 2000 litres per minute. Another reason that the flow rate is so important is that it determines the daily energy consumption as well as the durability of the pump. The lower the flow rate, the higher the energy consumed due to more prolonged usage.

Discharge head

The total height of the discharge pipe which is known as the discharge head, as well as the height from where the water is pumped, are further aspects to consider when choosing the water pump. If you need to pump the water from a significant height, make sure that you choose a higher discharge head. Additionally, the suction head capacity will determine the depth of the water being pumped.

Inlet

The size of the inlet facilitates the correct flow of the water. Too small an inlet will create friction and a subsequent loss on the pump system. So, be careful that you choose a good-sized inlet for optimal water flow and pump performance.

Water quality

It is necessary to keep in mind that different water pumps and motors, such as trash pumps and dewatering pumps, are built to work with different kinds of water. Trash pumps transfer dirty water quickly while the latter kind moves clean water between locations. When you choose a water pump for your needs, it must fit the specific purpose you require it for and should not be used inappropriately.

Pump quality

Just as the quality of the water that goes into the pump must be suitable, you must also consider the quality of the pump itself. For the maximum efficiency and compatibility, select a pump from a reputed brand and do not compromise on its quality and design. A good quality pump will last much longer, cost much less to maintain, and will consume less energy in the long run. Kirloskar is a trusted name in the industry and would be a safe bet.

For more information on industrial pumps, motors, and other equipment, contact VEMC at +91-9819907445. As one of the authorized Kirloskar pump dealers in western India, we would be glad to assist you in finding the best match for you based on your requirements. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

How Can You Mitigate a Mechanical Shaft Seal Leakage?

Why does leakage occur in a centrifugal pump? To understand this, we must first understand how a centrifugal pump basically works. As fluid goes through its impeller eye and up the impeller vanes, it starts with low pressure and velocity. As it flows into the volute and gets ready to exit, both the pressure and velocity increase. As the fluid flows out through the discharge, the pressure is high but the velocity gets reduced. The flow then goes out of the pump, which makes the pump exert pressure and raise the energy of the fluid.

When a component of the pump such as static joints and hydraulic malfunction, the whole system might break down. However, a majority of pump failures happen due to the mechanical seal of the pump malfunctioning.

A mechanical seal controls the leakage between a liquid and a rotating shaft. To do this, essentially all seals have to leak in order to maintain a film of fluid over the whole face of the mechanical seal. The leakage from the atmospheric side is quite less. But the leakage between the mechanical seal shafts and sleeves can cause significant issues. Often, the reason these happen is because of the fretting of the O-ring seal on the shaft. You will notice substances dripping from behind the seal close to the drive collar. Polishing the fretted part can provide a temporary fix, but it will not give you a solution. Here are some options you can choose in the short and long term:

Short term solutions

Replacing the shaft could be a practical option given that the maintenance cost is low and you would not have to overhaul the entire pump system.

When repairing or replacing the shaft is proving to be difficult, you can opt for a modified seal but you may have to plan in advance.

You can try relocating the O-ring of the seal sleeve with the help of a local technician. When you get to the bottom of the issue, you can check where the damage on the shaft is and shift the O-ring accordingly. If you still require a new sleeve, the cost will be only a little bit higher.

Long-term solutions

Upgrade the shaft to a higher quality material.

Consult a pump technician and coat the shaft below the seal sleeve with a substance like tungsten carbide. How much of the shaft you may need to coat will depend on the damage. Avoid the area around the drive collar set screws. Make sure to enlist professional support for this.

VEMC, one of the authorized Kirloskar pump dealers 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 help selecting the right ones for you, please reach out to us on +91 98199 07445. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

The Role Of Temperature In Pump Selection

When choosing a pump for your industrial or commercial applications, there are several factors that you need to consider. The role of temperature is a major one, how hot or cold the fluid in the system is, the levels of heat generated by the pump and other equipment, and the particular range required for the operation, being key. So why is the role of temperature so integral to the pump selection process? In this blog, we will outline the ways in which temperature can have an effect on your pump and operations. These are as follows:

Corrosion to construction parts

The temperature of the pump can cause corrosion to the parts or construction materials if you plan to be pumping specific kinds of chemicals. Keep in mind that the hotter the liquid, the more corrosive effect it can have. Thus, it is crucial to check the compatibility of different chemicals and the temperature at which you are going to be pumping.

