VEMC-Blogs

Top 8 Features of KPD Pumps for Waste Water Treatment Applications

Wastewater treatment is a challenging process that requires durable, efficient, and high-performing pumps. KPD pumps, developed by Kirloskar Brothers Limited, are designed specifically for such demanding applications. These pumps offer a host of essential features that make them the ideal choice for wastewater management. Here’s a look at the top eight features of KPD pumps that are a valuable asset in wastewater treatment applications. 

1. Corrosion Resistance

Wastewater environments are often harsh due to the presence of chemicals and contaminants that can instantly corrode equipment. Hence, KPD pumps are recommended by every Kirloskar pump distributor since they are built using anti-corrosive coating and stainless steel. These specialised materials withstand increased exposure to corrosive elements, ensuring a long service life.

2. High Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a top priority in wastewater treatment, as large volumes of water must be processed continuously. KPD pumps operate with minimal energy consumption, thereby proving to be an economical choice for energy-conscious industries.

3. Solid Handling Capability

Wastewater often contains a mixture of solids and sludge, which can clog the pumping of standard equipment. KPD pumps are specifically designed to handle such solids, reducing the likelihood of clogging. This solid handling capability allows KPD pumps to work uninterrupted, making them suitable for wastewater treatment applications.

4. Durable Construction

KPD pumps are engineered to perfection with a rugged, durable design that makes them ideal for rigorous conditions. These pumps are structured to endure wear and tear, and the heavy workload typical of wastewater treatment plants. 

5. Low Maintenance

Maintenance can be a major concern in wastewater treatment, as downtime directly impacts efficiency. However, KPD pumps have components that simplify the frequent upkeep and significantly minimise downtime in operations.

6. Flexibility in Installation

KPD pumps are designed for flexible installation, making it easy to integrate them into both new and existing wastewater treatment systems. This flexibility can be especially advantageous in diverse setups like retrofitting or upgrading existing plants.

7. Noise Reduction

Urban wastewater treatment plants often operate in areas where noise reduction is a must. KPD pumps are built with noise reduction features which comply with the noise regulations of urban and residential settings. 

8. Advanced Sealing Solutions

To prevent leakage and minimise maintenance, KPD pumps incorporate advanced sealing technologies. These sealants keep contaminants out and prevent serious leakage. This contributes to the pump’s longevity and reduces the need for maintenance.

VEMC is an APOEM (Authorised Pumpset Original Equipment Manufacturer) for those seeking the latest KPD pumping models. With over 75 years of experience in the industry, VEMC offers expertise in the supply, installation, and maintenance of KPD pumps utilised in wastewater treatment facilities. Besides being a trusted and authorised Kirloskar pumps distributor, VEMC is also a pioneering figure in fields like electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. Contact us on +91 98199 07445 or 02243436655 or email us on marketing@vemc.co.in for assistance from one of India’s leading Kirloskar pump distributors.

Understanding Pump Efficiency and its Impact on Energy Costs

Pump Efficiency

When purchasing a pump, it is important to ascertain how efficiently it converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Energy costs are rising the world over and businesses across the board need to streamline and improve their operational efficiency. VEMC is a leading Kirloskar pump distributor based in Mumbai, and in this blog, we tell you all about pump efficiency and its impact on your energy costs.

How pump efficiency measures the conversion of electrical energy into hydraulic power

Pump efficiency indicates how well a pump can convert electrical energy into hydraulic power, that is, the power delivered by the fluid that is being pumped. This can be better represented by the following equation:

η = Hydraulic Power Output

      ––––––––––––––––––––        

          Electrical Power Input

(Where η stands for pump efficiency)

Low efficiency means high energy costs

Low pump efficiency has a direct correlation with high energy costs. This is because of the following reasons:

  1. Heat loss: Low-efficiency pumps lose a significant part of their energy as heat rather than hydraulic power.
  2. Higher consumption: If the pump is less efficient, more amount of electric energy is consumed to perform the same amount of work, that is, pumping the fluid.
  3. Environmental impact: Less efficient pumps contribute to more emissions and the resulting climate change.
  4. System design alterations: Systems that use less efficient pumps may require electrical systems of a larger capacity to provide the necessary power.

Use high-efficiency pumps to reduce your energy bills

As energy costs rise sharply, users across the world are looking for energy-efficient options to switch over to. High-efficiency pumps are highly recommended to reduce your energy bills over a period of time. This is because:

  1. High-efficiency pumps reduce energy consumption.
  2. These pumps are more sustainable and have a lower impact on the environment.
  3. These pumps are typically reliable, have a longer working life, lower downtime and require less maintenance.
  4.  Many local and national governments offer incentives such as rebates on electricity bills if you install high-efficiency pumps.
  5. These pumps are made with advanced technology and thus have a greater potential for savings.

