The case for pump monitoring
January 2011
Other technologies
A technical paper on energy efficiency.
At a technical seminar hosted by Mining and Industrial Energy Optimisation (MIEO), a chapter of the Southern African Association for Energy Efficiency (SAEE), together with Eskom’s Energy Efficient Demand Side Management (EEDSM) department, experts in energy saving strategies in the industrial and mining sectors shared their ideas. They presented practical options for engineering professionals to implement cost-effective and sustainable energy saving measures in industrial and mining operations.
Delegates learnt about energy saving solutions in pumps and pumping systems; variable speed drives; materials handling systems; compressed air; mining and industrial fans; energy measurement and monitoring; steam systems; and electric motors.
A technical paper by John Schulkins, TAS Online, makes the case for pump monitoring.
Energy issues
Electricity tariffs around the world are rising fast and threaten the profits and competitive edge of energy intensive businesses. Besides escalating prices, generating capacity and environmental concerns are driving legislation designed to force industry to reduce current and projected energy use. Exacerbating the situation, the global shortage of qualified engineers means there are fewer people available to implement essential energy reducing measures.
Why monitor?
Energy savings increase profitability. Energy waste in pumping systems is not inevitable and is highly avoidable. Saving electricity and reducing maintenance in energy intensive pumping systems greatly improves overall profitability.
However, the only way to uncover the source of inefficiency and provide engineers with the platform to eliminate the problems is regular and consistent performance monitoring.
Using pump performance curves
The paper includes a graph describing the relationship between head, flow, power and efficiency over a pump’s capacity range. This is an accurate measure of the pump’s characteristics throughout its operational life. On either side of the Best Efficiency Zone lie performance inhibitors such as increased energy consumption, reduced component life and product recirculation. Reasons why a pump may operate outside the efficiency sweet spot are given.
How to make savings
Also covered are pump monitoring options and ways to make savings. This can be through through reduced energy consumption, reduced maintenance costs, Improved process safety, reduced manhours and skills requirements and reduced capital costs. Pump monitoring can also improve company policies relating to pumping systems,
Three case studies are given.
To read Schulkin’s full paper please visit http://motioncontrol.co.za/+pumpmonitoring
For more information contact Ruth Momberg, Magna Carta Public Relations, +27 (0)11 784 2598, [email protected], www.magna-carta.co.za
Further reading:
Next-generation motor management solution
Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events Other technologies
Schneider Electric has launched its TeSys Tera motor management solution in the West African market, combining advanced motor protection, digital connectivity and real-time diagnostics for manufacturing, mining and water applications.
Read more...
From concept to execution, unlocking renewable energy
Other technologies
Businesses already understand the benefits of renewable energy, however, as renewable energy solutions become more sophisticated, successful implementation requires a structured decision-making process that aligns technology choices with business objectives.
Read more...
Smarter, more secure electricity networks
Other technologies
As South Africa accelerates the rollout of smart prepaid electricity metering, innovative enclosure technology from PPS is helping utilities improve network security, reduce electricity theft and protect critical electrical infrastructure.
Read more...
Siemens launches SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements
Pneumatic systems & components Other technologies
New engineering tool speeds automation application development, reducing the time required to bring industrial projects to market and empowering automation engineers to build, manage version control, and deploy visualisation engineering projects
Read more...
Decoupling software from hardware for future-proofed process automation
Schneider Electric South Africa
Other technologies
Legacy systems continue to perform admirably; the dilemma is that systems like PLCs, DCS (distributed control systems), SCADA and field devices were designed for deterministic, long-term operations.
Read more...
Duplex worm gears for precision backlash adjustment
Other technologies
KHK USA has introduced duplex worm gears that allow precise backlash adjustment through simple axial movement of the worm shaft, eliminating the need for gearbox housing alterations during assembly or maintenance.
Read more...
Corrosion solution for engine hot testing
Other technologies
Engine internals are at risk for corrosion from water used during hot engine testing and fill and flush activities. Corrosion affects the engine’s like-new appearance and threatens its integrity.
Read more...
Hygienic ultrasonic flow sensor
ifm - South Africa
Other technologies
The SU Puresonic Hygienic ultrasonic sensor from ifm detects flows of conductive and non-conductive media with high precision.
Read more...
Fault analysis for lifting equipment
Other technologies
Ensuring the sustained performance of capital equipment such as crane rails, ropes, hoist rails, gantry rails, and runway beams, which guide lifting equipment and support heavy loads, is essential for safety, reliability, and efficient operation.
Read more...
Bringing true mobile welding capability to SA agriculture
Other technologies
Bolt and Engineering Distributors has launched the new Fronius Ignis Battery. This is a next-generation, battery-powered welding system engineered for mobility, reliability and performance in off-grid agricultural environments.
Read more...
printer friendly version