The pump’s components

With an increase in the temperature, heat gets transferred from gland packing to the bearing through the shaft. This takes a toll on the bearing by shortening its life and possibly even seizing it if the pump’s gland is saturated. This must be avoided at all costs for the pump to be function at peak efficiency.

Viscosity of liquids

Fluids that are affected by temperature can see a change in viscosity during the pumping process. For instance, some become runny when heated, thus influencing how they will be pumped. This is why it is important to understand how temperature can change the viscosity of your product in order to select the right pump.

Expansion of parts

Metal parts can expand at varying rates at high temperatures. So it is essential to finalize the materials of construction while you are choosing the pump itself.

Maintaining the temperature

In certain cases, you may need to maintain a specific temperature or a range of temperatures depending on the application. You can achieve this by preserving the conditions of the flow or use a heating jacket which permits you to maintain higher temperatures. Conversely, you can implement proper insulation in the system to maintain a lower temperature.

Even if you have a suction for the pump that is flooded, it is important to note that you will still have to take the vapour pressure of the liquid, as well as the temperature into consideration in order to ensure that your pump contains the right Net Positive Suction Head Available (NPSHa).For more information on industrial pumps, motors, and other equipment, feel free to reach VEMC on +91-9819907445. As one of the authorized Kirloskar pump dealers in the country, we would be glad to assist you in finding the best match for you based on your requirements. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

Using IoT and Analytics to Revolutionize Pump Monitoring

The Internet of Things (IoT) and Analytics are transforming every sector of the economy! There is absolutely no reason why pumping should remain untouched by these disruptive technologies. Any device that generates data about its performance parameters can be made a part of an IoT network. This ensures its optimum performance, highlights maintenance needs and predicts breakdowns for timely action. In this blog, we take you through the inner workings of how IoT and Analytics are revolutionizing your pump monitoring.

As your smart pumps function, they continuously generate a stream of data about variables such as flow, viscosity, vibration, power and temperature. The purpose of IoT and Analytics is to tap this continuous flow of data and ensure better vigilance and monitoring. Modern pumps require a seamless convergence of three key technologies:

  1. IoT: This includes the sensors and network infrastructure for connecting the smart pumps and conveying the data stream of the variables. Technologies like WiFi, LoRaWAN and NB-IoT are used to communicate the real-time data captured by the sensors. These networks are suited for large industrial establishments as they offer a wide range of up to 1 kilometre. The IoT setup also includes data management and retention tools offered by major cloud infrastructure companies. 
  2. Digital Twins: This refers to a virtual representation or simulation of the smart pump along with all its real-time variables. It is a model of the IoT pumps loaded with specific information such as brand, size and location. Data related to vibration, power, temperature and flow is clearly visible through the Digital Twin. You can also set limits on these parameters, which if breached, indicates the need for intervention. Digital Twin precludes the need for any physical monitoring of the pump as the model with accurate real-time data can be viewed anytime and from anywhere.
  3. Data Analytics and Machine Learning: These include the tools to keep track of the steady processes and detect anomalies for intervention. Tools like charts, graphs, time-series and trend analysis are used to gain an insight about the performance of the pump over a longer time-horizon. This information provides a multi-dimensional view of your pumps as it factors in the various parameters and their interaction with each other.

To make the best use of IoT and Analytics, an interactive user interface is a must. KirloSmart is a state-of-the-art software technology that allows users to analyse their pump metrics remotely through a web portal or mobile app. KirloSmart is capable of generating alerts for probable causes leading to breakdown or pump failure, thus keeping you up-to-date on the health of your smart pump. The greatest benefits of IoT and Analytics include scalable throughput and productivity, reduced energy consumption, controlled maintenance costs, reduced manual intervention and continuous improvement. This has made pumping convenient, reliable and sustainable. For more information on our products, feel free to contact us on +91 98199 07445. We would be happy to assist you in finding the best match, based on your requirements. As one of India’s best solar and engineering companies with 73 years of market experience, VEMC provides 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.