How to choose a high-efficiency pump

When buying a pump, look for High Energy Star ratings or other efficiency ratings which indicate higher levels of efficiency. Some of the globally renowned standards of efficiency are:

  1. Energy Star Certification by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  2. CEE (Consortium for Energy Efficiency) Tier Ratings
  3. EU (European Union) Energy Label
  4. ASHRAE 90.1 Standards
  5. ISO 5199
  6. Hydraulic Institute Standards
  7. Pump Efficiency Index (PEI)

When choosing a pump, look for both initial costs and the lifecycle costs. The latter especially includes the amount of energy the pump is expected to consume over its working life. For more on how to choose a high-efficiency pump, get in touch with VEMC by calling us at 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the leading Kirloskar pump distributor based in Mumbai with over 70 years of experience in pumping.

Maintenance techniques for borewell submersible pumps

Kirloskar pump distributor

If you own a submersible pump, you have made a substantial investment in your fluid management operations. However, you must ensure to get the most out of it, and extend the benefits that accrue from it for as long as possible. For this, proper maintenance of your submersible pump is crucial. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar pump distributor based in Mumbai, and in this blog we talk about the maintenance of your borewell submersible pump.

Why pump maintenance is important

For starters, there are three main reasons why you must not neglect your pumps when it comes to regular and timely maintenance:

  1. Preventing downtime: A proactive preventive maintenance of all your pumps is necessary to avoid sudden breakdowns which can cause serious losses not in equipment, money and business terms, especially if a significant part of your operations directly depends on your pumps.
  2. Ensuring efficiency: Pumps that are maintained regularly tend to be more energy efficient. This means lower energy consumption, more savings and environment-friendly pumping operations.
  3. Extending lifespan: By maintaining your pump regularly you can extend its lifespan by a significant period of time. This means your pump will be in service longer, and will not require replacement sooner. This saves lump-sum costs for your business and bolsters your contribution to circular economy.

Key maintenance tasks

When it comes to maintaining your pump, have a checklist of the following important tasks ready:

  1. Check the pump overall for any leakages. In particular, check the gaskets and make sure they do not have any oil leakages.
  2. Check if the hydraulic governors are functioning properly.
  3. Clean the oil bulbs and level windows of the pump.
  4. Check if there has been any damage due to excessive pump vibrations.
  5. Inspect the suction, discharge and head of the pump.
  6. Do the overspeed test on the pump.
  7. Check the seal chamber for any pitting and scoring.
  8. Prevent corrosion by applying a rust-preventive coat.
  9. Inspect the axial float of the pump.
  10.  Check the coupling alignment of the pump.
  11.  Check the alignment of the pump shaft.
  12. Change oil in the bearing system.

Scheduling your pump maintenance

Some issues can be checked visually and resolved on a daily basis such as clearing debris on or around the pump or checking for leaks. However, pump maintenance must also take place over a longer time horizon, that is monthly, quarterly and yearly basis. Depending upon the conditions in which your pumps operate, make a checklist of daily, monthly, quarterly and yearly maintenance tasks for your pumps. This will balance out the cost and effectiveness of your maintenance effort.

Maintaining your pump by carrying out scheduled tasks could seem quite complicated. To gain more clarity about issues related to pump maintenance, feel free to get in touch with us by calling on 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are a leading Kirloskar pump distributor based in Mumbai with over 70 years of rich experience in pumping.

How to Read a Water Pump Curve

In its most basic form, a pump curve displays two things: Flow and Pressure. However, depending upon its sophistication, it can also show information like efficiency, power etc. Reading a pump curve correctly helps you discern whether the pump is suitable for your application. VEMC is one of the leading water pump dealers in Mumbai, and in this blog, we teach you to read a water pump curve.

How to read the pump curve

As mentioned above, a water pump curve shows the relationship between flow rate and pressure. Usually, the flow rate is shown on the horizontal axis and pressure on the vertical axis. So the curve displays the flow rate at a certain pressure or conversely the pressure of water at a certain flow rate. It is presumed that the water pump curve has been plotted for water.

Let’s take the adjacent graph for illustration. As you can see, the pump produces no flow at 41 meters of head and a maximum flow of 2100 litres per minute at 23 meters. This is because a pump operates under a number of influences such as speed and frequency of the motor which affect its flow and pressure. The speed of the motor for instance, directly impacts the flow rate and pressure.

Selecting the right pump based on requirements and operating point

A system curve is another graph to watch out for. It plots points between resistance of a system (head to be overcome by the pump) and flow rates. The system curve depends on factors such as height, diameter or length of piping, fitting type and number etc. The suitability of a pump is determined by how well the pump and the system curves match. The pump operating point is where the system curve crosses the pump curve on superimposition. 

