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Focusing on the driven component
With electric motors creeping upwards in terms of efficiency, the savings to be made by moving between IE classifications is relatively small. However, by focusing on the driven component, as opposed to the driving component – such as pumps – there are still big improvements to be had.
With the current focus on sustainability, much of ERIKS’ advice is about returning to first principles when performance testing a pump. To create the data necessary to assess the pump curve* it is necessary to understand flow rates, pressures and the power consumption measured at the motor or from the control panel.
In recent years ERIKS has invested in technology that can test the performance of pumps in a non-intrusive way. Ultrasonic flow meters that clip to the outside of a pipe, pressure transducers that measure the suction and discharge pressure and power measuring equipment.
Testing pumps in-situ is vital as if you test a pump in the factory, it’s efficient to the curve but not necessarily the application. When a pump is tested in-situ, if its performance is poor then there are many actions that can be taken to rectify the problem.
The ability to change a pumping system is important because, across all industries, if the infrastructure has changed, either by expanding or decreasing, then the pumps need to be reviewed for optimisation and while there’s examples of where VSDs can be used in many cases the solution might be more extreme.
The battle with obsolescence
Obsolescence is an issue that ERIKS deals with regularly. It is linked to both changes in a process or a network and where businesses are running older, legacy equipment where access to spares is challenging.
ERIKS can work with customers to combat obsolescence with solutions ranging from condition monitoring to the scanning of an impeller for re-manufacture to extend the life of the pump.
ERIKS has the knowledge to re-engineer and re-scope OEM equipment and, with branches across the UK, businesses can get their work done locally to fit their time scales.
When customers want their pumps overhauled, they have the choice of using ERIKS or the OEM, but they are increasingly turning to ERIKS due to its experience, its logistical expertise and its ability to provide an independent opinion.
As well as the ability to re-engineer pumps ERIKS can also apply coatings that in many cases bring pumps ‘back from the brink’. The coatings can improve the efficiency of the unit or enable the pumps to handle abrasive material or chemicals. Plus, some of ERIKS’ workshops, such as its Norwich and Leeds sites, can wet test pumps.
Clean and dirty
The ability to handle both ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’ pumps is also something that sets ERIKS apart. Water companies operate both ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’ pumps and if a pump works in a clean environment, it cannot be exposed to an environment in which a ‘dirty’ pump is being worked upon.
Independence is key
As a member of the BPMA (British Pump Manufacturing Association) ERIKS is recognised as a pump specialist. As with all its engineering services, its independence and ability to offer the customer a solution that suits them is crucial.
With the current focus of businesses on energy efficiency and sustainability pumps represents an opportunity to make great strides, and ERIKS can offer independent, expert advice to help them make big improvements.
* Shows the relationship between the flow rate, head, efficiency, and power consumption of a pump. The curve provides a visual representation of the pump’s ability to move fluid and the energy required to do so and is thus useful in determining the most efficient operating point of a pump.
For more information on Engineering solutions, please contact your local ERIKS Service Centre, who will be happy to discuss your options.
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