Limitations of pump curves

While pump curves are extremely useful tools to understand the relationship between your pumps’ flow rate and pressure, and also to determine the right pump for the right task, they do have certain shortcomings as well.

A pump curve does not explain the relationship between operating point and equipment reliability which experts consider highly important. This relationship makes a huge difference in terms of pump longevity, and cost of repairs and replacement. 

Likewise, the Best Efficiency Point (BEP) indicates the point or area with highest efficiency for a given impeller diameter. In an ideal world, pumps would never operate outside of a BEP. However, in reality, factors like system upsets and fluctuating demand can make the BEP to shift. This can cause cavitation, rise of temperature, or wear and tear of seals and bearings.

For more on how to use tools like the water pump curve to make the right pumping decisions, feel free to speak to our experts by calling us at 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the top Kirloskar pump distributor based in Mumbai with decades of rich experience and unparalleled expertise in pumping. 

The Future of Fluid Management: Kirlosmart

The Future of Fluid Management: Kirlosmart
Kirloskar dealer in Mumbai

KirloSmart is a first-of-its-kind hardware and software technology that enables users to monitor their pumps remotely. This is a unique application of IoT (Internet of Things) and data analytics in the pumping industry and has brought tremendous convenience, safety, and precision. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar dealer in Mumbai.

In this blog, we tell you all you need to know about KirloSmart dubbed by many as the future of fluid management.

Use of IoT in pumping

With KirloSmart, IoT has arrived in the pumping industry with a great sense of anticipation. KirloSmart has the unique capability of measuring and transmitting field parameters on KBL’s web-based portal and smartphone app. This is used to generate alerts pointing to the need for preventive maintenance before the pump breaks down. All the data is streamed seamlessly through mobile data, ethernet or the user’s WiFi network. 

Why real-time tracking is so beneficial

As any Kirloskar authorised dealer will explain, real-time tracking has a number of benefits for your pumps:

  1. Timely predictive maintenance alerts through SMS or email
  2. Diagnostics of pump issues remotely at early stages
  3. Recording and analytics of historical data and trend monitoring

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is one of the most serious concerns of pumping operations. Often this is due to oversized pumps, poor maintenance or malfunctioning components. With KirloSmart, users can keep track of all the parameters that indicate waste of electricity. It provides timely indicators for preventive maintenance and sends alerts when there’s a possibility of breakdown. All the historical data and trend analysis allow users to ensure the pump is operating within the normal range, and no wastage of energy is taking place.

Remote tracking

Remote tracking is one of the rare privileges offered by KirloSmart. It precludes the need to physically visit the pump site and inspect the pump for any malfunctions. With remote diagnostics, all the important parameters such as pressure, flow, voltage etc. are available on the users’ smartphone screen. This can come in handy when there are a large number of pumps installed in your facility and inspecting each pump is time-consuming and costly. Only those pumps may be inspected by technicians who display errant parameters. KirloSmart therefore cuts down on your labour and inspection costs significantly. 

Data Analytics

As any Kirloskar pump distributor will explain, the outstanding feature of KirloSmart isn’t just its ability to relay real-time data to the user but also to store and analyse a great amount of historical data. KirloSmart tracks multidimensional data and stores it to provide conclusive reports. This can tell the user which aspect of the pump isn’t performing optimally or when it needs maintenance.

KirloSmart is clearly the future of fluid management given its outstanding capability to process, analyze and represent data. To learn more about this pathbreaking pumping technology, call us at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are the leading Kirloskar pump dealers based out of Mumbai.

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.

Why the Performance Witness Test is Important for Centrifugal Pumps

Performance witness test is the procedure to establish the integrity of a pump and keep a record for future reference. It is necessary to ensure the pump meets industry standards and is compliant with various norms and regulations. Very often some technical snags and issues also surface during a performance witness test. 

VEMC is the leading Kirloskar Pump Distributor based out of Mumbai

In This Blog, We Explain Why A Performance Witness Test Is Important For Your Centrifugal Pump.

Verification Of Design Specifications

A performance witness test enables a user to verify first-hand the various design specifications of the pump, as promised by the supplier. The data generated during the test could be plotted on a graph to ascertain whether the pump is performing satisfactorily within the expected limits. The pump must be run long enough in order to stabilise it and test it at raised temperatures.

Detection Of Defects And Malfunctions

As any Kirloskar pump distributor will explain, testing the mechanical integrity of the pump is another important reason to carry out a performance witness test. This ensures that the pump operates satisfactorily with no defects or problems at higher temperature and vibration levels. During the test, the pump is checked for possible leaks from parts such as gaskets and seals. 

Identification Of Operational Problems

Data is plotted to identify any possible problems while running the pump. Operational issues such as misalignment, or their symptoms such as unexpected vibrations or excessive noise can be identified and corrected once the pump is put through a thorough performance witness test. Your Kirloskar pump distributor most likely will also provide pump AMC services and can be of great help in this regard.

Determination Of Energy Efficiency

A performance witness test culminates in the drafting of statistical reports which help determine the efficiency of your pump. The performance curve for instance has energy curves and efficiency curves among many others. These curve helps identify any efficiency-related issues such as overconsumption of electricity.

Documentation Of Performance

One of the most significant outputs of performance witness tests is the documentation of results. This can be of great value for future reference, especially in case of a pump breakdown, poor performance, or reduced efficiency. In other words, this acts as a medical history of sorts for your centrifugal pump!

Compliance With Industry Standards

Your centrifugal pump must comply with a number of industry standards which mostly signify optimum performance and efficiency. Some of these industry standards are:

  • Hydraulic Institute (HI) “vertical pump tests”, ANSI/HI 2.6-1994
  • ASME Power Test Codes (PTC) 8.2-1990
  • American Petroleum Institue (API) Standard 610
  • HI “Centrifugal Pump Tests” ANSI/HI 1.6-2000

If you are looking to get your centrifugal pump performance tested, get in touch with VEMC today. We are the leading Industrial Water Pumps Dealers In Mumbai and have a proven track record of excellence in AMC services. We take pride in being the most reputed Kirloskar Pump Distributor across the country. Give us a call at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in.

Pump Shaft And Belt Alignment: Problems And Solutions

Running your pumps day in and day out, especially in an industrial setting, will inevitably result in the misalignment of shaft and belt at one point. But these misalignments must be kept within tolerable limits to avoid causing serious damage at a later stage. As any Kirloskar pump distributor or Kirloskar Pump Authorized Dealer will tell you, pump shaft and belt alignment is one of the necessary interventions of maintenance.

In This Blog, We Will Take a Look On Pump Shaft And Belt Alignment Problems And Their Solutions:

What is Pump Alignment?

Power is transmitted from a motor to a pump through shafts or belts. However, due to rigorous work day in and day out, the shafts and belts can get misaligned. This could cause serious damage to seals, create lubrication issues and cause leakages. If the damage is serious, it could result in increased downtime, thus affecting your workflows. These issues are in fact quite common in Industrial Water Pumps.

Overall, pump misalignment could drastically reduce the efficiency of your pump, and cause serious wear and tear, and unforeseen breakdowns. In the worst-case scenario, the pump can suffer permanent damage, requiring an unplanned costly replacement. 

Early detection and correction of shaft and belt misalignment of the pump are therefore very important. As a leading Kirloskar Pump Authorised Dealer and Authorised Pump Original Equipment Manufacturer (APOEM), VEMC has unparalleled expertise in pump assembling & alignment.

Shaft Misalignment

Shaft misalignment accounts for nearly half of the breakdown costs of pumps. Shaft misalignment is of two types:

• Parallel misalignment –– which is of further two types: horizontal and vertical. Parallel horizontal misalignment is said to have taken place when the motor shaft moves horizontally away from the pump. Parallel vertical misalignment likewise happens when the motor shaft moves vertically away from the pump shaft.

• Angular misalignment –– is said to have happened when the motor and the pump shaft move away at an angle from the pump shaft, but both continue to be in the same horizontal or vertical plane. Angular misalignment could also be vertical or horizontal.

Types of belt misalignment

• Vertical or twisted misalignment –– takes place when one of the pulleys develops an angular error from the vertical angle plane. By simply lifting the feet of the pump (front or rear depending on the direction of the error), the angle error can be corrected.

• Horizontal angle misalignment –– is said to have happened when the driver and the driven unit are no longer parallel to one another. This can be corrected by moving the front and rear feet forward or backward.

• Parallel misalignment –– usually takes place when the motor is positioned incorrectly along its shaft axis. It can also be caused due to the incorrect positioning of the pulleys on their respective shafts.

Our Solution

VEMC is an APOEM (Authorized Pumpset Original Equipment Manufacturer) apart from being a leading Kirloskar pump distributor. With our APOEM pump testing facility, we can detect errors causing pump misalignments with utmost effectiveness. This can significantly reduce the chances of pump failures and unexpected downtime.

To get the best quality witness-tested pumps with proper alignment and assembly, call us at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. As the leading Kirloskar Authorised Dealer and Kirloskar pump distributor, we pride ourselves on the highest standards of maintenance service.